20 Things You Need To Know About Treatment For ADD

Treatment For ADHD

Psychosocial therapy is the primary treatment for add. Medications can include stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, and non-stimulants like atomoxetine and clonidine, guanfacine and viloxazine.

Patients with active substance abuse issues should not take stimulant medications. However, those who are in stable remission can look into them. Combination treatment with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.

Stimulants

Stimulants boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are released between brain synapses. This helps improve concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe stimulant medications to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate, (Concerta or Ritalin), or amphetamines. Both are similar drugs. The type of medicine prescribed will depend on the person's biochemistry as well as how well they respond to the medication. It could take anywhere from five to seven days before the full effects of the medication become evident. The medication will be effective if you notice improvements in your concentration, memory sleep, and impulsivity.

Some of the side effects include decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Some people who have medical conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease shouldn't take them. They are highly prone for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists, and in certain situations, general practitioners may prescribe them. They are available in the form of pills or tablets or patches that go on the skin, or liquids.

Children and adolescents who are dependent on stimulants often suffer from weight loss and a lack of appetite. They may also experience symptoms of tics if the dosage is too high. If this occurs, the doctor will reduce the dosage to avoid the drug from leading to a worsening of symptoms.

treatment of adhd in adults  is used by around 70 to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. The majority of 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 may reduce the risk of developing drug use disorders later in life. Wilens, Katusic, and colleagues81,82, and Biederman and colleagues83, found that stimulant therapy reduces the risk of acquiring substance addiction disorders during adolescence. However, this protective effect fades by early adulthood.