Treatment For ADD Isn't As Tough As You Think

treat adhd  For ADHD

The main treatments for adding are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The drugs include stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine, and Atomoxetine. They can also be non-stimulants, such as clonidine and Guanfacine.

treat adhd  with active substance abuse issues should not take stimulant medications. However, those in stable remission might take them into consideration. Combination treatment with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.

Stimulants

Stimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain's synapses. This improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. The majority of doctors prescribe stimulant medication to treat ADHD. They may recommend methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines which are similar medicines. The kind of medicine prescribed is based on the biochemistry of each person and how they react to it. It can take five to seven days before the full effects of the medication become visible. The medication will be effective when you notice improvements in memory, concentration sleep, and impulsivity.

Medications in this class can have side effects, including diminished appetite and trouble sleeping, and they may increase heart rate and blood pressure. Some people who have an illness like high blood pressure or heart disease, should not use these medications. These are highly controlled drugs that are prone to abuse. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians, neurologists, and in certain circumstances general practitioners can prescribe them. You can get them in the form of pills, tablets patches, or patches that are applied to the skin or in liquids.

Children and adolescents who take stimulants frequently experience problems with appetite and weight loss. They can also develop tics when the dosage is too high. In this case the doctor will lower the dose to prevent the drug from causing more symptoms.

Stimulant medicines are used for approximately 70-80% of children and adults with ADHD. The majority of adolescents and children find that their symptoms get better when treated. This is particularly the case for children with parents, teachers, or caregivers that can report improvements.

The early use of stimulants may lower the risk of developing substance use disorders later on in life. Wilens Katusic, Wilens, and colleagues81,82, and Biederman, et al83 discovered that the use of stimulants reduces the risk of acquiring substance addiction disorders during adolescence. However the protective effect diminishes in the early years of adulthood.