Treatment For ADHD
The most common treatments for add are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications include stimulants like methylphenidate, amphetamine and Atomoxetine. They can also be nonstimulants, like clonidine and guanfacine.
The use of stimulants should not be used by patients who have active substance abuse issues, however they can be considered in those who are in stable recovery. Combination treatment with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine between brain synapses. This improves focus and reduces the intensity of impulses and hyperactivity. The majority of doctors prescribe stimulant medication to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate, (Concerta or Ritalin), or amphetamines. They are both similar drugs. The type of medicine prescribed depends on the biochemistry of each person and how they respond to it. It could take up to seven days for full effects of a drug to become apparent. Improved concentration, better memory, better sleep and less impulsivity are all signs that the medication is working.
The medicines in this class may have adverse effects, including diminished appetite and trouble sleeping, and may increase blood pressure and heart rate. People suffering from medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure should not take them. Stimulants have a high potential for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists, and in certain situations, general practitioners may prescribe them. You can get them in the form of tablets, pills, patches that go on the skin or in liquids.
Children and adolescents who take stimulants often experience appetite problems and weight loss. They may also experience tics when the dosage is too high. If this occurs, the doctor might reduce the dosage to prevent the drug from leading to a worsening of symptoms.
Stimulant medication is used by around 70 to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. A majority of children and young adults experience improvement in their symptoms with treatment. This is especially relevant for children who have parents, teachers or other caregivers who report improvement.
The early use of stimulants can reduce the risk for addiction disorders later in life. Wilens Katusic, Wilens colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 discovered that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of substance use disorders in the adolescent period. However treating adhd in adults fades by early adulthood.