Treatment For ADHD
The most effective treatments for add are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications contain stimulants such as methylphenidate amphetamine, and atomoxetine. They also include non-stimulants like clonidine or guanfacine.
treatment for add in adults who have active issues with substance abuse shouldn't take stimulant drugs. However, those who are in stable remission can consider them. treatment for adult add with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.
Stimulants
The effects of stimulants increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. This helps improve concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. The majority of doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate, (Concerta or Ritalin), or amphetamines. Both are similar medications. The type prescribed will depend on a person's biochemistry as well as how well they respond to the medication. It may take up to seven days for full effects of a medication to become evident. Increased concentration, improved memory, better sleep, and less impulse control are all indications that the medication is working.
The medicines in this class may have side effects, including diminished appetite and trouble sleeping, and they may increase heart rate and blood pressure. People suffering from medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure shouldn't take these medications. The stimulants have a high risk for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists, and in some situations, general practitioners may prescribe them. They are available in the form of tablets, pills, patches that go on the skin or liquids.
Children and adolescents who take stimulants often experience appetite problems and weight loss. They can also develop disorders when the dosage is too high. In this case the doctor will lower the dose to stop the drug from worsening symptoms.
About 70-80% children and adults with ADHD are treated with stimulant drugs. Most children and young people find that their symptoms improve with treatment. This is particularly the case for children with parents, teachers or other caregivers who report improvement.
Early use of stimulants can lower the risk of developing substance use disorders later on in the course of. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic as well as colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 discovered that stimulant treatment reduces the risk of developing substance abuse disorders in adolescents, but that this protective effect wanes by early adulthood.