ADHD Medications and Treatments
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed drugs used to treat ADHD. They boost levels of neurotransmitters, which help improve concentration and control impulses. Adderall and dextroamphetamine are two examples, as are methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine and Ritalin, also known by their brand names.
Doctors can prescribe antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (generic name bupropion) for people suffering from ADHD when stimulants aren't effective or cause unacceptably adverse side adverse effects. These medications target norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain.
Medication
The brain chemicals norepinephrine as well as dopamine are important for thinking and concentration. Stimulants, which are the most commonly used medication for ADHD, can be efficient when used as directed. Like all medications, stimulants can cause adverse effects. Doctors and patients work together to find the best dosage or combination of medications to minimize the 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 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 medical professional can identify ADHD in the teen or child by following the guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association for the disorder. They will interview parents and children about their symptoms and observe them in various settings. A child must exhibit at least six symptoms in two or more environments, and these symptoms must interfere with the child's development and functioning. The symptoms must have appeared prior to the age of 12.
The majority of kids with ADHD are prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. A doctor may prescribe methylphenidate, the drug found in Ritalin or amphetamine-based stimulants such as Adderall. Doctors can prescribe nonstimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine to treat ADHD. These medications don't work as quickly as stimulants, but they can reduce some of ADHD's annoying adverse effects.
People with ADHD often have other psychiatric disorders, such as depression or another disorder of the mood. They are also more likely to develop disorders of substance use. Behavioral therapy, which can teach adults and children better ways to manage their ADHD, can help address these other issues.
Research has shown that treatment with both medication and behavioral therapy can improve the level of living and reduce symptoms. Certain teens and children do not respond to the medication available for ADHD, so they may require a lower dose or a different type of medication. Clinical trials are ongoing to determine the most effective treatment for adults and teens with ADHD.
Behavioral therapy
Some people may not need medication to benefit from behavior therapy. For those who are not it is possible to make changes to their diet and lifestyle could help alleviate symptoms of ADHD. In addition, they may be able to find ways to improve their organizational abilities, like keeping important items in designated locations or using reminders and alarms. Exercise and other activities requiring physical movement can be used to redirect energy instead of acting impulsively.
Behavioral therapy is particularly beneficial for children with ADHD. It can help parents learn to be better parents, and also help their child cope with stress and other issues that can cause problems with attention. Behavioral therapy assists children to learn how to control their emotions, build positive self-esteem and manage their behavior at school.
To diagnose ADHD Doctors will discuss the symptoms with the patient and observe their behavior in different situations. They also look over school records and questionnaires from family members and teachers, as well as other details about the individual. They will also rule out other health conditions and illnesses that exhibit similar symptoms. They will also apply ADHD rating scales and conduct an examination for medical reasons.
The most common medication used to treat ADHD is stimulants. These drugs are made to boost the activity in areas of the brain which regulate attention. This includes the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal ganglia. There are many non-stimulant medicines that are used to treat ADHD as well. They are generally thought to be less effective, but they are less harmful than stimulants.
It can take some time to treat ADHD. It is crucial to see your doctor regularly. The symptoms of ADHD can be a problem with relationships, work and school. If not treated it could lead to depression, low self-esteem, trouble with food and an unhealthy diet, as well as drug or alcohol addiction.
It is also advisable to consult your doctor if a medicine that was previously effective isn't performing the same way, or causing side effects. Also, be sure to mention any other medications or supplements you are taking, as some can interact with certain ADHD medications.
Counseling
Counseling can assist children and adults with ADHD deal with the problems they face each day. Therapists can help them learn how to make use of calendars, date books, and remember appointments. They can also set realistic goals. Counseling can also help improve relationships and reduce conflicts. Mental health professionals can educate parents about the disorder and help them develop new abilities, attitudes, and ways of interacting with their children.
For patients who are older, counseling can teach them how to organize their lives and improve their performance. They can learn strategies to stay focused on tasks by breaking down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, and practice coping with anger, frustration, and anxiety. Psychotherapy can help adults gain confidence, and control risky and impulsive behaviors.
Many adults discover alternative treatment options beneficial in addition to counseling. The stimulants can cause negative side effects, including insomnia and jitteriness therefore they should only be taken as prescribed. Patients with ADHD should be honest with their doctors and inform them that they are experiencing difficulties with certain medications.
MPH is an stimulant more info recommended by a majority of doctors to treat ADHD. This drug increases the levels of neurotransmitters that influence attention and behavior in the brain. The drug is available in immediate-release as well as extended-release versions. The longer-acting ones build up slowly in the bloodstream, and then wear off gradually. This reduces the "crash" caused by a drug's level dropping.
Certain non-stimulant medications such as the antidepressant atomoxetine or bupropion can also be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. They are slower to work than stimulants, and could be better for those who are unable to use them due to health issues or severe adverse effects.
Some people who suffer from ADHD may also be suffering from anxiety or depression. In these cases doctors will often prescribe an antidepressant or an antianxiety medication along with the ADHD medication. They are aware of how the medications could interact and will be on the lookout for any potential side consequences.
Other treatment options
ADHD can be treated with a range of medications. Each of them is designed to increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This increases the ability to concentrate and listen, and also improves memory. These medications include stimulants and nonstimulants. Stimulants, which are the most commonly prescribed medication for treating ADHD, are stimulants. They are effective for a variety of people, but they may cause side effects. Some of these adverse effects can be severe. Your doctor can help you find the right dosage of medication for your needs. They can also recommend other treatments to lessen or prevent adverse effects.
The two most common stimulants used to treat ADHD are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. They are sold under a variety of brand names such as Ritalin and Adderall. They are available in both extended-release and short-acting formulations. Short-acting medicines can last up to 3-4 hrs and are usually taken twice or three times daily. Extended-release preparations can last for up to 16 hours and are usually taken once daily. Many adults opt to supplement an extended-release morning medication with a shorter-acting dose in the late evening or in the afternoon to bridge the gap between the two doses as the medication wears off.
Stimulants may cause nausea, changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people may feel more anxious and stressed than usual. They may also make tics more frequent or more severe. In certain children and adolescents they may cause a slight delay in growth, however this is only temporary and doesn't affect the final height. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain and could cause an increase in blood cholesterol as well as other heart problems in some people.
Some antidepressants can be used "off-label" to treat ADHD. The most popular is bupropion (Wellbutrin) which works by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. It can be especially helpful for people suffering from ADHD and depression or anxiety. It may also be beneficial if stimulants don't work, if you can't tolerate them or are at risk of using them, or if you have an addiction to drugs.