Treatment For ADHD
The main treatment options for add are medications and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications can include stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, and non-stimulants like atomoxetine and viloxazine, guanfacine, and clonidine.
Stimulant medications are not recommended for patients who have active addiction issues, but they can be considered in those who are in stable remission. Combination treatment with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.
Stimulants
The effects of stimulants increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine that are released between brain synapses. This improves concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. The majority of doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They can prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin) or amphetamines. They are both similar medications. The type of medicine prescribed will depend on the person's individual biochemistry and how well they react to the medication. It can take five to seven days before the full effects of the medication are visible. The medicine will work for you if you notice improvement in memory, concentration sleep, and impulsivity.
iampsychiatry.uk of the side effects can include a decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, shouldn't take them. These are highly controlled drugs with the potential for abuse. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists, and in certain situations general practitioners can prescribe them. They are available in the form or pills, tablets, patches that go on the skin or in liquids.
Children and adolescents who consume stimulants often experience appetite problems and weight loss. They can also develop symptoms of tics if the dosage is too high. If this happens, the doctor may reduce the dosage to prevent the drug from causing worsening of symptoms.
The use of stimulant medications is for approximately 70-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. A majority of children and young adults find that their symptoms improve when they receive treatment. This is particularly true for those with parents, teachers, or carers who can observe improvements.
Early use of stimulants could lower the risk of developing addiction disorders later in life. Wilens, Katusic, and colleagues81,82, and Biederman, et al83 discovered that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of acquiring substance use disorders during the adolescent years. However this protective effect fades in the early years of adulthood.