5 Myths About Treatment For ADD That You Should Avoid
Treatment For ADHD
Psychosocial therapy is the most common treatment for add . The drugs include stimulants such as methylphenidate amphetamine and atomoxetine. They also include non-stimulants, such as clonidine and guanfacine.
Stimulant medications should not be used by patients who have active substance abuse problems but they are an option for those who are in stable recovery. Combination therapy using antidepressants especially SSRIs, is another option.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain's 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. These are both very similar drugs. The type of medicine prescribed will depend on the person's individual biochemistry and how well they respond to the medicine. It could take between five and seven days before the full effects of the medication become evident. The medicine will be effective when you notice improvements in memory, concentration sleep, and impulsivity.
Some of the side effects can include 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, shouldn't take these medications. They are highly prone for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists, and in certain 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 in liquids.
Children and adolescents who are taking stimulants are often afflicted with appetite issues and weight loss. If the dosage is too high, they may also develop symptoms of tics. If this occurs, the doctor might reduce the dosage to avoid the drug from causing worsening of symptoms.
Stimulant medication is used by approximately 70-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. The majority of children and adolescents report that their symptoms improve after being treated. This is particularly relevant for children with teachers, parents, or carers who can be able to report improvements.
Early use of stimulants can lower the risk of developing addiction disorders later in life. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic as well as colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 discovered that stimulant treatment reduces the risk of developing substance use disorders during adolescence, however the protective effect diminishes by early adulthood.