ADHD Medications and Treatments
The primary medications used to treat ADHD are stimulants. They increase levels of neurotransmitters to increase concentration and control impulses. They include dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, known by brands like Adderall, and methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine, called Ritalin and Concerta.
If stimulants don't work or cause too many side effects, doctors may prescribe antidepressants such as Wellbutrin. These medications target dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain.
Medication
Medications affect the brain chemicals norepinephrine as well as dopamine which are vital for concentration and thinking. Stimulants, the most common treatment for ADHD, can be effective when taken as directed. Like all medicines, stimulants can cause side effects. Doctors and patients work together to determine the appropriate dosage or combination of drugs to minimize those side effects.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary, but they always include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. The signs usually start before the age of 12 and continue through adolescence, and sometimes into adulthood. The symptoms can be mild or moderate and could differ between 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 health care provider can determine ADHD in a child or teenager by following the guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association for the disorder. They will ask parents and children about their symptoms and observe them in various situations. A child must exhibit at least six signs in two or more settings and the symptoms must hinder the child's development and functioning. The signs must have been present before the age of 12 years old.
The majority of kids with ADHD are prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. Doctors can prescribe methylphenidate which is the drug in Ritalin, or amphetamine-based stimulants such as Adderall. Doctors can prescribe nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or bupropion to treat ADHD. These medications don't work as quickly as stimulants, but they can lessen some of the unpleasant side effects.
People suffering from ADHD often have other mental health issues, including depression or a different mood disorder. They are also more likely to develop substance abuse disorders. Behavioral therapy, which is able to teach adults and children ways to manage their ADHD and other issues, can help with these other problems.
Research has shown that the combination of medication and behavioral therapy can improve the quality of life of an individual and reduce the symptoms. Some teens and children aren't able to respond well to ADHD medication, and may require a different medication or a lower dosage. Clinical trials are currently being conducted to determine the most effective treatment option for adults and adolescents with ADHD.
Behavioral therapy
For certain people, behavior therapy might not require medication. A alteration in diet or lifestyle could help them lessen the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, they might be able to improve their organizational skills, such as keeping important items in designated areas or using reminders or alarms. They can also make use of exercise and other activities that require physical effort to channel energy, rather than being impulsive.
Behavioral therapy is especially beneficial for children with ADHD. It can teach parents how to be better parents and help their child deal with stress or other issues that could cause problems with attention. Behavioral therapy can help children manage their emotions and build confidence in themselves, and also control their behavior in school.
To diagnose 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 family members, teachers, and others who know the individual. They will also rule other illnesses and health conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. They will also conduct a medical exam and use ADHD rating scales.
The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. These drugs are made to increase the brain activity in the areas of the brain that control attention. These include the prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia. There are several non-stimulant medications that are used to treat ADHD as well. These drugs are regarded as less effective but 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 result in depression or low self-esteem, issues with eating and poor eating habits, and drug or alcohol addiction.
You should also talk to your doctor if you feel that a medication that was previously effective isn't performing the same way or is causing adverse effects. It's important to tell your doctor about any other medications you're taking in case they interact with certain ADHD medications.
Counseling
Counseling can help children and adults 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 can also improve relationships and reduce conflict. Mental health professionals can inform parents on the disorder and help them develop skills or attitudes, or methods to interact with their children.
For patients who are older, counseling can teach them how to manage their lives and improve their performance. They can learn how to remain focused on their tasks by breaking large tasks into smaller pieces that are easier to manage and learn strategies for dealing for dealing with anger, frustration, and anxiety. Psychotherapy can help adults gain confidence, and manage risky and impulsive behaviors.
Many adults discover that other treatment options are helpful in addition to counseling. Some stimulants can cause adverse effects like jitteriness or sleep disturbances. They should only be used according to a prescription. Patients with ADHD should be honest with their doctors and let them know they are having difficulty taking certain medications.
The majority of doctors prescribe the stimulant methylphenidate, also more info known as MPH, to treat ADHD. This drug boosts levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that influence the way we think and behave. It is available in both immediate-release and extended release forms. The longer-acting forms accumulate slowly in the bloodstream, and are worn off slowly. This helps to reduce the "crash" caused by a drug's levels dropping.
Some adults with ADHD might also benefit from nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine, an antidepressant or bupropion. They work slower than stimulants, and may be more beneficial for people who are unable to take them due to other health issues or severe adverse effects.
Many people with ADHD may also suffer from depression or anxiety. In these cases doctors typically prescribe an antidepressant, or an antianxiety medication in addition to the ADHD medication. They will keep in mind how the drugs could interfere or conflict with one another, and they will monitor for signs of potentially harmful side effects.
Other treatment options
ADHD can be treated with a range of medications. They are all designed to increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This improves focus and improves their ability to hear and remember. These drugs include stimulants aswell with nonstimulants. The most frequently prescribed medication to treat ADHD are stimulants. Although stimulants are effective for many people, they can cause adverse side negative effects. Some of these side effects can be serious. Your doctor can assist you to find the right dose of medication to meet your needs. They may also suggest alternative treatments that could reduce or eliminate adverse effects.
The two most commonly used stimulants used to treat ADHD are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. These drugs are available under various brand names, such as Adderall and Ritalin. They are available in both short-acting and extended-release preparations. Short-acting medicines can last up to 3-4 hours and are typically taken two or three times per day. Extended-release medications can last up to sixteen hours and are typically taken daily. Many adults supplement their extended release medication in the morning with a shorter-acting dose late in the afternoon or evening, to make up the time between the medicine wearing off and the next dose.
Stimulants may cause nausea, changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Some people may feel more anxious and stressed than normal. They can cause tics to get worse or increase the frequency. They may also cause a slight growth delay in some teens and children, but it's only temporary and does not alter the final height. They can also cause weight growth and increase appetite. They can also cause an increase in blood cholesterol in certain individuals.
Some antidepressants are also sometimes used "off-label" for treating ADHD. The most widely used is bupropion (Wellbutrin) which helps by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. It is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD and depression or anxiety. It may be beneficial in the event that stimulants don't work when they are tolerated or abused or if a substance abuse disorder is present.