ADHD Medications and Treatments
The primary drugs used to treat ADHD are stimulants. They increase levels of neurotransmitters that help improve concentration and control of impulses. These include dextroamphetamine, amphetamine, and dex, known by names such as Adderall, and methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine, called Ritalin and Concerta.
If stimulants don't work or cause too many side effects, doctors can prescribe antidepressants such as Wellbutrin. These medications target norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain.
Medication
The brain chemicals norepinephrine as well as dopamine are important for thinking and concentration. Stimulants, the most common medication used to treat ADHD are effective when taken as directed. Like all medicines, stimulants can cause adverse effects. Doctors and patients work together to determine the appropriate dose or combination of medications to minimize those side effects.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary, but they always include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. In children, symptoms usually begin before the age of 12, and they continue throughout adolescence and into adulthood. The symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe and may differ between girls and boys. 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 identify ADHD in children or teens by following the American Psychiatric Association guidelines. They will inquire with parents and children about their symptoms and observe them in various situations. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must have at least six symptoms that appear in more than one environment and that affect the child's performance and development. The symptoms must have appeared before the child reached 12 years old.
The majority of children suffering from ADHD are prescribed medication for their symptoms. Doctors may prescribe amphetamine-based stimulants such as Adderall or the methylphenidate (the drug found in Ritalin). Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant medications to treat ADHD like atomoxetine or bupropion. These medicines don't work in the same way as stimulants do however they can help reduce some of the disorder's nagging side effects.
People who suffer from ADHD often have other psychiatric conditions, especially depression or another disorder of the mood. They also are at a greater risk of developing substance use disorders. Behavioral therapy, which is able to teach adults and children better ways to cope with their ADHD can assist in addressing these issues.
Research has demonstrated that treatment with both behavioral therapy and medication can improve the level of living and reduce symptoms. Certain teens and children don't respond to the medications available for ADHD, so they may require less or a different type of medicine. Clinical trials are being conducted to find the best treatment option for adults and teenagers with ADHD.
Behavioral therapy
Some people may not need medication to benefit from a behavior therapy. A modification in lifestyle or diet could help them lessen the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, they may be able to find ways to improve their organization skills, for example, keeping important items in designated areas or using reminders or alarms. Exercise and other activities that require physical movement can be used to help channel energy instead of acting impulsively.
Behavioral therapy is particularly beneficial for children suffering from ADHD. It can teach parents how to be better parents, and also assist their child to deal with stress or other issues that could cause attention deficits. Behavioral therapy helps children learn how to control their emotions, develop positive self-esteem, and manage their behavior at school.
To diagnose 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, as well as other information about the person. They will also rule out other health conditions and illnesses with similar symptoms. They will also use ADHD rating scales and conduct an examination for medical reasons.
The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. These drugs are made to increase the brain activity in the regions of the brain that control 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. These medications are considered less effective, but are more secure than stimulants.
For those with ADHD treatment is an extended process and it's crucial to see a medical provider regularly. The symptoms of ADHD can interfere with work, school, and relationships. If not treated, it can lead to depression, low self-esteem and eating disorders, as well as a poor diet and alcohol or drug dependence.
It is also essential to speak with your doctor if you find that a medication that was previously effective doesn't have the same effect or triggers adverse effects. Also, be sure to inform your doctor of any other supplements or medications you are taking, as some can interact with certain ADHD medicines.
Counseling
No matter what medication is being used or not, counseling can assist adults and children with ADHD deal with the everyday issues that result from their condition. Counselors can teach them how to remember appointments, use calendars and date books, and create realistic goals for themselves. Counseling may also offer ways to improve relationships and reduce conflicts. Mental health professionals can also educate parents about the disorder and assist them in developing new skills, attitudes, and methods of relating to their children.
Counseling can help adult patients organize their lives and improve their performance at work. They can learn to stay focused on their work by breaking down large assignments into smaller, more manageable pieces and develop strategies to deal to deal with anger, frustration and anxiety. Psychotherapy can also help adults gain confidence and control impulsive and risk-taking behavior.
Many adults find alternative treatment options useful in addition to counseling. Stimulants can have negative side effects, including insomnia and jitteriness, so they should be used only adhd stimulant medication as directed. People with ADHD should be honest with their doctor and inform them that they are experiencing difficulties with certain medications.
MPH is an stimulant that is commonly prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. This drug increases the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that affect the way we think and behave. It's available in immediate-release and extended release forms. The longer-acting forms accumulate slowly in the bloodstream, and then wear off slowly. This reduces the "crash" caused by the drop in a drug's concentration.
Some adults with ADHD may benefit from non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine an antidepressant, or bupropion. They are slower to work than stimulants and could be more beneficial for people who are not able to take them due to other health issues or serious adverse effects.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from anxiety or depression. In these situations doctors typically prescribe an antidepressant, or an antianxiety medication in addition to the ADHD medication. They will consider how the drugs could interact or conflict with each other, and they will be on the lookout for signs of troubling side effects.
Other treatment options
ADHD can be treated with a variety of medications. They all aim to increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps people focus better and improves their ability to concentrate and remember. These medications include stimulants and nonstimulants. Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. While stimulants can be effective for many people, they may cause adverse negative effects. Some of these adverse effects can be serious. Your doctor can assist you in determining the most effective dosage of medication to meet your needs. They can also recommend alternative treatments that could minimize or eliminate side effects.
The two most common kinds of stimulants for ADHD are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. These drugs are available under a variety of brand names, such as Adderall and Ritalin. They are available as extended-release and short-acting formulations. Short-acting medications can last for 3-4 hours, and are usually taken twice or three times per day. Extended-release medicines are typically taken every day and can last for up to 16 hours. Many adults choose to supplement an extended-release morning medication with a quick-acting dose in the late afternoon or evening to fill the gap after the medicine wears off.
Stimulants can cause upset stomach as well as changes in blood pressure or heart rate. They can also make people feel more stressed and angry than they normally do. They can also make tics worse or increase their frequency. In certain children and adolescents, they can cause some slight delays in growth, however it is only temporary and does not affect final height. They can also cause weight gain and increase appetite. They can also cause an increase in blood cholesterol levels in certain individuals.
Certain antidepressants are also used "off-label" for treating ADHD. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is the most popular drug used. It is a neurotransmitter stimulant that increases dopamine and norepinephrine. It is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD and anxiety or depression. It can be helpful when stimulants are not working, if they are not tolerated or abused or if a substance abuse disorder is present.