ADHD Medications and Treatments
The primary drugs used to treat ADHD are stimulants. They increase neurotransmitters, which help control impulses and increase concentration. Adderall and dextroamphetamine are two examples, as well as methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine and Ritalin as well as their brand names.
If stimulants don't work or cause too many adverse side effects, doctors may prescribe antidepressants such as Wellbutrin. These drugs target dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain.
Medication
Medications affect the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which are essential for attention and thinking. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD, and they can be beneficial if they are used in the prescribed manner. Like all medications, stimulants may cause adverse effects. Doctors and patients work together to determine the appropriate dose 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 they continue throughout adolescence and into adulthood. The symptoms can 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 identify ADHD in a teenager or child by following the American Psychiatric Association guidelines. They will speak to the child and their parents about their symptoms, and will observe them in various environments. A child must exhibit at least six symptoms in two or more environments and these symptoms should hinder the child's development and functioning. The symptoms must have started before the child turned 12 years old.
The majority of children suffering from ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. Doctors may prescribe amphetamine-based stimulants like Adderall or the methylphenidate (the ingredient in Ritalin). Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant drugs to treat ADHD, including atomoxetine and bupropion. These drugs don't work as quickly as stimulants, but they can reduce some of the unpleasant side effects.
People with ADHD typically have other psychiatric conditions, especially depression or another disorder of the mood. They are also more likely to develop substance abuse disorders. These issues can be addressed with behavioral therapy which teaches children as well as adults how to deal with ADHD.
Research has proven that treatment with both medication and behavioral therapy can improve the quality of life and reduce symptoms. Some kids and teenagers aren't able to respond well to ADHD medications, so they might need a different medication or a lower dosage. Clinical trials are currently being conducted to determine the most effective treatment option for adults and adolescents with ADHD.
Behavioral therapy
For some the treatment for behavior may not require medication. For those who are not it is possible to make changes to their diet and lifestyle could help ease symptoms of ADHD. They may also be able to improve their organizational abilities by using reminders or alarms or by storing important items in designated locations. They can also use exercise and other activities that require physical movement to channel energy, rather than being impulsive.
Behavioral therapy is especially beneficial for children suffering from ADHD. It can help parents learn effective parenting skills and strategies to help their child cope with stress and other problems that could cause problems with attention. Behavioral therapy helps children learn to control their emotions, improve their self-esteem, and manage their behavior at school.
In order to diagnose ADHD, doctors discuss the person's symptoms at length with him or her, and observe their behavior in various environments. They will look over school records and questionnaires from teachers, family members and others who know the individual. They will also rule out other health conditions and illnesses that have similar symptoms. They will also conduct a medical exam and use ADHD rating scales.
The most frequently used drugs to treat ADHD are stimulants that are designed to increase brain activity in areas 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. They are generally thought to be less effective, however they are more secure than stimulants.
For people with ADHD treatment may be a long process and it's crucial to see a medical provider regularly. The symptoms of the disorder can impact school, work, and relationships. If left untreated, it can lead to depression, low self esteem and eating disorders, as well as a poor diet and addiction to alcohol or drugs.
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 adverse effects. It is also important to mention any other medications or supplements you are taking, as some can interact with certain ADHD medications.
Counseling
Counseling can help children and adults with ADHD overcome the challenges they encounter every day. Counselors can assist them in learning how to utilize calendars, date books and remember appointments. They can also help set realistic goals. Counseling can also aid in improving relationships and reduce conflicts. Mental health professionals can inform parents about the condition and assist them in developing new abilities, behaviors, and ways of interacting with their children.
For adults, counseling can teach them how to manage their lives and improve their work performance. They can learn strategies to remain focused on tasks by breaking down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and practice handling anger, frustration, and anxiety. Psychotherapy can help adults build confidence and control reckless and impulsive behaviors.
In addition to counseling for adults, many find it helpful to take advantage of other treatments. Some stimulants can cause adverse effects such as jitteriness and sleep disturbances. They must be taken only according to prescription. Patients with ADHD should be honest with their healthcare professionals and let them know whether they're having difficulty tolerating certain medications.
The majority of doctors prescribe the stimulant methylphenidate, or MPH to treat ADHD. The drug increases levels of neurotransmitters in 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 accumulate slowly in the bloodstream, and are worn off slowly. This helps to reduce the "crash" caused by a drug's levels dropping.
Certain non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine, which is an antidepressant can also be beneficial for certain adults suffering from ADHD. They work slower than stimulants and could be a better option for those who cannot take them because of other health issues or severe adverse side effects.
Some people with ADHD read more may also be suffering from depression or anxiety. In these situations, doctors may prescribe an antidepressant, or an antianxiety medication, along with the ADHD medication. They will consider how the medications could interact or conflict with one another, and will be on the lookout for any signs of a potentially dangerous side effects.
Other treatment options
ADHD can be treated with a variety of medications. They are all designed to boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels within the brain. This aids in focusing better and improves their ability to listen and remember. These medications include stimulants as well as nonstimulants. The most frequently prescribed medication to treat ADHD, are stimulants. Although stimulants are effective for many people, they can cause adverse negative effects. Some of these side effects can be severe. Your doctor can help determine the appropriate dose of medication to meet your requirements. They may also recommend alternative treatments that help lessen or prevent side effects.
The two most commonly used kinds of stimulants used for ADHD are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. They are sold under a variety of brand names that include Ritalin and Adderall. These drugs are available as both short-acting preparations and extended-release formulations. Short-acting medicines can last up to 3-4 hours and are typically taken two or three times per day. Extended-release medications are typically taken every day and can last as long as 16 hours. Many adults supplement their extended-release morning medication with a shorter-acting dose late afternoon or evening in order to make up the time between the medication wearing off and the next dose.
Stimulants can cause nausea and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Some people may also feel more irritable and anxious than normal. They can also cause tics to become more intense or increase the frequency of their appearance. They can also cause a slight slowing of growth in certain teens and children, but it's only temporary and doesn't alter the final height. They can also cause weight gain and increase appetite. They can also cause an increase in blood cholesterol levels in some people.
Some 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, norepinephrine and so on. It is particularly beneficial for people suffering from ADHD and anxiety or depression. It can also be useful in the event that stimulants aren't working, if you can't tolerate them or are at risk of using them or if you suffer from an addiction disorder.