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. They include dextroamphetamine and amphetamine that are known under brand names like Adderall and methylphenidate as well as lisdexamfetamine, called Ritalin and Concerta.
Doctors can prescribe antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (generic name bupropion), for people with ADHD when stimulants aren't effective or cause unacceptable side negative effects. These medications target dopamine and norepinephrine, which are the brain's chemical messengers.
Medication
The brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine are important for thinking and concentration. The most popular stimulants, a treatment for ADHD, can be effective when taken as directed. However, like all medications stimulants can cause adverse negative effects. Doctors and patients work together to determine the optimal dosage or combination of medication to minimize 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 continue through the adolescent period and into adulthood. The symptoms may be mild, moderate or even severe and could be different for boys and girls. adhd in adults medication 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 doctor can pinpoint ADHD in children or teens by following the American Psychiatric Association guidelines. They will speak to the child and their parents about their symptoms, and will observe them in various settings. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must exhibit at least six signs that manifest in more than one setting and that affect the child's development and functioning. The symptoms must have begun before the age of 12 years old.
Most kids who have ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. A doctor can prescribe methylphenidate which is the drug in Ritalin, or amphetamine-based stimulants such as Adderall. Doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or bupropion to treat ADHD. These medications don't work in the same way as stimulants do however they can lessen some of the disorder's nagging side effects.
ADHD is often associated with other mental disorders, like depression or mood disorders. They also have a higher risk of developing addiction disorders. These other problems can be dealt with through behavioral therapy that teaches children and adults how to deal with ADHD.
Research has proven that treatment using both behavioral therapy and medication can improve the level of living and reduce symptoms. Some teens and children aren't able to respond well to ADHD medications, so they may require a different medication or a lower dose. Clinical studies are ongoing to determine the most effective treatment for adolescents and adults with ADHD.
Behavioral therapy
Some people might not require medication to benefit from a behavior therapy. A modification in lifestyle or diet could help them lessen the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, they might be able to find ways to improve their organization skills, for example, placing important items in designated areas or using reminders or alarms. They can also make use of exercises and other activities that require physical effort to channel energy, rather than engaging in impulsive behavior.
Behavioral therapy can be particularly beneficial for children with ADHD. It can teach parents effective parenting techniques, as well as ways to help their child deal with stress and other issues that might cause attention deficits. Behavioral therapy can help children learn to manage their emotions and build positive self-esteem, and also manage their behavior in school.
To diagnose ADHD Doctors will discuss the symptoms with the patient and observe their behavior in various situations. They will look over school records and questionnaires from family members, teachers, and others who know the individual. They will also look for other health conditions and illnesses that have similar symptoms. They will also conduct a medical exam and use ADHD rating scales.
The most commonly used medications to treat ADHD are stimulants that are designed to boost brain activity in the areas that regulate attention. These include the prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia. There are also non-stimulant medications that can be used to treat ADHD. These medications are considered less effective but safer than stimulants.
For people with ADHD treatment is lengthy, and it's important to see a medical provider regularly. Symptoms of the disorder can interfere with school, work, and relationships. If left untreated, it can lead to depression, low self-esteem, eating problems, poor nutrition, and alcohol or drug addiction.
It's also crucial to speak with your doctor if you discover that a medicine that was once effective does not have the same effect or results in side negative effects. Also, be sure to mention any other supplements or medications you're taking, as some can interact with certain ADHD medicines.
Counseling
If medication is used, counseling can assist adults and children with ADHD cope with everyday problems that arise because of their condition. Counselors can help them learn to remember appointments, use calendars and date books and establish realistic goals for themselves. Counseling may also suggest ways to improve relationships and reducing conflicts. Mental health professionals can educate parents about the disorder and help them develop new skills, behaviors, and ways of communicating with their children.
Counseling can help adult patients manage their lives and improve the efficiency of their jobs. They can learn strategies to remain focused on their tasks, such as breaking large projects down into smaller steps that are more manageable, and practice coping with anger, frustration, and anxiety. Psychotherapy can assist adults in gaining confidence and control impulsive and risk-taking behavior.
Many adults find alternative treatment options beneficial in addition to counseling. Stimulants can have negative effects on the body, including insomnia and jitteriness, so they should be used only as directed. People with ADHD must be honest with their physicians and let them know they are having difficulty with certain medications.
Most doctors prescribe the stimulant methylphenidate, or MPH, to treat ADHD. This drug increases the levels of neurotransmitters that affect attention and behavior in the brain. It is available in immediate-release and extended release forms. The longer-acting versions build up slowly in the bloodstream, and are worn off gradually. This reduces the "crash" caused by a drug's level dropping.
Some people with ADHD may also benefit from nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine, an antidepressant or bupropion. They are slower to work than stimulants, and may be better for those who are unable to use them due to other health issues or serious adverse effects.
Many people with ADHD also have depression or anxiety. In these instances, doctors will prescribe an antidepressant, or an antianxiety medicine, along with the ADHD medication. They will keep in mind how the medications could interact or clash with one another, and they will look for signs of potentially harmful side effects.
Other treatment options
There are many drugs that can be used to treat ADHD. They are all designed to boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This improves the ability to concentrate and listen, as well as their memory. These medications include stimulants as well as non-stimulants. Stimulants, the most commonly prescribed medication for treating ADHD are stimulants. Although stimulants are effective for many people, they may cause adverse side negative effects. Some of these side effects can be serious. Your doctor can help find the right dosage of medication to meet your requirements. They may also suggest other treatments to minimize or eliminate side effects.
The two most common kinds of stimulants used for ADHD are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They are sold under several brand names such as Ritalin and Adderall. They are available in extended-release and short-acting formulations. Short-acting medicines can last up to 3-4 hrs and are usually taken twice or three times a day. Extended-release medications can last as long as 16 hours and are usually taken once daily. Many adults prefer to supplement their morning medication with a short-acting dose in the evening or in the afternoon to bridge the gap when the medicine wears off.
Stimulants can cause nausea and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. They can also make people feel more stressed and angry than they usually do. They can also make tics worse or increase the frequency. They can also cause a slight slowing of growth in certain adolescents and children, however it's only temporary and doesn't alter the final height. They can also cause weight growth and increase appetite. They can also trigger an increase in blood cholesterol levels in some people.
Certain antidepressants can be employed "off-label", to treat ADHD. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is the most popular drug used. It is a neurotransmitter stimulant that increases dopamine and norepinephrine. It is especially beneficial for people with ADHD and depression or anxiety. It is a great option in the event that stimulants don't work in the absence of being tolerated or abused or if a substance abuse disorder is present.