ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD

Treatment can help people with ADHD focus better, become less impulsive, and feel more peaceful. It is usually a combination between medicine and therapy.

Stimulants stimulate brain activity in areas that control the behavior of attention. Methylphenidate (known as Ritalin) is among the most common medicines used for adults suffering from ADHD.


Stimulants

Stimulants are medications that increase activity in areas of the brain responsible for attention and behaviour. They are typically prescribed as part of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The stimulants increase the levels of two chemical messengers, norepinephrine and dopamine, inside your brain. add adhd medication makes it easier for you to focus and reduces the effects of certain impulses, such as those that cause impulsive behaviour. The majority of stimulants are well-tolerated by both adults and children. However, some people may have adverse effects, like headaches, jitteriness or increased heart rate.

There are many stimulant medications, including methylphenidate(Ritalin), dextroamphetamine(Dexamphetamine), modafinil(Provigil), and atomoxetine. The results from the largest meta-analysis of the network to date, published in the British Medical Journal in 2016 recommend amphetamines as the first choice of drugs for adults with ADHD. Lisdexamfetamine is currently licensed in the UK and has an advantage over short-acting stimulants as it does not fade over the course of the day. It is also only required only one dose a day. In the past, patients needed to take short-acting stimulants three or four times per day, but this can be a challenge for those who fail to take their medication, and can cause a lack of compliance.

A thorough medical history is essential to determine if a person with ADHD has any other conditions that may be causing their symptoms. A medical issue such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea or other issues may be contributing to your child's fatigue or difficulty in concentrating. It is also important to bring up any issues with the use of substances to your doctor, because heavy usage of illegal, prescription or over-the-counter medications can affect your child's ability to concentrate.

Many medical professionals recommend that children are treated for ADHD to improve their school performance and make it possible for them to grow into happy, healthy adults. However the decision to treat a child for ADHD is not taken lightly by parents and can be a long and difficult procedure. A lot of children experience side-effects such as irritability and insomnia However, these effects can be cured by careful monitoring and gradually increasing dosages.

Some parents opt to pursue private treatment for their child. This involves regular appointments with a specialist psychiatrist in order to begin the medication process and monitor progress. This could involve up to five sessions, then fortnightly or monthly sessions as the child gets familiar with the medication. This is a great option for many families who are finding the NHS waiting lists very long, and those who have private healthcare that can offer more efficient access to healthcare. Your GP will receive a comprehensive report on the progress of your child. He or she will then monitor the medication prescribed by your psychiatrist. In some instances, you may have to visit the NHS to continue this process so that your GP will be able to conduct regular reviews and checks.