Treatment For ADD Isn't As Tough As You Think
treating adhd in adults For ADHD
Psychosocial therapy is the most common treatment for adding. The drugs include stimulants such as methylphenidate amphetamine and Atomoxetine. They can also be nonstimulants, like clonidine and Guanfacine.
Stimulant medications are not recommended for patients who have active addiction issues, but they are a possibility for those who are in stable recovery. Combination therapy with antidepressants, especially SSRIs, is another option.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. This improves focus and reduces hyperactivity and impulses. The majority of doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines which are similar medications. The kind of medicine prescribed is based on the biochemistry of each patient and how they react to it. It can take up to seven days for the full effects of a medication to be apparent. The medication will be effective for you if you notice improvement in concentration, memory sleep, and impulsivity.
Some of the adverse effects include decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people with medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or heart disease, shouldn't take these medications. The stimulants have a high risk for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists or paediatricians, or in some cases, general practitioners, can prescribe stimulants. They can be found in the form of tablets or pills or patches that are placed on the skin, or liquids.
Children and adolescents who are taking stimulants often experience appetite problems and weight loss. When the dose is excessive, they could also develop tics. In this instance the doctor will lower the dose to prevent the symptoms from getting worse.
About 70% to 80 percent of children and adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulant medication. The majority of children and young people notice that their symptoms improve when they receive treatment. This is particularly relevant for children with teachers, parents or caregivers who report improvements.
Early use of stimulants could lower the risk of developing substance use disorders in later life. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic and colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 have found that stimulant treatment reduces the risk of developing substance abuse disorders in adolescents, but that this protective effect wanes by early adulthood.