Treatment For ADHD
The most common treatments for add are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). treatment of add in adults contain stimulants like methylphenidate, amphetamine, and Atomoxetine. treatment for adult add include nonstimulants, like clonidine and guanfacine.
Patients with active substance abuse issues should not take stimulant medications. However, treatment for adults with add in stable remission may consider them. Combination treatment with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine between brain synapses. This helps improve concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe stimulant medications to treat ADHD. They might prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin) or amphetamines. They are both similar drugs. The kind of medicine prescribed is based 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 are evident. The medicine will work if you notice improvements in concentration, memory sleep, and impulsivity.
Some of the side effects can include a decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People suffering from medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure shouldn't take them. They are controlled substances that are prone to abuse. Only paediatricians or psychiatrists, or in some cases general practitioners, are able to prescribe stimulants. They are available in the form of pills, tablets patches that can be applied to the skin or liquids.
Children and adolescents who consume stimulants frequently experience problems with appetite and weight loss. If the dosage is too high, they can also develop tics. If this occurs, the doctor might reduce the dosage to prevent the drug from causing worsening of symptoms.
Around 70 to 80% children and adults with ADHD are treated with stimulant drugs. A majority of children and young adults notice that their symptoms improve when they receive treatment. This is especially the case for children who have parents, teachers, or carers who can be able to report improvements.
The early use of stimulants can reduce the risk for substance use disorders in later life. Wilens Katusic, Wilens, and colleagues81,82, and Biederman and colleagues83 discovered that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of developing substance use disorders during the adolescent period. However the protective effect diminishes as we enter early adulthood.