Treatment For ADHD
Psychosocial therapy is the most common treatment for adding. The medications contain stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine and Atomoxetine. They may also be non-stimulants like clonidine or guanfacine.
Patients who have active issues with substance abuse should not take stimulant medications. However, those in stable remission may take them into consideration. Combination therapy using antidepressants, especially SSRIs, is another option.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels between the brain's synapses. This improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They may recommend methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are similar to each other. The type of medicine prescribed depends on the biochemistry of each patient and how they react to it. It could take anywhere from five to seven days before the full effects of the medication become evident. The medicine will work if you notice improvements in your concentration, memory, sleep, and impulsivity.
Some of the side effects include a decrease in appetite, trouble sleeping and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People with medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, should not use these medications. They are controlled substances with a potential for misuse. Only psychiatrists or pediatricians or, in some instances general practitioners, may prescribe stimulants. You can find them in the form of pills, tablets, patches that go on the skin or liquids.
Children and adolescents who consume stimulants frequently experience problems with appetite and weight loss. treatment for adults with add can also develop tics when the dosage is too high. In this situation, the doctor will reduce the dosage to prevent the drug from worsening symptoms.
Around 70 to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD are treated with stimulant medication. The majority of adolescents and children find that their symptoms improve when treated. This is especially true for those with teachers, parents, or carers who can be able to report improvements.
The early use of stimulants can reduce the risk of substance use disorders later in the course of. treatment for add in adults and colleagues79,80, Katusic and colleagues81,82 and Biederman et al83 found that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk for substance use disorders during adolescence, however that this protective effect wanes by early adulthood.