5 Laws That Anyone Working In Treatment For ADD Should Be Aware Of

Treatment For ADHD

The most common treatments for adding are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications contain stimulants like methylphenidate, amphetamine and Atomoxetine. They also include non-stimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine.

Stimulant medication should not be used in patients with active addiction issues, but they are a possibility for those who are in stable remission. Combination therapy with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.

Stimulants

Stimulants increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain's synapses. add and treatment improves concentration and reduces the intensity of impulses and hyperactivity. The majority of doctors prescribe stimulant medication to treat ADHD. They may recommend methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are similar to each other. The type of medicine prescribed will depend on the person's individual biochemistry and how well they respond to the medication. It could take between five and seven days before the full effects of the medication become visible. Increased concentration, improved memory, better sleep, and reduced the tendency to be impulsive are all indications that the medication is working.

Some of the adverse effects include a decrease in appetite, trouble sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Some people who have medical conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease, should not use them. The stimulants have a high risk for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists, and in certain situations general practitioners can prescribe them. They are available in the form of pills or tablets or patches that go on the skin, or in liquids.

Children and adolescents who take stimulants are often afflicted with appetite issues and weight loss. They may also experience symptoms of tics if the dose is too high. If this happens, the doctor may reduce the dosage to stop the drug from causing worsening of symptoms.

The use of stimulant medications is for approximately 70-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. A majority of children and young adults find that their symptoms improve when they receive treatment. This is particularly true for those with teachers, parents, or carers who can observe improvements.

The early use of stimulants can lower the risk of developing drug use disorders later in life. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic and colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 discovered that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of developing substance abuse disorders during adolescence, however that this protective effect wanes by early adulthood.

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Pub: 15 Dec 2024 15:44 UTC

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