Treatment For ADHD

Psychosocial therapy is the most common treatment for add. The medications contain stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine and Atomoxetine. They can also be non-stimulants like clonidine or guanfacine.

Patients who have active issues with substance abuse shouldn't take stimulant drugs. However, treat adhd in adults who are in stable remission might look into them. Combination therapy using antidepressants, especially SSRIs, is a different option.

Stimulants

Stimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels between synapses in the brain. This improves concentration and decreases the intensity of impulses and hyperactivity. Most doctors prescribe medication from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They might prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are very similar medications. The type prescribed will depend on the person's biochemistry as well as how well they react to the drug. It could take anywhere from five to seven days before the full effects of the medication are apparent. Improved concentration, better memory, better sleep, and reduced impulse control are all indications that the medicine is working.

The medicines in this class may have side effects, including reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping, and may raise blood pressure and heart rate. Some people who have an illness like high blood pressure or heart disease, should not take them. Stimulants have a high potential for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists, and in certain circumstances general practitioners can prescribe them. They are available in the form of pills, tablets, patches that go on the skin or liquids.

treating add and adolescents who take stimulants are often affected by weight loss and a lack of appetite. If the dosage is excessive, they could also develop the tics. In this instance, the doctor will reduce the dose to prevent the drug from causing more symptoms.

Around 70 to 80 percent of children and adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulant medication. The majority of children and adolescents report that their symptoms improve after being treated. This is especially relevant for children who have parents, teachers or other caregivers that can report improvements.


Early use of stimulants can lower the risk of developing substance use disorders later on in life. Wilens, Katusic, and colleagues81,82 and Biederman, et al83 discovered that the use of stimulants reduces the risk of acquiring substance addiction disorders during the adolescent period. However this protective effect fades by early adulthood.