ADHD Medications and Treatments
Stimulants are the main medications used to treat ADHD. They increase levels of neurotransmitters that help improve concentration and control of impulses. They include dextroamphetamine and amphetamine that are known under brands like Adderall, and methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine, also known as Ritalin and Concerta.
If stimulants are not effective or cause too many side effects, doctors can prescribe antidepressants such as Wellbutrin. These drugs target dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain.
Medication
The brain chemicals norepinephrine as well as dopamine are essential for thinking and concentration. The most popular stimulants, a medication for ADHD can be effective if taken according to the directions. But, as with all medications, stimulants can cause side effects. Doctors and patients collaborate to find the right dosage or combination of drugs to minimize those side effects.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary, but they always include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. For children, the symptoms typically start before age 12, and continue through the adolescent period and into adulthood. The symptoms can be mild or moderate, and may differ between boys and girls. 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 health care provider can accurately diagnose ADHD in the child or teenager by following the American Psychiatric Association guidelines. They will speak to the parents and children about their symptoms, and will observe them in various settings. A child must show at least six signs in two or more settings and these symptoms should affect the child's development and functioning. The symptoms must have manifested prior to the age of 12.
The majority of children suffering from ADHD are prescribed medication for their symptoms. Doctors can prescribe amphetamine-based stimulants such as Adderall or the methylphenidate (the ingredient in Ritalin). Doctors can prescribe nonstimulant drugs like bupropion or atomoxetine treat ADHD. These drugs don't perform in the same way as stimulants do however they can lessen some of the disorder's bothersome side effects.
People who suffer from ADHD typically have other psychiatric conditions, especially depression or another disorder of the mood. They also have a higher risk of substance use disorders. These other problems can be treated with behavioral therapy that teaches children and adults how to better deal with ADHD.
Research has demonstrated that treatment with both medication and behavioral therapy can enhance a person's quality of life and reduce symptoms. Some teens and kids do not respond to the medication available for ADHD and therefore require less or a alternative type of medication. Clinical trials are currently being conducted to determine the most effective treatment option for adults and adolescents with ADHD.
Behavioral therapy
Certain people may not require medication to benefit from therapy for behavior. A modification in lifestyle or diet may help these individuals ease symptoms of ADHD. In addition, they may be able to figure out ways to improve their organization skills, for example, placing important items in designated places or using reminders and alarms. Exercise and other activities requiring physical movement can be utilized to redirect energy, instead of acting out of a lack of.
Behavioral therapy is especially beneficial for children with ADHD. It can teach parents how to be better parents and also help their child cope with stress and other problems that may cause attention deficits. Behavioral therapy can help children learn to manage their emotions and build positive self-esteem, as well as manage their behavior in school.
To determine the cause of ADHD doctors will discuss the individual's symptoms at length with the person and observe his or her behavior in different situations. They will look over school records and questionnaires from family members, teachers, and others who know the person. They will also rule other illnesses and health conditions with similar symptoms. They will also use ADHD rating scales and conduct an exam for medical conditions.
The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. These drugs are made to boost the activity in the regions of the brain which regulate attention. This includes the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal ganglia. There are also non-stimulant medicines that can be used to treat ADHD. These medications are considered less effective but safer than stimulants.
For those suffering from ADHD, treatment can be an extended process and it's crucial to see a health care provider regularly. Symptoms of the disorder can impact school, work, and relationships. If not treated it can result in depression, low self-esteem, trouble with food and poor eating habits, and addiction to alcohol or drugs.
It is also essential to speak with your doctor if you notice that a medication that was previously effective doesn't have the same effect or triggers side consequences. You should also make sure to inform your doctor of any other supplements or medications you're taking, since some can interact with certain ADHD medications.
Counseling
Counseling can assist children and adults with ADHD overcome the challenges they face each day. Counselors can help them learn to remember appointments, use calendars and date books, and set realistic goals for themselves. Counseling can also aid in improving relationships and reduce conflicts. Mental health professionals can also inform parents about the condition and help them develop new skills, attitudes, and ways of communicating with their children.
Counseling can help patients of all ages organize their lives and improve their performance at work. They can learn how to stay focused on their work by breaking large tasks into smaller chunks that are more manageable and learn strategies for dealing for dealing with anger, frustration, and anxiety. Psychotherapy can assist adults in gaining confidence and control impulsive and risk-taking behaviors.
In addition to counseling for adults, many find it beneficial to explore other treatment options. Some stimulants can have adverse effects on the body, such as jitteriness and sleep disturbances, so they should only be used as directed. People with ADHD need to be honest with their physicians and let them know they are having difficulty with certain medications.
MPH is an stimulant commonly prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. This drug boosts levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that influence attention and behavior. This drug is available in immediate-release and extended-release versions. The longer-acting ones build up slowly in the bloodstream, and are worn off slowly. This reduces the "crash" caused by a drug's level dropping.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD can also benefit from nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine, an antidepressant, or bupropion. They are slower to work than stimulants and may be a better option more info for those who are unable to take them because of other health issues or severe side effects.
Some people suffering from ADHD are also afflicted with depression or anxiety. In these cases doctors will prescribe an antidepressant or an antianxiety medication, along with the ADHD medication. They will keep in mind how the drugs could interact or conflict with one another, and will look for signs of potentially harmful side effects.
Other treatment options
There are several drugs that can be used to treat ADHD. They are all designed to increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This improves the capacity to concentrate and listen, as well as their memory. These medications include stimulants as well as nonstimulants. The stimulants are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD. Although stimulants work for many people, they can cause adverse negative effects. Some of these side effects could be serious. Your doctor can help determine the right dosage of medication to suit your needs. They can also recommend alternative treatments that can minimize or eliminate adverse effects.
The two most commonly used types 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 in extended-release and short-acting preparations. Short-acting medications can last for 3-4 hours, and are usually taken three or four times a day. Extended-release medicines can last as long as 16 hours and are usually taken every day. Many adults choose to supplement their morning medication with a shorter-acting dose in late afternoon or evening to bridge the gap between the two doses as the medication wears off.
Stimulants may cause nausea, changes in blood pressure and heart rate. They may also make people feel more stressed and angry than they typically do. They may cause tics to become more severe or increase their frequency. In some children and adolescents, they can cause an insignificant delay in growth, however this is only temporary and doesn't affect the final height. They can also lead to weight gain and increase appetite. They can also cause an increase in blood cholesterol in some people.
Some antidepressants are also sometimes utilized "off-label" to treat ADHD. The most commonly used is bupropion (Wellbutrin), which helps by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. It can be especially helpful for those suffering from ADHD and anxiety or depression. It is a great option when stimulants are not working, if they are not taken or misused or if a drug abuse disorder is present.