ADHD Medications and Treatments
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed drugs used to treat ADHD. They increase neurotransmitters and help control impulses and improve concentration. These include dextroamphetamine, amphetamine, and dex which are marketed under brands like Adderall and methylphenidate, as well as lisdexamfetamine, called Ritalin and Concerta.
If stimulants are not effective or cause too many adverse side effects, doctors may prescribe antidepressants such as Wellbutrin. These drugs target dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
Medication
The brain chemicals norepinephrine as well as dopamine are important in focusing and thinking. Stimulants, which are the most commonly used treatment for ADHD can be effective if taken according to the directions. But like all medications, stimulants can trigger side negative effects. Doctors and patients work together to determine the best dose or combination of medications to minimize the adverse effects.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary, but they always include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. Symptoms usually begin at the age of 12 and progress through adolescence and even into adulthood. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe, and they may differ between boys and girls. Boys and children assigned male at birth (AMAB) tend to show more hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, but the same behaviors can occur in girls and women.
A doctor can identify ADHD in the teen or child by following the guidelines of the American Psychological Association for the disorder. They will discuss with the parents and children about their symptoms, and will observe them in a variety of environments. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must exhibit at least six signs that are present in two or more settings and must affect the child's performance and development. The symptoms must have appeared before the child reached 12 years old.
Most children with ADHD are prescribed medication for their symptoms. Doctors may prescribe amphetamine-based stimulants like Adderall or methylphenidate (the drug in Ritalin). Doctors can prescribe nonstimulant drugs like bupropion or atomoxetine treat ADHD. These medications don't work in the same way as stimulants do however they can help reduce some of the disorder's unpleasant adverse effects.
I Am Psychiatry who suffer from ADHD typically have other psychiatric disorders, such as depression or another mood problem. They are also more likely to develop addiction disorders. These issues can be treated with behavioral therapy that teaches children and adults how to deal with ADHD.
Research has proven that treatment with both behavioral therapy and medication can improve the quality of life and decrease symptoms. Some kids and teens do not respond to the medication available for ADHD, so they may need less or a different type of medication. Clinical trials are currently being conducted to determine the best treatment option for adults and adolescents with ADHD.
Behavioral therapy
Some people might not require medication to benefit from therapy for behavior. A alteration in diet or lifestyle can help those suffering from symptoms of ADHD. In addition, they may be able to improve their organization skills, such as keeping important items in designated places or using reminders and alarms. They can also use exercises and other activities that require physical movement to help channel energy instead of being impulsive.
Behavioral therapy can be especially helpful for children with ADHD. It can help parents learn effective parenting skills, as well as ways to help their child cope with stress and other problems that can cause attention deficits. Behavioral therapy helps children to learn how to control their emotions, build positive self-esteem, and manage their behaviour at school.
To diagnose ADHD, doctors discuss the symptoms of the patient with him or her, and observe his or her behavior in different environments. They will look over school records and questionnaires from teachers, family members and others who know the individual. They will also determine if there are other health conditions or illnesses with similar symptoms. They will also use ADHD rating scales and perform an examination for medical reasons.
The most common medication used to treat ADHD is stimulants. These drugs are designed to boost the activity in areas of the brain that control attention. These include the prefrontal cortex and the basal Ganglia. There are also non-stimulant medicines that can be used to treat ADHD. These medications are thought to be less effective, but are more secure than stimulants.
For those with ADHD, treatment can be lengthy and it's essential to see a medical provider regularly. The symptoms of ADHD can cause problems with relationships, work, and school. If not treated it can result in depression, low self-esteem, trouble with food and poor eating habits, and drug or alcohol addiction.
It's also crucial to speak with your doctor if you notice that a medicine that was once effective no longer has the same effect or results in side negative effects. It is important to inform your doctor about any other medications you're taking, as some may interact with certain ADHD medications.
Counseling
Whether or not medication is being used counseling can help children and adults with ADHD cope with everyday problems that result from their disorder. Counselors can assist them in learning how to use calendars, date books, and remember appointments. They can also set realistic goals. Counseling can also provide strategies for improving relationships and decreasing conflicts. Mental health professionals can inform parents about the disorder and assist them in developing abilities and attitudes or ways to interact with their children.
Counseling can assist patients in their efforts to organize their lives and improve the performance of their jobs. They can learn to stay focused on tasks by breaking large tasks into smaller chunks that are more manageable and practice coping strategies for dealing with anger, frustration, and anxiety. Psychotherapy can help adults increase their confidence, and manage reckless and impulsive behaviors.
Many adults discover that other treatment options are helpful in addition to counseling. Some stimulants can cause adverse effects like jitteriness or sleep disturbances. They must be taken only according to prescription. Patients with ADHD must be honest with their doctors and let them know that they are experiencing difficulties taking certain medications.
Most doctors prescribe the stimulant methylphenidate, also known as MPH, to treat ADHD. This drug increases the amount of neurotransmitters that influence attention and behavior in the brain. The drug is available in immediate-release as well as extended-release form. The longer-acting ones accumulate slowly in the bloodstream, and are worn off gradually. This reduces the "crash" caused by the drop in a drug's concentration.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might also benefit from nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine, an antidepressant or bupropion. They are less effective than stimulants, and could be a better option for those who are unable to use them due to other health issues or serious adverse effects.
Some people with ADHD also have depression or anxiety. In these cases doctors will often prescribe an antidepressant or an antianxiety medication in addition to the ADHD medication. They will be aware of how the drugs could interact or clash with one another, and will monitor for any signs of a potentially dangerous adverse effects.
Other treatment options
ADHD can be treated by a variety of drugs. They are all designed to boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in brains. This improves focus and improves their ability to listen and remember. These medications contain stimulants as well as nonstimulants. Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. While stimulants can be effective for many people, they may cause adverse side effects. Some of these adverse effects can be serious. Your doctor can help determine the best dose of medication to suit your requirements. They may also suggest alternative treatments that help minimize or eliminate side effects.
The two most common types of stimulants for ADHD are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. These drugs are marketed under several brand names such as Ritalin and Adderall. These drugs are available in short-acting and extended-release formulations. Short-acting medicines can last up to 3-4 hrs and are typically taken twice or three times a day. Extended-release preparations are usually taken once a day and can last up to 16 hours. Many adults prefer to supplement their morning medication with a short-acting dose in the afternoon or evening to bridge the gap when the medicine wears off.
Stimulants may cause nausea, changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Some people may feel more irritable and anxious than usual. They can also make tics worse or increase their frequency. They can also cause a minor slowing of growth in certain teens and children, but it is only temporary and doesn't affect the final height. They also can increase appetite and weight gain, and can lead to a rise in blood cholesterol and other heart problems in some people.
Some antidepressants can also be used "off-label" to treat ADHD. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is the most frequently used drug. It is a neurotransmitter stimulant that increases dopamine and norepinephrine. It is especially useful for people with ADHD and depression or anxiety. It is a great option in the event that stimulants don't work in the absence of being used or tolerated or if a substance abuse disorder is present.