Treatment For ADD: 11 Thing You've Forgotten To Do
Treatment For ADHD The most effective treatments for adding are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The drugs include stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine and atomoxetine. They may also be nonstimulants, like clonidine and guanfacine. Stimulant medication should not be used by patients with active substance abuse issues, however they are a possibility for those who are in stable remission. Combination therapy using antidepressants especially SSRIs, is a different option. Stimulants The effects of stimulants increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine that are released between brain synapses. This improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate, (Concerta or Ritalin) or amphetamines. They are both similar drugs. The type of medication prescribed will depend on a individual's biochemistry and how well they respond to the medicine. It could take up to seven days for full effects of a medication to become apparent. Increased concentration, improved memory, improved sleep, and less impulsivity are all signs that the medication is working. The medicines in this class may cause side effects, such as decreased appetite and trouble sleeping, and they can raise blood pressure and heart rate. People with medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure should not take them. Stimulants have a high potential for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists, and in certain circumstances general practitioners can prescribe them. They are available in the form of pills or tablets or patches that go on the skin, or liquids. Children and adolescents who are dependent on stimulants are often affected by weight loss and appetite problems. They may also experience symptoms of tics if the dosage is too high. If this occurs, the doctor might reduce the dosage to prevent the drug from leading to a worsening of symptoms. Stimulant medication is used by about 70% to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. The majority of children and adolescents find that their symptoms improve when treated. This is especially true for those with teachers, parents or caregivers who observe improvements. The early use of stimulants can reduce the risk of developing drug use disorders later in life. treatment of adhd in adults , Wilens, and colleagues81,82, and Biederman and colleagues83 discovered that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of developing substance use disorders in the adolescent period. However this protective effect fades in the early years of adulthood.