5 Laws That Anyone Working In Treatment For ADD Should Know

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Treatment For ADHD

Psychosocial therapy is the primary treatment for add. The medications include stimulants such as methylphenidate amphetamine, and atomoxetine. They also include non-stimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine.

The use of stimulants should not be used in patients who have active addiction issues, but they can be considered in those who are in stable in remission. Combination treatment with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.

Stimulants

The effects of stimulants increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. This improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe medication from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They may recommend methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are very similar to each other. The type prescribed will depend on a person's biochemistry as well as how well they react to the medicine. It can take five to seven days before the full effects of the medication become apparent. The medicine will work if you notice improvements in concentration, memory sleep, and impulsivity.

Some of the side effects can include decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People with medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, should not take these medications. The stimulants have a high risk for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists, and in certain situations general practitioners can prescribe them. They can be found in the form of tablets or pills or patches that are placed on the skin, or in liquids.

Children and adolescents who use stimulants are often afflicted by weight loss and appetite problems. They may also experience disorders when the dosage is too high. In this situation the doctor will decrease the dose to prevent the drug from causing more symptoms.

The use of stimulant medications is for about 70% to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. The majority of children and adolescents report that their symptoms improve after being treated. This is particularly true for those who have parents, teachers or other caregivers who report improvement.

The early use of stimulants can lower the risk of developing substance website use disorders in later life. Wilens, Katusic, and colleagues81,82, and Biederman and colleagues83, found that stimulant therapy reduces the risk of substance use disorders during the adolescent years. However the protective effect diminishes as we enter early adulthood.