Its History Of Treatment For ADD

Treatment For ADHD

Psychosocial therapy is the main treatment for add. The medications contain stimulants such as methylphenidate amphetamine and atomoxetine. They can also be nonstimulants, like clonidine and guanfacine.

I Am Psychiatry who have active issues with substance abuse are not advised to take stimulant medication. However, those in stable remission can look into them. Combination treatment with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.

Stimulants

Stimulants boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels between synapses in the brain. This improves focus and reduces impulses and hyperactivity. Most doctors prescribe medication from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate, (Concerta or Ritalin) or amphetamines. These are both very similar medications. The type of medicine prescribed depends on the biochemistry of each patient and how they respond to it. It could take between five and seven days before the full effects of the medication become apparent. Improvements in concentration, improved memory, better sleep, and reduced impulse control are all indications that the medicine is working.

The medicines in this class may have side effects, including decreased appetite and trouble sleeping, and may increase blood pressure and heart rate. People with medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure should not use these medications. These are highly controlled drugs with the potential for abuse. Only paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists, and in some situations, general practitioners may prescribe them. They are available in the form of pills or tablets, a patch that goes on the skin, or in liquids.

Children and adolescents who are taking stimulants frequently experience problems with appetite and weight loss. When the dose is excessive, they could also develop tics. In this instance, the doctor will reduce the dose to stop the drug from causing more symptoms.

Around 70 to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD are treated with stimulant drugs. The majority of children and adolescents find that their symptoms get better when treated. This is particularly true for those with parents, teachers, or carers who can report improvements.

Early use of stimulants may reduce the risk for drug use disorders later in life. Wilens, Katusic, and colleagues81,82, and Biederman and colleagues83, found that stimulant therapy reduces the risk of acquiring substance use disorders during adolescence. However, this protective effect fades as we enter early adulthood.