ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD

Treatment can help those suffering from ADHD focus better, become less impulsive and feel calmer. It is usually a combination of medication and therapy.

medication for adhd boost activity in the parts of the brain that control attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate (known as Ritalin) is among the most commonly used medications to treat adults suffering from ADHD.

Stimulants


Stimulants are medications that increase activity in the parts of the brain responsible for attention and behaviour. They are often used in conjunction with cognitive treatment for behavioural disorders (CBT). They work by increasing the levels of two chemical messengers, norepinephrine as well as dopamine, inside your brain. This helps you to focus and reduces the impact of certain impulses, including those that trigger impulsive behavior. Children and adults can tolerate stimulants very well, but some may experience side effects such as jitteriness or headaches.

There are a number of different stimulant medications that are available that include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine (Dexamphetamine) and Atomoxetine (Strattera) and modafinil (Provigil). The results of the largest network meta-analysis to date, published in the British Medical Journal in 2016 recommend amphetamines as the first choice of drugs for adults with ADHD. The drug lisdexamfetamine is now licensed in the UK and has a distinct advantage over short-acting stimulants as it doesn't disappear throughout the day. It also only requires one dose per day. Prior to this, patients needed to take short-acting stimulants up to four times a day, but this can be a challenge for those who fail to take their medication and could cause poor compliance.

It is essential to obtain an accurate medical history in order to determine if a child suffering from ADHD might have other health issues that are contributing to their symptoms. A medical issue such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea or other ailments may be contributing to your child's fatigue or difficulty concentrating. It is also important to mention any issues with the use of substances to your doctor, since excessive use of illegal prescription or over-the-counter drugs can have an impact on your child's ability to concentrate.

Medical professionals recommend that children receive medication for ADHD to improve their academic performance and to assist them in developing into healthy, happy adults. However, the decision to medicate children with ADHD is not made lightly by parents and can be a lengthy and complicated process. Many children will experience side-effects, such as irritability and insomnia However, these effects can be cured by careful monitoring dosages and gradually increasing dosages.

Some parents opt for private treatment that includes a series appointments with a psychiatrist in order to start medication and monitor the progress. It could take up to five appointments, and then fortnightly or monthly appointments as the child gets used to the medication. This is an ideal option for families who are finding the NHS waiting lists to be extremely long and for whom private healthcare can provide a more efficient and convenient access to care. Your GP will receive a comprehensive assessment of your child's health. He or she can then monitor the medication prescribed by your psychiatrist. In some instances, you may require a visit to the NHS to continue this process to ensure that your GP will be able to conduct regular checks and reviews.