Keep An Eye On This: How Treatment For ADD Is Gaining Ground, And What To Do About It

Treatment For ADHD

Psychosocial therapy is the most common treatment for adding. The drugs include stimulants such as methylphenidate amphetamine and Atomoxetine. They may also be non-stimulants, such as clonidine and guanfacine.

Stimulant medications should not be used in patients with active addiction issues, but they are a possibility for those who are in stable in remission. Combination therapy using antidepressants especially SSRIs, is a different option.

Stimulants

Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. This improves concentration and reduces impulses and hyperactivity. The majority of doctors prescribe stimulant medication to treat ADHD. They can prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin), or amphetamines. Both are similar medications. The type of medicine prescribed depends on the biochemistry of each individual and how they respond to it. It can take five to seven days before the full effects of the medication become apparent. The medicine will work for you if you notice improvement in memory, concentration sleep, and impulsivity.

Medications in this class can have side effects, including reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping, and they may increase heart rate and blood pressure. People with medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, should not take these medications. They are highly prone for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only  treatment for adult add , psychiatrists or neurologists, and in some situations, general practitioners may prescribe them. They are available in the form of tablets or pills, a patch that goes on the skin, or liquids.

Children and adolescents who consume stimulants often experience appetite problems and weight loss. They can also develop disorders when the dosage is too high. If this happens, the doctor may reduce the dosage to avoid the drug from causing a worsening of symptoms.

The use of stimulant medications is for around 70 to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. A majority of children and young adults experience improvement in their symptoms through treatment. This is especially relevant for children with parents, teachers or caregivers who report improvements.

The early use of stimulants can lower the risk of developing substance use disorders later in the course of. Wilens Katusic, Wilens colleagues81,82, and Biederman, et al83 discovered that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of acquiring substance use disorders in the adolescent period. However, this protective effect fades as we enter early adulthood.