Treatment For ADHD
The most effective treatment options for add are medications and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). Medications can include stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, as well as nonstimulants like atomoxetine, clonidine, guanfacine and viloxazine.
Patients who have active issues with substance abuse should not take stimulant medications. However, those who are in stable remission may consider them. Combination therapy with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.
treatment of add increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are released between brain synapses. This improves focus and reduces hyperactivity and impulses. Most doctors prescribe medication from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They might prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are similar to each other. The kind of medicine prescribed is based on the biochemistry of each person and how they react to it. It can take up to seven days for full effects of a medication to become apparent. The medicine will work when you notice improvements in your concentration, memory sleep, impulsivity, and sleep.
Some of the side effects can include a decrease in appetite, trouble sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People with medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure shouldn't take these medications. Stimulants are tightly controlled drugs with a potential for misuse. Only psychiatrists or pediatricians or, in some instances, general practitioners, can prescribe stimulants. You can get them in the form or tablets, pills patches, or patches that are applied to the skin or liquids.
Children and adolescents who take stimulants are often afflicted with appetite issues and weight loss. If the dosage is too high, they may also develop symptoms of tics. In this situation, the doctor will reduce the dosage to prevent the drug from worsening symptoms.
About 70% to 80 percent of children and adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulant drugs. treatment for adults with add of children and adolescents report that their symptoms get better when treated. This is especially relevant for children with teachers, parents, or carers who can observe improvements.
Early use of stimulants could 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 with stimulants reduces the risk for substance use disorders in adolescence, but the protective effect diminishes as we enter early adulthood.