A Vibrant Rant About ADHD And Medication
ADHD Medications and Treatments
The primary medications used to treat ADHD are stimulants. They boost neurotransmitters, which help control impulses and increase concentration. These include dextroamphetamine, amphetamine, and dex, known by names such as Adderall, and methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine, called Ritalin and Concerta.
Doctors can prescribe antidepressants like Wellbutrin (generic name bupropion) for people suffering from ADHD when stimulants aren't effective or cause intolerable side effects. These medications target dopamine as well as norepinephrine within the brain.
Medication
The brain chemicals norepinephrine as well as dopamine are essential for thinking and concentration. Stimulants, the most common treatment for ADHD, can be effective when taken as directed. Like all medications, stimulants may cause adverse effects. Doctors and patients work together to find the best dose or combination of medication to minimize the side effects.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary, but they always include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. For children, the symptoms typically begin before the age of 12 and they continue throughout the adolescent period and into adulthood. The symptoms can be mild or moderate, and can differ between girls and boys. 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 health care provider can pinpoint ADHD in the child or teenager by following the American Psychiatric Association guidelines. They will ask parents and children about their symptoms and observe them in various settings. A child must show at least six symptoms in two or more different environments and the symptoms must interfere with the child's development and functioning. The symptoms must have begun before the child turned 12 years old.
Most kids who have ADHD are prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. Doctors can prescribe amphetamine-based stimulants such as Adderall or the methylphenidate (the ingredient in Ritalin). Doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or bupropion to treat ADHD. These medications don't work as fast as stimulants, but they can reduce some of the disorder's nagging side effects.
People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from other mental health issues, including depression or another mood problem. They are also more likely to develop substance abuse disorders. These other problems can be treated with behavioral therapy which teaches children as well as adults how to better cope with ADHD.
Research has shown that a combination of therapy for behavior and medication can improve the quality of life an individual and reduce the symptoms. Some kids and teenagers do not respond well to ADHD medications, so they may require a different medication or a lower dosage. Clinical trials are ongoing to determine the best treatment options for adults and teens with ADHD.
Behavioral therapy
Some people may not need medication to benefit from behavior therapy. For these individuals it is possible to make changes to their diet and lifestyle can aid in easing symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, they might be able to figure out ways to improve their organization skills, for example, placing important items in designated areas or using reminders or alarms. They can also utilize exercises and other activities that require physical movement to help channel energy instead of being impulsive.
Behavioral therapy is particularly beneficial for children suffering from ADHD. It can teach parents how to be better parents and also help their child cope with stress and other problems that may cause problems with attention. Behavioral therapy helps children learn to control their emotions, develop positive self-esteem, and manage their behavior at school.
In order to diagnose ADHD, doctors discuss the symptoms of the patient in detail with him or her, and observe his or her behavior in different environments. They will review school records and questionnaires from relatives, teachers, and others who know the person. They will also look for other health conditions or illnesses that exhibit similar symptoms. They will also apply ADHD rating scales and perform a medical exam.
The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. These drugs are made to boost the activity in the areas of the brain that regulate attention. These include the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal Ganglia. There are also non-stimulant medicines that can be used to treat ADHD. These are generally considered less effective, but they are more secure than stimulants.
It can take some time to treat ADHD. It is crucial to visit your doctor regularly. The symptoms of ADHD can cause problems with relationships, work and school. Untreated, it can cause depression, low self-esteem, eating problems, poor nutrition, and alcohol or drug dependence.
You should also speak to your doctor if a medicine that was once effective is no longer having the same effect or is causing adverse effects. Also, be sure to inform your doctor of any other supplements or medications you're taking, since certain medications can interact with ADHD medications.
Counseling
Whether or not medication is being used counseling can assist adults and children with ADHD cope with everyday problems that arise because of their condition. Counselors can help them learn to keep track of appointments, use calendars and date books, and create realistic goals for themselves. Counseling may also suggest strategies to improve relationships and decreasing conflict. Mental health professionals can help parents understand the symptoms and help them develop new abilities, behaviors, and ways of communicating with their children.
Counseling can help adult patients manage their lives and improve their performance at work. They can learn to remain focused on their tasks by breaking large tasks into smaller chunks that are more manageable and learn strategies for dealing for dealing with anger, frustration, and anxiety. Psychotherapy can help adults increase their confidence and control risky and impulsive behaviors.
In addition to counseling, many adults find it helpful to explore other treatments. Stimulants can have negative side effects, including insomnia and jitteriness, so they should be used only according to the prescription. People with ADHD need to be honest with their doctors and let them know that they are having issues with certain medications.
MPH is a stimulant that is prescribed by most doctors to treat ADHD. This drug increases the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that affect the way we think and behave. This drug is available in immediate-release and extended-release form. The longer-acting ones accumulate slowly in the bloodstream, and then wear off gradually. This minimizes the "crash" caused by a drug's levels dropping.
Certain non-stimulant drugs such as bupropion or atomoxetine, which is an antidepressant, also can be effective for some adults with ADHD. adhd and depression medication are less effective than stimulants and could be a better option for those who aren't able to take them because of other health problems or severe adverse side effects.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from depression or anxiety. In these cases doctors will prescribe an antidepressant or an antianxiety medication along with the ADHD medications. They will be aware of how the medications could interact or conflict with one another, and will monitor for any signs of a potentially dangerous side effects.
Other treatment options
ADHD can be treated with a variety of medications. Each of them is designed to boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels within the brain. This aids in focusing better and improves their ability to concentrate and remember. These medications include stimulants as well as non-stimulants. The most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD are stimulants. They work well for a lot of people, but they may cause adverse side negative effects. Some of these side effects could be severe. Your doctor can assist you to find the right dosage of medication for your needs. They can also recommend alternative treatments that help reduce or avoid adverse effects.
The two most commonly used stimulants used to treat ADHD include methylphenidate, and dextroamphetamine. These drugs are sold under a variety of brand names such as Ritalin and Adderall. These medications are available as short-acting and extended-release formulations. Short-acting medicines can last as long as 3-4 hours, and are usually taken three or four times per day. Extended-release preparations can last up to sixteen hours and are typically taken daily. Many adults prefer to supplement their morning medication with a quick-acting dose in late afternoon or evening to bridge the gap after the medicine wears off.
Stimulants can cause upset stomach and can cause changes in blood pressure or heart rate. They can also make people feel more anxious and irritable than they usually do. They can cause tics to become more severe or increase their frequency. In some children and adolescents they may cause an insignificant delay in growth, however this is only temporary and doesn't affect the final height. They can also cause weight growth and increase appetite. They may also cause an increase in blood cholesterol levels in some people.
Certain antidepressants are also employed "off-label" for treating ADHD. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is the most frequently used drug. It helps by increasing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, and dopamine. It is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and depression or anxiety. It is also a good option when stimulants don't work or if you're unable to take them or are at risk of abusing them, or if you have an addiction to drugs.