A Proactive Rant About Treatment For ADD

Treatment For ADHD

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

Stimulant medications should not be used in patients with active substance abuse problems but they are an option for those who are in stable in remission. Combination therapy with antidepressants, especially SSRIs, is another option.

Stimulants

Stimulants boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine between brain synapses. This improves focus and reduces impulses and hyperactivity. Most doctors prescribe stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They can prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin) or amphetamines. These are both very similar drugs. The type of medicine prescribed will depend on the individual's biochemistry and how well they react to the drug. It can take five to seven days before the full effects of the medication are apparent.  treatment of add in adults  in concentration, improved memory, better sleep, and less impulsivity are all signs that the medication is working.

These medications can have side effects, including diminished appetite and trouble sleeping, and may increase blood pressure and heart rate. People suffering from medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure shouldn't take these medications. Stimulants have a high potential for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians, neurologists, and in certain circumstances general practitioners can prescribe them. You can get them in the form or tablets, pills patches, or patches that are applied to the skin or in liquids.

Children and adolescents who are taking stimulants frequently experience problems with appetite and weight loss. When the dose is too high, they can also develop symptoms of tics. In this case the doctor will lower the dose to prevent the drug from worsening symptoms.

Around 70 to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD are treated with stimulant medications. The majority of children and adolescents report that their symptoms get better when treated. This is especially relevant for children who have parents, teachers or other caregivers that can report improvements.

The early use of stimulants may 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 stimulant treatment reduces the risk of developing substance abuse disorders during adolescence, however that this protective effect wanes by early adulthood.