5 Laws Anybody Working In Treatment For ADD Should Know

Treatment For ADHD

The main treatments for add are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications can include stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, and non-stimulants like atomoxetine and clonidine, guanfacine and viloxazine.


Patients with active substance abuse issues are not advised to take stimulant medication. However, those who are in stable remission may consider them. Combination therapy with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.

Stimulants

Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. This improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe stimulant medications to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate, (Concerta or Ritalin) or amphetamines. These are both very similar medications. The dosage of the medicine is contingent on the biochemistry of each individual and how they react to it. It could take anywhere from five to seven days before the full effects of the medication become evident. The medicine will be effective if you notice improvements in concentration, memory sleep, and impulsivity.

Some of the side effects include a decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Some people with a medical condition like high blood pressure or heart disease, should not take these medications. Stimulants have a high potential for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only treat adult add or pediatricians or in certain cases, general practitioners, can prescribe stimulants. You can find them in the form or pills, tablets patches that can be applied to the skin or liquids.

Children and adolescents who are taking stimulants frequently experience problems with appetite and weight loss. They can also develop tics when the dose is too high. In this case, the doctor will reduce the dosage to prevent the drug from worsening symptoms.

The use of stimulant medications is for approximately 70-80% of children and adults with ADHD. A majority of children and young adults find that their symptoms improve when they receive treatment. This is particularly true for those who have parents, teachers or other caregivers who report improvement.

Early use of stimulants could reduce the risk of developing substance use disorders in later life. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic as well as colleagues81,82 and Biederman et al83 found that stimulant treatment reduces the risk of developing substance use disorders during adolescence, however the protective effect diminishes as we enter early adulthood.

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Pub: 25 Apr 2024 09:16 UTC
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