5 Killer Quora Questions On ADHD And Medication
ADHD Medications and Treatments
The primary drugs used to treat ADHD are stimulants. They increase neurotransmitters, which help control impulses and increase concentration. They include dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, known by names such as Adderall and methylphenidate as well as lisdexamfetamine, called Ritalin and Concerta.
Doctors may prescribe antidepressants such as Wellbutrin (generic name bupropion) for those suffering from ADHD when stimulants aren't effective or cause unacceptable side negative effects. These drugs target norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
Medication
The brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine are vital for concentration and thinking. The most popular stimulants, a medication for ADHD can be effective if taken according to the directions. Like all medications, stimulants may cause side effects. Doctors and patients work together to find the right dose or combination of medications to reduce the risk of side effects.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary, but they always include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. Symptoms usually begin prior to the age of 12, and last through adolescence and into adulthood. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or even severe and may differ for boys and girls. Boys and children assigned male at birth (AMAB) tend to show more hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, but the same behaviors can occur in girls and women.
A medical professional can determine ADHD in a child or teenager by following the guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association for the disorder. They will interview parents and children about their symptoms and observe them in various settings. A child must show at least six signs in two or more environments, and these symptoms must interfere with the child's development and functioning. The signs must have been present before the child turned 12.
Most children with ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. Doctors may prescribe stimulants based on amphetamine, such as Adderall or methylphenidate (the drug in Ritalin). Doctors can prescribe nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or bupropion to treat ADHD. These drugs don't work as quickly as stimulants, however they can help reduce some of the ADHD's unpleasant adverse effects.
People who suffer from ADHD often have other psychiatric conditions, especially depression or another disorder of the mood. They are also more likely to develop substance abuse disorders. Behavioral therapy, which can teach children and adults better ways to cope with their ADHD and other issues, can help with these other problems.
Research has shown that the combination of therapy for behavior and medication can improve the quality of life for people and help reduce symptoms. Some kids and teenagers aren't able to respond well to ADHD medication, and may require a different medication or a lower dose. Clinical trials are being conducted to determine the most effective treatment option for adolescents and adults with ADHD.
Behavioral therapy
For some, behavior therapy may not require medication. A alteration in diet or lifestyle could help them lessen the symptoms of ADHD. They may also be able improve their organizational skills by using reminders or alarms or by keeping important items in designated locations. Exercise and other activities requiring physical movement can be used to redirect energy, instead of acting out of a lack of.
Behavioral therapy is especially beneficial for children suffering from ADHD. It can help parents learn to be better parents and also assist their child to cope with stress and other issues that can cause problems with attention. Behavioral therapy helps children learn to manage their emotions and build positive self-esteem, and also control their behavior at school.
To determine the cause of ADHD doctors will discuss the person's symptoms in detail with him or her, and observe their behavior in different situations. They will review school records and questionnaires from teachers, family members, and others who know the individual. They will also look for other health conditions and illnesses that have similar symptoms. They will also conduct a medical exam and use ADHD rating scales.
The most commonly used medications to treat ADHD are stimulants that are designed to boost brain activity in the areas that regulate attention. These include the prefrontal cortex and the basal Ganglia. There are many non-stimulant medicines that are used to treat ADHD as well. These drugs are regarded as less effective but safer than stimulants.
For those suffering from ADHD treatment may be an extended process and it's crucial to visit a health care provider regularly. The symptoms of ADHD can interfere with relationships, work and school. If not treated, it can lead to depression, low self-esteem, trouble with food and a poor diet, and drug or alcohol addiction.
You should also talk to your doctor if a medication that was once effective is no longer having the same effect or causing adverse side effects. It is important to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as some may interact with certain ADHD medications.
Counseling
If medication is utilized or not, counseling can assist adults and children with ADHD cope with everyday problems that result from their condition. Therapists can teach them how to keep track of appointments, utilize calendars and date books and create realistic goals for themselves. Counseling can also provide ways to improve relationships and reduce conflicts. Mental health professionals can educate parents about the disorder and help them develop new skills, attitudes, and ways of relating to their children.
Counseling can help patients of all ages organize their lives and enhance their performance at work. They can learn to remain focused on their tasks by breaking up large projects into smaller, more manageable pieces and practice coping strategies to deal with anger, frustration and anxiety. Psychotherapy can help adults gain confidence and control impulsive and risk-taking behavior.
Many adults find alternative treatment options helpful in addition to counseling. Some stimulants can have adverse effects on the body, such as jitteriness and sleep disturbances, so they should be used only according to the prescription. Patients with ADHD should be honest with their health care providers and inform them if they are having trouble tolerating certain medications.
The majority of doctors prescribe the stimulant methylphenidate, also known as MPH, to treat ADHD. This drug increases the amount of neurotransmitters that affect attention and behaviour in the brain. The drug is available in immediate-release as well as extended-release versions. The longer-acting ones are slowly absorbed into the bloodstream, and are worn off slowly. add adult medications reduces the "crash" caused by the drop in a drug's concentration.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might also benefit from nonstimulant medication, such as atomoxetine, an antidepressant, or bupropion. They are slower to work than stimulants, and may be beneficial for those who are unable to use them due to other health issues or serious adverse reactions.
Many people with ADHD also have depression or anxiety. In these situations doctors will often prescribe an antidepressant or antianxiety medication along with the ADHD medication. They will keep in mind how the medications might interact or conflict with one another, and they will look for signs of potentially harmful side effects.
Other treatment options
ADHD can be treated with a range of medications. They are all designed to increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This helps people focus better and improves their ability to listen and remember. These medications include stimulants as well as nonstimulants. The stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. While stimulants can be effective for many people, they can also cause side effects. Some of these adverse effects can be severe. Your doctor can help determine the appropriate dose of medication to meet your needs. They may also suggest other treatments that can lessen or prevent side effects.
The two most common stimulants used to treat ADHD are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. These drugs are available under a variety of brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. They are available as short-acting and extended-release formulations. Short-acting medications can last for up to 3-4 hours and are usually taken twice or three times daily. Extended-release medications are typically taken every day and can last up to 16 hours. Many people supplement an extended release morning medication with a shorter-acting dose late in the afternoon or evening in order to fill the gap between the medicine wearing off and the next dose.
Stimulants can trigger an upset stomach as well as changes in blood pressure or heart rate. They can also make some people feel more anxious and irritable than they usually do. They may also cause tics to become more frequent or more severe. In certain children and adolescents they may cause some slight delays in growth, however this is only temporary and does not affect the final height. They can also lead to weight gain and increase appetite. They may also cause an increase in blood cholesterol levels in certain people.
Certain antidepressants may also be employed "off-label", to treat ADHD. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is the most commonly used drug. It is a neurotransmitter stimulant that increases dopamine and norepinephrine. It is especially beneficial for people with ADHD and anxiety or depression. It may be beneficial if stimulants do not work, if they are not taken or misused, or if a substance abuse disorder is present.