17 Signs You're Working With Treatment For ADD

Treatment For adhd symptoms and treatment

Psychosocial therapy is the primary treatment adhd for adding. The medications can include stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, as well as non medication treatment for adhd-stimulants like atomoxetine and viloxazine, guanfacine, and clonidine.

The use of stimulants should not be used in patients who have active substance abuse issues, however they can be considered in those who are in stable remission. Combination treatment with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.

Stimulants

Stimulants boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. This improves concentration and decreases impulses and hyperactivity. Most doctors prescribe stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They can prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin), or amphetamines. They are both similar medications. The type of medicine prescribed will depend on the person's individual biochemistry and how well they respond to the medication. It may take up to seven days for full effects of a drug to become apparent. Improved concentration, better memory, improved sleep, and less the tendency to be impulsive are all indications that the medication is working.

Some of the side effects include decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Some people with a medical condition, such as high blood pressure or heart disease should not use these medications. These are highly controlled drugs with a potential for misuse. Only psychiatrists or pediatricians, or in some cases general practitioners, may prescribe stimulants. They can be found in the form of tablets or pills, a patch that goes on the skin, or in liquids.

Children and adolescents who are taking stimulants often experience appetite problems and weight loss. They may also experience tics when the dose is too high. If this occurs, the doctor will reduce the dosage to avoid the drug from causing a worsening of symptoms.

The use of stimulant medications is for about 70% to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. A majority of children and young adults experience improvement in their symptoms through treatment. This is especially the case for children with parents, teachers or carers who report improvement.

Early use of stimulants may reduce the risk for substance use disorders in later life. Wilens Katusic, Wilens colleagues81,82, and Biederman, et al83, found that stimulant therapy reduces the risk of acquiring substance addiction disorders during the adolescent years. However the protective effect diminishes in the early years of adulthood.