ADHD Medications and Treatments
Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD. They increase levels of neurotransmitters to improve concentration and control of impulses. They include dextroamphetamine and amphetamine which are marketed under names such as Adderall and methylphenidate as well as Lisdexamfetamine. They are also known as Ritalin and Concerta.
If stimulants don't work or cause too many side effects, doctors can prescribe antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin. These medications target dopamine as well as norepinephrine, which are the brain's chemical messengers.
Medication
Drugs affect brain chemicals norepinephrine as well as dopamine, which are essential for attention and thinking. Stimulants are among the most commonly used medications for ADHD and can be beneficial if they are used in the prescribed manner. Like all medications, stimulants may cause adverse side effects. Doctors and patients collaborate to determine the appropriate dosage or combination of medications to minimize the adverse effects.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary, but they always include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. For children, the symptoms typically begin before the age of 12 and continue through the adolescent period and into adulthood. The symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe and may differ 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 the teen or child by following the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for the disorder. They will talk to the child and their parents about their symptoms, and they will observe them in a variety of settings. A child must show at least six symptoms in two or more settings and the symptoms must affect the child's development and functioning. The symptoms must have manifested prior to the age of 12.
Most kids who have ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. Doctors may prescribe amphetamine-based stimulants such as Adderall or the methylphenidate (the ingredient in Ritalin). Doctors can prescribe nonstimulant drugs such as bupropion or atomoxetine to treat ADHD. These medications aren't as quickly as stimulants, but they can lessen some of the ADHD's unpleasant side effects.
ADHD is often associated with other psychiatric disorders such as mood disorders or depression. They also have a higher risk of developing substance use disorders. Behavioral therapy, which is able to teach adults and children ways to cope with their ADHD, can help address these other problems.
Research has proven that treatment using both medication and behavioral therapy can improve a person's quality of life and reduce symptoms. Certain teenagers and children aren't able to respond well to ADHD medications, so they may require a different drug or a lower dosage. Clinical studies are ongoing to determine the best treatment for adults and teens with ADHD.
Behavioral therapy
For certain people, behavior therapy may not require medication. A modification in lifestyle or diet can help those suffering from symptoms of ADHD. In addition, they may be able to improve their organizational skills, such as placing important items in designated places or using reminders and alarms. They can also utilize exercises and other activities that require physical movement to make energy available, instead of acting impulsively.
Behavioral therapy is particularly beneficial for children suffering from ADHD. It can teach parents effective parenting skills and strategies to help their child cope with stress and other issues that might cause attention deficits. Behavioral therapy can help children manage their emotions and build confidence in themselves, as well as manage their behavior in school.
To determine the cause of ADHD doctors will discuss the symptoms with the patient and observe their behavior in various situations. They also look over school records and questionnaires from family members and teachers, and other information about the person. They will also rule out other diseases and conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. They will also conduct a medical examination and use ADHD rating scales.
The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. These drugs are designed to boost the activity in the areas of the brain which regulate attention. These include the prefrontal cortex and 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.
It can take some time to treat ADHD. It is important to visit your doctor regularly. The symptoms of ADHD can be a problem with relationships, work and school. If left untreated it could lead to depression, low self-esteem, trouble with food and poor eating habits, and drug or alcohol addiction.
It's also important to talk with your doctor if you notice that a medication that was previously effective doesn't have the same effect or causes negative side effects. It's crucial to inform your doctor about any other medications you take, as some may interact with certain ADHD medications.
Counseling
If medication is utilized counseling can help adults and children with ADHD cope with everyday problems that result from their disorder. Counselors can teach them how to keep track of appointments, use calendars and date books and create realistic goals for themselves. Counseling may also offer strategies to improve relationships and decreasing conflict. Mental health professionals can help parents understand the symptoms and assist them in developing new skills, attitudes, and ways of relating to their children.
For adults counseling can help them understand how to organize their lives and improve their performance. They can learn how to remain focused on their tasks by breaking large tasks into smaller chunks that are more manageable and learn strategies for dealing to deal with anger, frustration and anxiety. Psychotherapy can help adults build confidence, and control reckless and impulsive behaviors.
Many adults find alternative treatment options helpful in addition to counseling. Some stimulants can cause adverse effects like jitteriness or sleep disturbances. They should only be taken according to a prescription. People suffering from ADHD need to be honest with their doctor and inform them that they are having issues taking certain medications.
MPH is a stimulant that is prescribed by most doctors to treat ADHD. The drug boosts the levels of neurotransmitters that influence attention and behaviour in the brain. It is available in both immediate-release and extended release forms. The longer-acting ones build up slowly in the bloodstream, and are worn off gradually. This helps to reduce the "crash" caused by a drug's levels dropping.
Some adults with ADHD can also benefit from nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine an antidepressant bupropion, or atomoxetine. They work slower than stimulants and could be a better option for those who cannot take them due to other health website problems or severe adverse effects.
Some people who suffer from ADHD are also afflicted with anxiety or depression. In these cases doctors will prescribe an antidepressant or an antianxiety medication along with the ADHD medications. They will be aware of the ways in which the drugs interact and they will monitor for any side consequences.
Other treatment options
ADHD can be treated with a range of medications. All of them are designed to boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This aids in focusing better and improves their ability to concentrate and remember. These medications include stimulants and non-stimulants. The stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. While stimulants can be effective for many people, they may cause adverse negative effects. Some of these side effects could be serious. Your doctor can assist you to determine the appropriate dose of medication for your requirements. They may also suggest alternative treatments that could minimize or eliminate side effects.
The two most popular kinds of stimulants for ADHD are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. These drugs are sold under various brand names, including Adderall and Ritalin. They are available as extended-release and short-acting formulations. Short-acting medicines can last up to 3-4 hours and are typically taken two or three times daily. Extended-release medicines are typically taken daily and can last up to 16 hours. Many people supplement an extended release morning medication with a dose that is shorter-acting late in the afternoon or evening, to make up the time between the time when the medicine wears off and the next dose.
Stimulants can cause upset stomach and can cause changes in blood pressure or heart rate. They can also make some people feel more stressed and anxious than they usually do. They may also make tics more frequent or more severe. In certain children and adolescents they may cause some slight delays in growth, however this is temporary and doesn't affect the final height. They can also lead to weight gain and increase appetite. They can also cause an increase in blood cholesterol in certain people.
Certain antidepressants can also be used "off-label" to treat ADHD. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is the most popular drug used. It helps by increasing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is especially beneficial for people with ADHD and depression or anxiety. It may also be beneficial if stimulants don't work for you, if you are unable to tolerate them or are at risk of abusing them, or if you have an addiction to drugs.