Treatment For ADHD
The main treatments for adding are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications include stimulants such as methylphenidate amphetamine, and atomoxetine. They can also be non-stimulants, such as clonidine and Guanfacine.
Patients who have active issues with substance abuse should not take stimulant medications. However, those who are in stable remission may take them into consideration. Combination treatment with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. This helps improve concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are similar medications. The type of medicine prescribed depends on the biochemistry of each patient and how they react to it. It could take up to seven days for full effects of a drug to become evident. The medication will be effective if you notice improvements in concentration, memory sleep, impulsivity, and sleep.
Some of the side effects include a decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People suffering from medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure should not take them. They are highly prone for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists or paediatricians, or in some cases general practitioners, may prescribe stimulants. They can be found in the form of tablets or pills or patches that go on the skin, or in liquids.
Children and adolescents who take stimulants are often affected by weight loss and appetite problems. If the dosage is too high, they may also develop the tics. If this occurs, the doctor might reduce the dosage to avoid the drug from causing a worsening of symptoms.
About 70-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD are treated with stimulant medication. Most children and young people find that their symptoms improve with treatment. This is particularly relevant for children who have parents, teachers or carers that can report improvements.
Early use of stimulants could lower the risk of developing substance use disorders in later life. Wilens, Katusic, and colleagues81,82, and Biederman, et al83 discovered that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of developing substance addiction disorders during the adolescent period. However this protective effect fades in the early years of adulthood.