Treatment For ADHD
The main treatment options for add are medications and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications contain stimulants such as methylphenidate amphetamine, and Atomoxetine. They can also be non-stimulants, such as clonidine and guanfacine.
The use of stimulants should not be used by patients with active substance abuse problems but they are an option for those who are in stable recovery. 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. Most doctors prescribe stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They can prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin) or amphetamines. Both are similar drugs. The type of medication prescribed will depend on the person's individual biochemistry and how well they respond to the drug. It could take anywhere from five to seven days before the full effects of the medication become evident. Improvements in concentration, improved memory, improved sleep, and a decrease in impulsivity are all signs that the medication is working.
Some of the adverse effects 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. Stimulants have a high potential for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists, and in some situations general practitioners can prescribe them. You can find them in the form of tablets, pills patches, or patches that are applied to the skin or liquids.
Children and adolescents who take stimulants often suffer from weight loss and a lack of appetite. They can also develop disorders when the dose is too high. In this case, the doctor will reduce the dosage to prevent the drug from causing more symptoms.
About 70% to 80% children and adults with ADHD are treated with stimulant medications. The majority of adolescents and children find that their symptoms improve when treated. This is especially the case for children with parents, teachers, or caregivers who have reported improvements.
The early use of stimulants can reduce the risk of developing drug use disorders later in life. adult add treatments and colleagues79,80, Katusic and colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 have found that treatment with stimulants decreases the risk of developing substance use disorders in adolescents, but the protective effect diminishes by early adulthood.