It's The Next Big Thing In Treatment For ADD

Treatment For ADHD

The most effective treatment options for add are medications and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications contain stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine and atomoxetine. They also include non-stimulants, such as clonidine and guanfacine.

Stimulant medications should not be used in patients with active substance abuse issues, however they can be considered in those who are in stable recovery. Combination therapy with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.

Stimulants

Stimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels between synapses in the brain. This improves concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. The majority of doctors prescribe stimulant medication to treat ADHD. They might prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin), or amphetamines. They are both similar drugs. The type prescribed will depend on a person's biochemistry as well as how well they react to the medication. It can take five to seven days before the full effects of the medication are visible. Improvements in concentration, improved memory, better sleep, and a decrease in impulse control are all indications that the medication is working.

The medicines in this class may cause side effects, such as reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping, and may raise blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure, should not take them. They are controlled substances with a potential for misuse. Only psychiatrists or pediatricians or in certain cases, general practitioners, can prescribe stimulants. They are available in the form of tablets, pills patches that can be applied to the skin or in liquids.

Children and adolescents who are taking stimulants frequently experience problems with appetite and weight loss. They may also experience disorders when the dose is too high. If this happens, the doctor may reduce the dosage to stop the drug from leading to a worsening of symptoms.

About  clinical treatment for adhd  to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD are treated with stimulant medication. The majority of adolescents and children find that their symptoms improve after being treated. This is particularly relevant for children who have parents, teachers or carers who report improvement.

The early use of stimulants can reduce the risk of developing addiction disorders later in life. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic as well as colleagues81,82 and Biederman et al83 found that treatment with stimulants decreases the risk for substance use disorders in adolescents, but the protective effect diminishes as we enter early adulthood.