The 10 Scariest Things About Treatment For ADD
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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 nonstimulants, like clonidine and guanfacine.
Stimulant medications should not be used in patients with active addiction issues, but they are an option for those who are in stable in remission. Combination treatment with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels between synapses in the brain. This helps improve concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate, (Concerta or Ritalin) or amphetamines. They are both similar medications. The type of medicine prescribed depends on the biochemistry of each person and how they respond to it. It could take up to seven days for the full effects of a medication to become evident. Improved concentration, better memory, better sleep, and a decrease in impulsivity are all signs that the medicine is working.
Some of the side effects include a decrease in appetite, trouble sleeping and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People suffering from medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure should not use these medications. They are highly prone for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists or paediatricians, or in some cases general practitioners, are able to prescribe stimulants. They can be found in the form of pills or tablets or patches that go on the skin, or in liquids.
Children and adolescents best treatment for adhd in adults who use stimulants often suffer from weight loss and a lack of appetite. They can also develop disorders when the dosage is too high. In this instance the doctor will lower the dose to stop the drug from causing more symptoms.
Around 70 to 80% children and adults with ADHD are treated with stimulant medications. The majority of children and adolescents report that their symptoms improve after being treated. This is especially true for those with teachers, parents, or carers who can be able to report improvements.
The early use of stimulants may lower the risk of developing addiction disorders later in the course of. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic as well as colleagues81,82 and Biederman et al83 found that stimulant treatment reduces the risk of developing substance abuse disorders in adolescents, but the protective effect diminishes in the early years of adulthood.