The History Of Treatment For ADD
Treatment For ADHD
Psychosocial therapy is the most common treatment for add. The drugs include stimulants like methylphenidate, amphetamine and atomoxetine. They may also be non-stimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine.
Patients with active substance abuse issues should not take stimulant medications. However, those in stable remission can take them into consideration. Combination treatment with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels between the brain's synapses. This improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe medication from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are very similar to each other. The dosage of the medicine is contingent on the biochemistry of each person and how they respond to it. It could take anywhere from five to seven days before the full effects of the medication become evident. Improved concentration, better memory, better sleep, and reduced the tendency to be impulsive are all indications that the medication is working.
Medications in this class can have adverse effects, including decreased appetite and trouble sleeping, and may increase blood pressure and heart rate. People suffering from medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, should not take them. These are highly controlled drugs with the potential for misuse. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians, neurologists, and in some situations general practitioners can prescribe them. They are available in the form or tablets, pills, patches that go on the skin or liquids.
Children and adolescents who are dependent on stimulants are often afflicted by weight loss and eating disorders. When the dose is excessive, they could also develop the tics. In adhd untreated in adults , the doctor will reduce the dose to stop the drug from worsening symptoms.
Stimulant medication is used by about 70% to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. Most children and young people experience improvement in their symptoms when they receive treatment. This is particularly the case for children who have parents, teachers, or carers who can report improvements.
The early use of stimulants may lower the risk of developing substance use disorders later on in life. Wilens, Katusic, and colleagues81,82 and Biederman, et al83 discovered that the use of stimulants reduces the risk of developing substance addiction disorders during the adolescent years. However, this protective effect fades in the early years of adulthood.