ADHD Medications and Treatments
The primary medications used to treat ADHD are stimulants. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters, which help improve concentration and control of impulses. These include amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, known by brands like Adderall, and methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine, called Ritalin and Concerta.
Doctors can prescribe antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (generic name bupropion) for those suffering from ADHD in cases where stimulants do not work or cause intolerable negative side adverse effects. These medications target dopamine as well as norepinephrine within the brain.
Medication
The brain chemicals norepinephrine as well as dopamine are important for thinking and concentration. Stimulants are the most commonly used drugs for ADHD, and they can be effective if they are taken as directed. However, like all medications stimulants can trigger side negative effects. Doctors and patients work together to determine the best dosage or combination of drugs to minimize the adverse effects.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary, but they always include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. The signs usually start prior to the age of 12, and progress through adolescence and into adulthood. The symptoms may be mild, moderate or even 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 health care provider can pinpoint ADHD in a teenager or child by following the American Psychiatric Association guidelines. They will discuss with the child and their parents about their symptoms, and will observe them in different environments. A child must show at least six symptoms in two or more different environments and these symptoms should affect the child's development and functioning. The symptoms must have started before the age of 12.
The majority of children with ADHD are prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. Doctors may prescribe amphetamine-based stimulants like Adderall or methylphenidate (the drug found in Ritalin). Doctors can prescribe nonstimulant drugs such as bupropion or atomoxetine to treat ADHD. These drugs don't perform as fast as stimulants however they can help reduce some of the disorder's unpleasant side effects.
People who suffer from ADHD often have other psychiatric disorders, such as depression or another disorder of the mood. They are also more likely to develop substance abuse disorders. These other issues can be treated with behavioral therapy, which teaches children and adults how to better cope with ADHD.
Research shows that a combination of medication and behavioral therapy can improve the quality of life a person and reduce symptoms. Some teens and children aren't able to respond well to ADHD medications, so they may require a different medication or a lower dosage. Clinical studies are ongoing to determine the best treatment options for adults and teens with ADHD.
Behavioral therapy
For some, behavior therapy may not require medication. For these people changing their diet and lifestyle might aid in easing symptoms of ADHD. They may also be able improve their organizational abilities by using reminders or alarms or by keeping important items in designated locations. Exercise and other activities requiring physical movement can be used to channel energy instead of acting impulsively.
Behavioral therapy can be especially helpful for children with ADHD. It can help parents learn effective parenting skills as well as strategies to help their child deal with stress and other problems that can cause attention deficits. Behavioral therapy helps children learn to manage their emotions and build confidence in themselves and also control their behavior at school.
To diagnose ADHD, doctors will discuss the symptoms with the patient and observe their behavior in various situations. They will review school records and questionnaires from family members, teachers and others who know the person. They will also rule out other health conditions and illnesses that have 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 medications are designed to boost the activity in the areas of the brain that regulate attention. These include the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal Ganglia. There are several non-stimulant medications that are used to treat ADHD, as well. They are generally thought to be less effective, but they are safer than stimulants.
It can take a long time to treat ADHD. It is crucial to see your doctor regularly. The symptoms of ADHD can interfere with relationships, work and school. If it is not treated, it can lead to depression, low self-esteem, trouble with eating and an unhealthy diet, as well as alcohol or drug addiction.
It's also important to talk with your doctor if you discover that a medication that was previously effective doesn't have the same effect or triggers side effects. It is also important to mention any other supplements or medications you're taking, since some can interact with certain ADHD medicines.
Counseling
Counseling can help adults and children with ADHD deal with the problems they encounter every day. Therapists can help them learn how to utilize calendars, date books and remember appointments. They can also help them set realistic goals. Counseling may also suggest ways to improve relationships and decreasing conflicts. Mental health professionals are also able to help parents understand the symptoms and assist them in developing new skills, attitudes, and ways of communicating with their children.
Counseling can assist patients in their efforts to organize their lives and enhance the efficiency of their jobs. They can learn strategies for staying focused on their work, such as breaking large projects down into smaller, more manageable steps, and practice coping with anger, anxiety, and frustration. Psychotherapy can also help adults gain confidence and control impulsive and risk-taking behavior.
In addition to counseling for adults, many find it beneficial to take advantage of other treatment options. The stimulants can cause negative effects on the body, including insomnia and jitteriness therefore they should only be used according to the prescription. People with ADHD should be honest with their physicians and let them know that they are having difficulty with certain medications.
MPH is a stimulant that is prescribed by most doctors to treat ADHD. This drug increases the amount of neurotransmitters that affect attention and behaviour in the brain. It is available in immediate-release and extended-release forms. The longer-acting versions build up slowly in the bloodstream, and wear off gradually. This reduces the "crash" caused by the drop in a drug's concentration.
Certain non-stimulant drugs, such as the antidepressant atomoxetine or bupropion are also effective for some adults with ADHD. They are less effective than stimulants and may be a better choice for those who cannot take them due to other health problems or severe side effects.
Some people who suffer from ADHD may also be suffering from anxiety or depression. In these cases doctors will often prescribe an antidepressant, or an antianxiety medication along with the ADHD medication. They will be aware of the ways in which the drugs interact and will be on the lookout for any side negative effects.
Other treatment options
ADHD can be treated with a variety of medications. They all aim to increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This increases the ability to concentrate and listen, and also improves memory. These medications include stimulants and nonstimulants. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. Although stimulants work for many people, they may also cause side negative effects. Some of these adverse effects can be severe. Your doctor can help you determine the best dose of medication that will meet your requirements. They may also suggest alternative treatments that could reduce or eliminate adverse effects.
The two most popular kinds of stimulants used for ADHD are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. These drugs are sold under various brand names such as Ritalin and Adderall. They are available in extended-release and short-acting formulations. Short-acting medications can last for up more info to 3-4 hours and are typically taken two or three times per day. Extended-release preparations are usually taken every day and can last up to 16 hours. Many adults choose to supplement an extended-release morning medication with a shorter-acting dose in the late evening or in the afternoon to bridge the gap after the medicine wears off.
The stimulants can cause nausea, changes in blood pressure and heart rate. They can also make some people feel more stressed and angry than they normally do. They can cause tics to become more severe or increase their frequency. They may also cause a slight slowing of growth in certain adolescents and children, however it is only temporary and does not alter the final height. They can also lead to weight growth and increase appetite. They can also cause an increase in blood cholesterol levels in some people.
Certain antidepressants can also be used "off-label" for treating ADHD. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is the most commonly used drug. It is a neurotransmitter stimulant that increases norepinephrine, and dopamine. It is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and depression or anxiety. It can also be useful if stimulants don't work, if you can't tolerate them or are at risk of abusing them or if you suffer from an addiction disorder.