10 Inspirational Graphics About Treatment For ADD

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Treatment For ADHD

The main treatments for adding are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications include stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine and Atomoxetine. They also include nonstimulants, like clonidine and Guanfacine.

Patients with active issues with addiction shouldn't take stimulant drugs. However, those in stable remission can take them into consideration. Combination therapy using antidepressants especially SSRIs, is a different option.

Stimulants

Stimulants boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine between brain synapses. This improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe stimulant medications to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate, (Concerta or Ritalin) or amphetamines. Both are similar drugs. The kind of medicine prescribed is based on the biochemistry of each person and how they react to it. It can take five to seven days before the full effects of the medication become evident. Increased concentration, improved memory, improved sleep, and reduced impulse control are all indications that the medicine is working.

These medications can have side effects, including reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping, and they can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Some people with an illness such as high blood pressure or heart disease, should not use these medications. The stimulants have a high risk for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians, neurologists, and in some circumstances general practitioners can prescribe them. You can get them in the form or tablets, pills, patches that go on the skin or liquids.

Children and adolescents who consume stimulants frequently experience problems with appetite and weight loss. They may also experience symptoms of tics if the dosage is too high. If this occurs, the doctor will reduce the dosage to stop the drug from causing worsening of symptoms.

The use of stimulant medications is for approximately 70-80% of children and adults with ADHD. The majority of children and adolescents find that their symptoms improve after being treated. This is especially the case for children with parents, teachers or other caregivers that can report improvements.

Early use of stimulants could lower the risk of developing addiction disorders later in life. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic and colleagues81,82 and Biederman et al83 found that stimulant treatment reduces the risk for non medication treatment for adhd substance use disorders during adolescence, however that this protective effect wanes as we enter early adulthood.