10 Websites To Help You Become An Expert In Treatment For ADD

Treatment For adhd symptoms and treatment

Psychosocial therapy is the primary treatment for add. The medications include stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine, and Atomoxetine. They may also be non-stimulants, such as clonidine and Guanfacine.

Stimulant medication are not recommended for patients who have active addiction issues, but they are an option for those who are in stable recovery. Combination therapy with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.

Stimulants

Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are released between brain synapses. This improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most doctors who treat adhd in adults prescribe stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines which are similar medications. The type of medication prescribed will depend on the person's individual biochemistry and how well they respond to the medicine. It can take up to seven days for full effects of a medication to become evident. The medication will be effective for you if you notice improvement in your concentration, memory, sleep, and impulsivity.

Medications in this class can have side effects, including diminished appetite and trouble sleeping, and may raise blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people with an illness such as high blood pressure or heart disease, shouldn't take them. The stimulants have a high risk for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists or pediatricians or, in some instances, general practitioners, can prescribe stimulants. They are available in the form of tablets or pills or patches that are placed on the skin, or in liquids.

Children and adolescents who take stimulants often experience appetite problems and weight loss. They can also develop disorders when the dosage is too high. If this occurs, the doctor will reduce the dosage to stop the drug from causing a worsening of symptoms.

About 70-80 percent of children and adults suffering from adhd symptoms and treatment are treated with stimulant medication. The majority of children and adolescents report that their symptoms get better when treated. This is especially true for those with parents, teachers, or carers who can report improvements.

The early use of stimulants can lower the risk of developing substance use disorders later on in life. Wilens and colleagues79,80, Katusic and colleagues81,82 and Biederman et al83 found that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk for substance use disorders in adolescents, but that this protective effect wanes in the early years of adulthood.