Treatment For ADHD
The main treatment options for add are medications and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). Medications can include stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, as well as nonstimulants like atomoxetine, viloxazine, guanfacine, and clonidine.
holistic treatment for adhd of stimulants are not recommended for patients with active substance abuse problems but they can be considered in those who are in stable remission. Combination therapy using antidepressants, especially SSRIs, is another option.
click the next document boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. This improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. The majority of doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They may recommend methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are very similar medications. The dosage of the medicine is contingent on the biochemistry of each individual and how they respond to it. It may take up to seven days for full effects of a medication to become apparent. Increased concentration, improved memory, better sleep and a decrease in the tendency to be impulsive are all indications that the medication is working.
These medications can have adverse effects, including reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping, and may raise heart rate and blood pressure. Some people who have an illness, such as high blood pressure or heart disease, should not take these medications. They are controlled substances with a potential for abuse. Only psychiatrists or pediatricians or, in some instances general practitioners, may prescribe stimulants. They can be found in the form of tablets or pills or patches that go on the skin, or in liquids.
Children and adolescents who consume stimulants are often afflicted with appetite issues and weight loss. When the dose is too high, they can also develop tics. If this occurs, the doctor might reduce the dosage to avoid the drug from leading to a worsening of symptoms.
Stimulant medication is used by approximately 70-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. The majority of adolescents and children find that their symptoms improve after being treated. This is particularly the case for children with parents, teachers or other caregivers who report improvement.
Early use of stimulants can reduce the risk of substance use disorders later in the course of. Wilens Katusic, Wilens colleagues81,82 and Biederman, et al83, found that stimulant therapy reduces the risk of acquiring substance use disorders during the adolescent years. However the protective effect diminishes as we enter early adulthood.