Treatment For ADHD
The most common treatments for adding are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications can include stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, as well as nonstimulants like atomoxetine, viloxazine, guanfacine, and clonidine.
The use of stimulants 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 with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain's synapses. This improves focus and reduces the intensity of impulses and hyperactivity. Most doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They might prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are similar medications. The type of medicine prescribed will depend on the person's individual biochemistry and how well they react to the medicine. It may take up to seven days for the full effects of a drug to become evident. The medicine will be effective when you notice improvements in memory, concentration sleep, and impulsivity.
Medications in this class can cause side effects, such as reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping, and they can increase blood pressure and heart rate. People with medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, should not use these medications. They are highly prone for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians, neurologists, and in some situations, general practitioners may prescribe them. They are available in the form of pills, tablets patches that can be applied to the skin or liquids.
Children and adolescents who consume stimulants often experience appetite problems and weight loss. When the dose is too high, they may also develop symptoms of tics. If this occurs, the doctor might reduce the dosage to stop the drug from causing a worsening of symptoms.
add in adults treatment is used by about 70% to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. The majority of children and young people experience improvement in their symptoms through treatment. This is particularly the case for children who have teachers, parents, or carers who can be able to report improvements.
The early use of stimulants can reduce 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 addiction disorders during the adolescent period. However the protective effect diminishes by early adulthood.