ADHD Medications and Treatments
Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD. They increase neurotransmitters and aid in controlling impulses and improving concentration. These include dextroamphetamine, amphetamine, and dex that are known under names such as Adderall and methylphenidate as well as lisdexamfetamine, called Ritalin and Concerta.
If stimulants are not effective or cause too many adverse side adverse effects, doctors might prescribe antidepressants like Wellbutrin. These medications target dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain.
Medication
Medications affect the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are essential for thinking and attention. Stimulants, the most common medication for ADHD, can be effective when taken as directed. But, as with all medications, stimulants can trigger side effects. Doctors and patients work together to find the right dose or combination of medications to minimize those side effects.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary, but they always include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. The symptoms usually begin prior to the age of 12, and continue through adolescence, and into adulthood. The symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe, and they may be different for 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 medical professional can determine ADHD in a child or teenager by following the guidelines of the American Psychological Association for the disorder. They will speak to the parents and children about their symptoms, and will observe them in various environments. A child should exhibit at least six signs in two or more different environments, and these symptoms must affect the child's development and functioning. The symptoms must have manifested before the child reached 12 years old.
The majority of children with ADHD are prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. Doctors can prescribe stimulants based on amphetamine, such as Adderall or the methylphenidate (the drug in Ritalin). Doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medicines like bupropion or atomoxetine treat ADHD. These medications aren't like stimulants do, but they can lessen some of ADHD's annoying adverse effects.
ADHD is often associated with other psychiatric disorders like mood disorders or depression. They also have a higher risk of developing addiction disorders. These other issues can be treated with behavioral therapy, which teaches children and adults how to better cope with ADHD.
Research has shown that a combination of medication and behavioral therapy can improve the quality of life of an individual and reduce the symptoms. Certain teens and children don't respond to the medications available for ADHD and may require an a lower dose or different type of medicine. Clinical trials are currently being conducted to determine the most effective treatment option for adults and teenagers with ADHD.
Behavioral therapy
For some, behavior therapy might not require medication. A alteration in diet or lifestyle could help them lessen the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, they may be able to improve their organization skills, such as keeping important items in designated areas or using reminders or alarms. Exercise and other activities that require physical movement can be utilized to channel energy, instead of acting out of a lack of.
Behavioral therapy can be particularly beneficial for children suffering from ADHD. It can help parents learn to be better parents, and also help their child cope with stress and other problems that may cause problems with attention. Behavioral therapy helps children learn to control their emotions and develop positive self-esteem, as well as manage their behavior at school.
In order to diagnose ADHD doctors will discuss the person's symptoms in detail with him or her, and observe their behavior in various settings. They will also review the school records as well as questionnaires from relatives and teachers, and other details about the individual. They will also look for other illnesses and conditions with similar symptoms. They will also conduct a medical examination and utilize ADHD rating scales.
The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. These drugs are made to boost the activity in the regions of the brain that regulate attention. This includes the prefrontal cortex and the basal Ganglia. There are also non-stimulant drugs that can be used to treat ADHD. These medications are considered less effective, but are more secure than stimulants.
For those with ADHD treatment is lengthy and it's crucial to visit a health care provider regularly. The symptoms of ADHD can be a problem with relationships, work, and school. If it is not treated it can result in depression, low self-esteem, trouble with food and poor eating habits, and addiction to alcohol or drugs.
It's also crucial to speak with your doctor if you find that a medicine that was once effective does not have the same effect or results in negative side effects. It is also important to inform your doctor of any other supplements or medications you're taking, as certain supplements can interact with ADHD medications.
Counseling
Whether or not medication is utilized or not, counseling can help children and adults with ADHD deal with the everyday issues that arise because of their condition. Therapists can help them learn how to utilize calendars, date books and remember appointments. They can also set realistic goals. Counseling can also help improve relationships and reduce conflict. Mental health professionals can also inform parents about the condition and assist them in developing new abilities, attitudes, and ways of communicating with their children.
For adults, counseling can teach them how to manage their lives and improve their performance. They can learn strategies for staying focused on their tasks like breaking down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and practice handling frustration, anxiety and anger. Psychotherapy can help adults gain confidence, and manage the risky and impulsive behavior.
In addition to counseling for adults, many find it helpful to explore other treatment options. The stimulants can cause negative side effects, including jitteriness and sleep disturbances, therefore they should only be taken as prescribed. Patients with ADHD must be honest with their doctor and let them know they are having difficulty taking certain medications.
Most doctors prescribe the stimulant methylphenidate, also known as MPH, to treat ADHD. This drug increases the levels of neurotransmitters within the brain, which affect the way we think and behave. This drug is available in immediate-release and extended-release forms. The longer-acting versions are absorbed slowly in the bloodstream, and fade slowly, which reduces the "crash" effect caused when the level of the drug drops.
Some people with ADHD can also benefit from nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine, an antidepressant or bupropion. They work slower than stimulants, and could be a better choice for those who are unable to take them due to other health issues or serious adverse side effects.
Some people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from depression or anxiety. In these cases doctors will prescribe an antidepressant, or an antianxiety medication, along with the ADHD medication. They will consider how the medications might interact or conflict with one another, and they will monitor for any signs of a potentially dangerous side effects.
Other treatment options
There are several medications that can be used to treat ADHD. They are all designed to increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This improves the ability to focus and listen as well as their memory. These drugs include stimulants aswell as non-stimulants. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. They work well for many people, but they can cause side effects. Some of these adverse effects could be serious. Your doctor can help determine the appropriate dose of medication that meets your needs. They may also suggest alternative treatments that may lessen or eliminate the adverse effects.
The two most common stimulants used to treat ADHD are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. These drugs are sold under various brand names such as Ritalin and Adderall. They are available as extended-release and short-acting preparations. Short-acting medications can last for up to 3-4 hours and are typically taken two or three times daily. Extended-release preparations can last as long as 16 hours and are typically taken once daily. Many adults prefer to supplement their morning medication with a short-acting dose in the late afternoon or evening to bridge the gap when the medicine wears off.
Stimulants can trigger an upset stomach and can cause changes in blood pressure or heart rate. They may also make people feel more stressed and anxious than they normally do. They can cause tics to become more severe or increase their frequency. They can also cause a minor slowing of growth in certain teens and children, but it's only temporary and doesn't alter the final height. They can also increase appetite and weight gain, and can lead to an increase in blood cholesterol as well as other heart issues in certain people.
Certain antidepressants are also employed "off-label" to treat ADHD. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is the most commonly used drug. It works by increasing neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, and dopamine. It can be especially helpful for people suffering from ADHD and depression or anxiety. It can also be useful in the event that here stimulants aren't working for you, if you are unable to tolerate them or are at risk of using them or if you suffer from an addiction disorder.