17 Reasons Not To Ignore Treatment For ADD

Treatment For ADHD

The most common treatments for adding are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy).  adult treatment for adhd  can include stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, and non-stimulants such as atomoxetine, viloxazine, guanfacine, and clonidine.

Stimulant medication are not recommended for patients with active addiction issues, but they are an option for those who are in stable in remission. Combination therapy with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.

Stimulants

Stimulants boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are released between brain synapses. This improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They can prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin), or amphetamines. They are both similar drugs. The type prescribed will depend on a person's individual biochemistry and how well they react to the medication. It can take five to seven days before the full effects of the medication are visible. The medicine will work when you notice improvements in memory, concentration sleep, impulsivity, and sleep.

Medications in this class can have side effects, including diminished appetite and trouble sleeping, and they may raise blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure, should not use these medications. Stimulants are tightly controlled drugs with a potential for misuse. Only psychiatrists or paediatricians or, in some instances, general practitioners, can prescribe stimulants. They can be found in the form of tablets or pills, a patch that goes on the skin, or liquids.

Children and adolescents who consume stimulants are often afflicted with appetite issues and weight loss. If the dosage is too high, they can also develop symptoms of tics. If this occurs, the doctor will reduce the dosage to prevent the drug from leading to a worsening of symptoms.

Around 70 to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD are treated with stimulant medications. The majority of children and adolescents find that their symptoms improve when treated. This is especially true for those with parents, teachers or caregivers who report improvements.

The early use of stimulants may reduce the risk of substance use disorders later on in life. Wilens, Katusic, and colleagues81,82 and Biederman, et al83 discovered that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of developing substance use disorders in adolescence. However the protective effect diminishes as we enter early adulthood.