ADHD Medications and Treatments
The primary drugs used to treat ADHD are stimulants. They increase neurotransmitters and help control impulses and improve concentration. These include amphetamine and dextroamphetamine which are marketed under brand names like Adderall and methylphenidate, as well as lisdexamfetamine, called Ritalin and Concerta.
Doctors may prescribe antidepressants like Wellbutrin (generic name bupropion), for people with ADHD when stimulants aren't effective or cause unacceptably adverse negative side negative effects. These medications target dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
Medication
The brain chemicals norepinephrine as well as dopamine are important for thinking and concentration. The stimulants are the most frequently used medications for ADHD, and they are beneficial if they are used according to the directions. Like all medicines, stimulants can cause adverse side 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. The symptoms usually begin prior to the age of 12, and continue through adolescence, and into adulthood. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe 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 doctor can accurately diagnose ADHD in children or teens by following the American Psychiatric Association guidelines. They will interview parents and children about their symptoms and observe them in various environments. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must exhibit at least six signs that manifest in more than one setting and must affect the child's functioning and development. The symptoms must have appeared before the child reached age 12 years old.
The majority of children suffering from ADHD are prescribed medication for their symptoms. Doctors may prescribe stimulants based on amphetamine, such as Adderall or the methylphenidate (the drug found in Ritalin). Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant medications to treat ADHD such as atomoxetine and bupropion. These medications don't work as fast as stimulants however they can lessen some of the disorder's bothersome side effects.
ADHD is often linked to other psychiatric disorders, such as mood disorders or depression. They are also more likely to develop substance abuse disorders. These other problems can be treated with behavioral therapy which teaches children as well as adults how to deal with ADHD.
Research shows that the combination of medication and behavioral therapy can improve the quality of life for people and help reduce symptoms. Certain teenagers and children don't respond well to the ADHD medication, and may require a different drug or a lower dose. Clinical trials are ongoing to determine the most effective treatment for adults and adolescents with ADHD.
Behavioral therapy
Certain people may not require medication to benefit from therapy for behavior. For those who are not changing their diet and lifestyle can aid in easing symptoms of ADHD. In addition, they may be able to figure out ways to improve their organizational skills, such as keeping important items in designated locations or using reminders and alarms. Exercise and other activities that require physical movement can be utilized to redirect energy instead of acting in impulsive ways.
Behavioral therapy can be especially beneficial for children suffering from ADHD. It can help parents learn to be better parents, and help their child deal with stress or other issues that could cause problems with attention. Behavioral therapy assists children to learn to control their emotions, develop positive self-esteem and manage their behavior at school.
To determine the cause of ADHD Doctors will discuss the symptoms with the patient and observe their behavior in different situations. They will look over school records and questionnaires from teachers, family members, and others who know the individual. They will also determine if there are other health conditions or illnesses that have similar symptoms. They will also use ADHD rating scales and conduct an exam for medical conditions.
The most frequently used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. These drugs are made to increase the brain activity in the areas of the brain which regulate attention. These include the prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia. There are a variety of non-stimulant drugs that are used to treat ADHD as well. These medications are considered less effective, but they are safer than stimulants.
It can take an extended time to treat ADHD. It is essential to visit your doctor regularly. The symptoms of ADHD can impact work, school, and relationships. Untreated, it can cause depression, low self-esteem eating disorders, poor eating habits, and addiction to alcohol or drugs.
You should also speak to your doctor if a medication that was previously effective isn't performing the same way or is causing adverse effects. It's crucial to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking because some of them may interact with certain ADHD medications.
Counseling
Whether or not medication is used counseling can help adults and children with ADHD cope with everyday problems caused by their disorder. Therapists can teach them how to keep track of appointments, use calendars and date books, and establish realistic goals for themselves. Counseling may also suggest strategies for improving relationships and decreasing conflict. Mental health professionals can help parents understand the symptoms and assist them in developing new abilities, behaviors, and ways of relating to their children.
Counseling can help adult patients organize their lives and enhance the efficiency of their jobs. They can learn strategies to remain focused on their work like breaking large assignments down into smaller steps that are easier to manage and practice handling anger, anxiety, and frustration. Psychotherapy can help adults build confidence, and manage the risky and impulsive behavior.
In addition to counseling for adults, many find it helpful to consider other treatments. Some stimulants can cause adverse effects like jitteriness or sleep disturbances. They should only be taken according to a prescription. Patients with ADHD need to be honest with their doctor and let them know that they are having issues taking certain medications.
Most doctors prescribe the stimulant methylphenidate, also known as MPH to treat ADHD. This drug here increases the amount of neurotransmitters which affect attention and behavior in the brain. The drug is available in immediate-release as well as extended-release form. The longer-acting versions build up slowly in the bloodstream, and wear off gradually. This helps to reduce the "crash" caused by a drug's level dropping.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD can also benefit from nonstimulant medication such as atomoxetine an antidepressant, or bupropion. They work slower than stimulants and could be a better option for those who are unable to use them due to other health problems or severe adverse effects.
Many people who suffer from ADHD may also be suffering from anxiety or depression. In these cases, doctors often prescribe an antidepressant, or an antianxiety medication in addition to the ADHD medication. They will be aware of the ways in which the drugs interact and will be on the lookout for any adverse effects.
Other treatment options
There are a variety of medications that may be used to treat ADHD. They are all designed to boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in brains. This aids in focusing better and improves their ability to hear and remember. These medications contain stimulants as well as non-stimulants. Stimulants, which are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD are stimulants. They are effective for a variety of people, however they may cause side effects. Some of these side-effects can be severe. Your doctor can help you determine the best dose of medication to suit your requirements. They may also recommend other treatments to reduce or avoid side effects.
The two most commonly used stimulants for ADHD include methylphenidate, and dextroamphetamine. These drugs are available under various brand names, including Adderall and Ritalin. They are available in short-acting preparations and extended-release formulations. Short-acting medicines can last up to 3-4 hours and are typically taken twice or three times per day. Extended-release medications can last up to sixteen hours and are usually taken once daily. Many adults choose to supplement their morning medication with a short-acting dose in the late evening or in the afternoon to bridge the gap between the two doses as the medication is fading.
Stimulants can cause an upset stomach and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Some people may be more anxious and irritable than normal. They may also make tics worse or increase their frequency. They can also cause a minor slowing of growth in certain adolescents and children, however it's only temporary and does not affect the final height. They can also cause weight growth and increase appetite. They may also cause an increase in blood cholesterol in certain people.
Certain antidepressants are also employed "off-label" to treat ADHD. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is the most popular drug used. It works by increasing neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, and dopamine. It can be particularly helpful for people suffering from ADHD and anxiety or depression. It may be beneficial if stimulants do not work in the absence of being tolerated or abused or if a drug abuse disorder is present.