ADHD Medications and Treatments
The most common medications used to treat ADHD are stimulants. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters that help improve concentration and control impulses. Adderall and dextroamphetamine are just two examples, as well as the methylphenidate, Lisdexamfetamine and Ritalin which are also known by their brand names.
Doctors may also prescribe antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (generic name bupropion) for people suffering from ADHD when stimulants aren't effective or cause unacceptable negative side adverse effects. These drugs target dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
Medication
The brain chemicals norepinephrine as well as dopamine are important in focusing and thinking. The stimulants are the most frequently used drugs for ADHD and are beneficial if they are used in the prescribed manner. However, like all medications stimulants can trigger side effects. Doctors and patients work together to determine the appropriate dose or combination of medications to reduce the risk of side effects.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary, but they always include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. The symptoms usually begin before the age of 12 and last through adolescence and even into adulthood. The symptoms could be mild or moderate, and could 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 identify ADHD in children or teens by following the American Psychiatric Association guidelines. They will discuss with the child and their parents about their symptoms, and will observe them in different environments. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must have at least six symptoms that appear in more than one setting and must affect the child's performance and development. The signs must have been present before the child turned 12 years old.
Most children with ADHD are prescribed medication to treat 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 treatments for ADHD like atomoxetine or bupropion. These medications aren't as fast as stimulants but they can lessen some of ADHD's annoying adverse effects.
People with ADHD often have other psychiatric disorders, such as depression or a different mood disorder. They are also more likely to develop disorders of substance use. Behavioral therapy, which can teach children and adults better methods to deal with their ADHD, can help address these issues.
Research has shown that treatment with both behavioral therapy and medication can enhance a person's quality of life and reduce symptoms. Some kids and teenagers don't respond well to the ADHD medication, and may require a different medication or a lower dose. Clinical trials are currently being conducted to find the best treatment option for adolescents and adults with ADHD.
Behavioral therapy
For some people the treatment for behavior may not require medication. A change in diet or lifestyle may help these individuals ease symptoms of ADHD. They could also improve their organizational abilities by using reminders or alarms or by storing important items in designated places. Exercise and other activities requiring physical movement can be used to help channel energy, instead of acting out of a lack of.
Behavioral therapy is particularly beneficial for children with ADHD. It can teach parents how to be better parents, and also help their child cope with stress and other issues that can cause attention deficits. Behavioral therapy assists children to learn to control their emotions, improve their self-esteem, and manage their behavior at school.
In order to diagnose ADHD, doctors discuss the person's symptoms in detail with him or her, and observe their behavior in different environments. They will also examine school records and questionnaires from family members and teachers, and other information about the individual. They will also look for other health conditions and illnesses that exhibit similar symptoms. They also will use ADHD rating scales and perform an exam for medical conditions.
The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. These medications are designed to increase the brain activity in the regions of the brain which regulate attention. These include the prefrontal cortex and the basal Ganglia. There are also non-stimulant drugs that can be used to treat ADHD. These medications are thought to be less effective, but they are safer than stimulants.
It can take an extended time to treat ADHD. It is essential to see your doctor regularly. The symptoms of ADHD can interfere with relationships, work and school. If it is not treated, it can lead to depression or low self-esteem, issues with eating, a poor diet, and alcohol or drug addiction.
You should also talk to your doctor if a medication that was once effective is not performing the same way or causing adverse side effects. Also, be sure to mention any other supplements or medications you're taking, as certain supplements can interact with ADHD medicines.
Counseling
Counseling can assist children and adults with ADHD to deal with the issues they encounter every day. Counselors can assist them in learning how to make use of calendars, date books and remember appointments. They can also set realistic goals. Counseling may also suggest strategies to improve relationships and reducing conflict. Mental health professionals can inform parents about the condition and assist them in developing new abilities, attitudes, and ways of interacting with their children.
For adult patients counseling can teach them how to manage their lives and improve their performance. They can learn how to stay focused on tasks by breaking down large assignments into smaller, more manageable pieces and develop strategies to deal with frustration, anger, and anxiety. Psychotherapy can help adults gain confidence and control impulsive and risk-taking behaviors.
Many adults discover alternative treatment options helpful in addition to counseling. The stimulants can cause negative side effects, including jitteriness and sleep disturbances, therefore they should only be taken according to the prescription. Patients with ADHD must be honest with their doctor and inform them that they are having issues with certain medications.
MPH is a stimulant that is prescribed by most doctors to treat ADHD. This drug increases the levels of neurotransmitters that affect attention and behaviour in the brain. This drug is available in immediate-release and extended-release versions. The longer-acting versions build up slowly in the bloodstream, and fade slowly, which minimizes a "crash" effect caused when the level of the drug decreases.
Some people with ADHD might also benefit from nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine an antidepressant or bupropion. They work slower than stimulants, and may be more beneficial for people who are not able to take them due to health issues or serious adverse reactions.
Some people with ADHD may also suffer from depression or anxiety. In these situations, doctors may prescribe an antidepressant or an antianxiety medication along with the ADHD medications. They will keep in mind how the medications could interact or conflict with one another, and will monitor for signs of troubling adverse effects.
Other treatment options
ADHD can be treated with a range of medications. They are all designed to increase dopamine levels and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This aids in focusing better and improves their ability to concentrate and remember. These medications contain stimulants as well as non-stimulants. The stimulants are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD. They work well for many people, but they can cause side negative effects. Some of these adverse effects can be severe. Your doctor can help determine the best dose of medication that will meet your requirements. They may also suggest alternative treatments that may reduce or eliminate adverse effects.
The two most popular stimulants for ADHD are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. These drugs are sold under a variety of brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. They are available as extended-release and short-acting formulations. Short-acting drugs can last for 3-4 hours and are generally taken two or three times per day. Extended-release medicines can last up to sixteen hours and are usually taken daily. Many adults supplement their extended release morning medication by taking a dose shorter-acting in the late in the afternoon or evening, in order to make up the time between the medicine wearing off and the next dose.
Stimulants can cause nausea and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Some people may feel more irritable and anxious than normal. They may cause tics to become more severe or increase their frequency. They may also cause a slight slowing of growth in certain children and teenagers, but it's only temporary and doesn't alter the final height. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, and they can cause a rise in blood cholesterol as well as other heart problems in some people.
Certain antidepressants can also be used "off-label" to treat ADHD. The most commonly used is bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is a neurotransmitter stimulant that increases norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. It is especially beneficial for people with ADHD and anxiety or depression. It is also a good option if stimulants don't work, if you can't tolerate them or are at risk of using them, or if you have a substance use disorder.