Geri Antonio

Treatment For ADHD

The most common treatment options for add are medications and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). These medications include stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine, and nonstimulants like atomoxetine, clonidine, guanfacine and viloxazine.

The use of stimulants should not be used by patients with active substance abuse issues, however they are an option for those who are in stable recovery. Combination therapy with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.

Stimulants

Stimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain's synapses. This improves concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulses. Most doctors who treat adhd in adults prescribe stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are very similar medications. The type of medication prescribed will depend on a individual's biochemistry and how to treat anxiety and adhd well they react where to get treated for adhd the medication. It can take up to seven days for the full effects of a non medication treatment for adhd adults to become apparent. The medication will be effective when you notice improvements in your concentration, memory, sleep, and impulsivity.

Some of the adverse effects include decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People suffering from medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure, shouldn't take these medications. They are controlled substances that are prone to misuse. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians, neurologists, and in certain circumstances general practitioners can prescribe them. They are available in the form or pills, tablets patches that can be applied to the skin or liquids.

Children and adolescents who consume stimulants frequently experience problems with appetite and weight loss. When the dose is too high, they can also develop symptoms of tics. If this happens, the doctor may reduce the dosage to stop the drug from causing worsening of symptoms.

About 70% to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD are treated with stimulant drugs. A majority of children and young adults notice that their symptoms improve when they receive treatment. This is particularly the case for children with parents, teachers or other caregivers that can report improvements.

Early use of stimulants may reduce the risk for drug use disorders later in life. Wilens and colleagues79,80, Katusic and colleagues81,82 and Biederman et al83 found that Treatment for adhd And ptsd combined with stimulants reduces the risk for substance use disorders during adolescence, however the protective effect diminishes by early adulthood.