ADHD Medications and Treatments
The primary medications used to treat ADHD are stimulants. They increase levels of neurotransmitters that help improve concentration and control of impulses. These include dextroamphetamine, amphetamine, and dex which are marketed under names such as Adderall, and methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine, called Ritalin and Concerta.
If stimulants do not work or cause too many side adverse effects, doctors might prescribe antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin. These medications target dopamine as well as norepinephrine, which are the brain's chemical messengers.
Medication
The brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine are vital for concentration and thinking. Stimulants are among the most commonly used medications for ADHD and can be efficient if taken in the prescribed manner. Like all medications, stimulants can cause adverse effects. Doctors and patients collaborate to determine the optimal dose or combination of medication to minimize the risk of 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 they persist throughout the adolescent years and into adulthood. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or even severe and may be different for girls and boys. 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 medical professional can diagnose ADHD in the teen or child by following the guidelines of the American Psychological Association for the disorder. They will speak to the parents and children about their symptoms, and they will observe them in different environments. A child should exhibit at least six signs in two or more environments, and these symptoms must interfere with the child's development and functioning. The symptoms must have manifested prior to the age of 12.
Most kids who have ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. Doctors can prescribe stimulants based on amphetamine, such as Adderall or the methylphenidate (the ingredient in Ritalin). Doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or bupropion to treat ADHD. These medicines don't work as fast as stimulants however they can lessen some of the disorder's unpleasant side effects.
ADHD is often associated with other psychiatric disorders, such as depression or mood disorders. They are also more likely to develop addiction disorders. These other issues can be dealt with through behavioral therapy that teaches children and adults how to deal with ADHD.
Research has proven that treatment with both medication and behavioral therapy can improve the quality of life and decrease symptoms. Some kids and teens don't respond to the medications available for ADHD and therefore need a lower dose or a different type of medication. Clinical trials are ongoing to find the best treatment options for adults and teens with ADHD.
Behavioral therapy
For certain people, behavior therapy may not require medication. A modification in lifestyle or diet could help them lessen the symptoms of ADHD. They may also be able to improve their organizational skills by using reminders and alarms or by keeping important items in designated locations. They can also utilize exercise and other activities that require physical movement to help channel energy instead of engaging in impulsive behavior.
Behavioral therapy is especially beneficial for children with ADHD. It can teach parents effective parenting skills and strategies to help their child cope with stress and other problems that can cause attention deficits. Behavioral therapy helps children to learn to control their emotions, build positive self-esteem and manage their behavior at school.
To determine the cause of ADHD, doctors discuss the person's symptoms with him or her, and observe his or her behavior in different settings. They will review school records and questionnaires from teachers, family members, and others who know the individual. They will also look for other illnesses and conditions with similar symptoms. They will also conduct a medical exam and use ADHD rating scales.
The most frequently used drugs to treat ADHD are stimulants designed to boost brain activity in areas that control attention. These include the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. There are also non-stimulant medicines that can be used to treat ADHD. These medications are thought to be less effective, but they are safer than stimulants.
For those suffering from ADHD treatment is a long process and it's essential to see a medical provider regularly. The symptoms of ADHD can affect school, work, and relationships. If not treated, it can lead to depression, low self-esteem, eating problems, poor nutrition, and addiction to alcohol or drugs.
It is also advisable to consult your doctor if a medication that was once effective is not performing the same way, or causing side effects. You should also make sure to mention any other supplements or medications you're taking, as certain medications can interact with ADHD medications.
Counseling
Counseling can help adults and children with ADHD overcome the challenges they encounter every day. Counselors can assist them in learning how to make use of calendars, date books and remember appointments. They can also help them set realistic goals. Counseling may also suggest ways to improve relationships and reducing conflict. Mental health professionals can inform parents on the disorder and assist them in developing skills and attitudes or ways to communicate with their children.
For adults counseling can help them understand how to organize their lives and improve their work performance. They can learn to stay focused on tasks by breaking up large projects into smaller pieces that are easier to manage and practice coping strategies with frustration, anger, and anxiety. Psychotherapy can assist adults in gaining confidence and control impulsive and risk-taking behavior.
Many adults discover that other treatment options are helpful in addition to counseling. The stimulants can cause negative side effects, including jitteriness and sleep disturbances, so they should only be used according to the prescription. People suffering from ADHD must be honest with their doctors and let them know they are experiencing difficulties with certain medications.
MPH is an stimulant that is commonly prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. The drug increases levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which affect the way we think and behave. This drug is available in immediate-release as well as extended-release form. The longer-acting ones are slowly absorbed into the bloodstream, and wear off slowly. This reduces the "crash" caused by the drop in a drug's concentration.
Some nonstimulant drugs such as the antidepressant atomoxetine and bupropion are also beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, and may be better for those who are not able to take them due to health issues or severe adverse effects.
Some people with ADHD may also suffer from depression or anxiety. In these cases doctors will prescribe an antidepressant or an antianxiety medication, along with the ADHD medications. They will be aware of how the medications could interact or conflict with each other, and they will look for signs of troubling adverse effects.
Other treatment options
There are a variety of 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 focus and listen, and also improves memory. These medications contain stimulants as well as nonstimulants. Stimulants, which are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD, are stimulants. They are effective for a variety of people, but they may cause adverse side negative effects. Some of these side effects can be severe. Your doctor can help determine the best dose of medication to meet your requirements. They may also suggest alternative treatments that can reduce or eliminate side effects.
The two most commonly used stimulants used to treat ADHD include methylphenidate, and dextroamphetamine. These medications are sold under many brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. They are available in both extended-release and short-acting preparations. Short-acting medicines can last for 3-4 hours and are typically taken two or three times per day. Extended-release medications can last as long as 16 hours and are typically taken daily. Many adults choose to supplement their morning medication with a shorter-acting dose in the late afternoon or evening to bridge the gap after the medicine is fading.
Stimulants can cause an upset stomach and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. They may also make people feel more anxious and irritable than they usually do. They may also make tics more frequent or more severe. adult adhd medication can also cause a minor slowing of growth in certain teens and children, but it's only temporary and doesn't affect the final height. They can also increase appetite and weight gain and could cause an increase in blood cholesterol as well as other heart issues in certain people.
Certain antidepressants can also be utilized "off-label" to treat ADHD. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is the most popular drug used. It works by increasing neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine and so on. It is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD and depression or anxiety. It can also be useful when stimulants don't work for you, if you are unable to tolerate them or are at risk of using them, or if you have an addiction to drugs.