ADHD Medications and Treatments
The most common medications used to treat ADHD are stimulants. They increase neurotransmitters, which aid in controlling impulses and improving concentration. They include dextroamphetamine and amphetamine that are known under names such as Adderall, and methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine. They are also known as Ritalin and Concerta.
If stimulants are not effective or cause too many adverse side effects, doctors may prescribe antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin. These drugs target norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
Medication
The brain chemicals norepinephrine as well as dopamine are important for thinking and concentration. The most popular stimulants, a medication used to treat ADHD, can be effective if taken according to the directions. Like all medications, stimulants can cause side effects. Doctors and patients collaborate to find the right dosage or combination of medications to minimize the adverse effects.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary, but they always include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. Symptoms usually begin prior to the age of 12 and progress through adolescence and sometimes into adulthood. The symptoms may be mild or moderate, and may 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 diagnose ADHD in teens or children by following the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for the disorder. They will inquire with the child and parents 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 affect the child's development and functioning. The symptoms must have started before the child turned 12.
The majority of children suffering from ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. A doctor can prescribe methylphenidate, a ingredient in Ritalin, or amphetamine-based stimulants, such as Adderall. Doctors can also prescribe non-stimulant drugs to treat ADHD, including atomoxetine and bupropion. These drugs don't work like stimulants do, however they can help reduce some of the ADHD's unpleasant adverse effects.
ADHD is often associated with other psychiatric disorders like depression or mood disorders. They also have a higher risk of developing substance use disorders. Behavioral therapy, which is able to teach adults and children better ways to cope with their ADHD can assist in addressing these other problems.
Research has shown that treatment with both behavioral therapy and medication can improve the level of living and reduce symptoms. Some teens and kids don't respond to the medications available for ADHD and may need a lower dose or a different type of medicine. Clinical trials are ongoing to find the best treatment for adolescents and adults with ADHD.
Behavioral therapy
For some people who are not able to handle behavior therapy, it may not require medication. For these individuals it is possible to make changes to their diet and lifestyle can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD. They may also be able improve their organizational skills by using reminders and alarms or by storing important items in designated locations. Exercise and other activities that require physical movement can be used to redirect energy, instead of acting out of a lack of.
Behavioral therapy is especially beneficial for children who suffer from ADHD. It can teach parents how to be better parents and also assist their child to deal with stress or other issues that could cause problems with attention. Behavioral therapy can help children manage their emotions and develop confidence in themselves and also control their behavior at school.
To diagnose ADHD, doctors will discuss the symptoms with the patient and observe their behavior in various situations. They will review school records and questionnaires from family members, teachers and other people who know the individual. They will also determine if there are other illnesses and conditions that have similar symptoms. They will also apply ADHD rating scales and perform a medical exam.
The most common medications used to treat ADHD are stimulants designed to boost brain activity in areas that regulate attention. These include the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal Ganglia. There are several non-stimulant medications that are used to treat ADHD, as well. These medications are thought to be less effective, but they are safer than stimulants.
It can take some time to treat ADHD. It is crucial that you see your doctor regularly. The symptoms of ADHD can cause problems with relationships, work and school. Untreated, it can cause depression, low self-esteem, eating problems, poor eating habits, and alcohol or drug dependence.
It is also advisable to consult your doctor if you feel that a medication that was previously effective isn't performing the same way, or causing side effects. add adult medications is important to inform your doctor about any other medications you take because some of them may interact with certain ADHD medications.
Counseling
Counseling can help children and adults with ADHD to deal with the issues they encounter every day. Counselors can teach them how to remember appointments, use calendars and date books and set realistic goals for themselves. Counseling can also improve relationships and reduce conflicts. Mental health professionals can educate parents about the disorder and help them develop skills, attitudes, or ways to communicate with their children.
Counseling can assist patients in their efforts to organize their lives and improve the efficiency of their jobs. They can learn strategies to remain focused on their tasks, such as breaking large projects down into smaller steps that are easier to manage and learn to manage anger, frustration, and anxiety. Psychotherapy can assist adults in gaining confidence and control impulsive and risk-taking behaviors.
Many adults find that other treatment options are beneficial in addition to counseling. Some stimulants can cause adverse effects such as jitteriness and sleep disturbances. They must be taken only according to prescription. People with ADHD must be honest with their physicians and inform them that they are having issues with certain medications.
MPH is a stimulant that is commonly prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. This drug boosts levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that affect attention and behavior. It is available in both immediate-release and extended-release versions. The longer-acting versions accumulate slowly in the bloodstream, and then wear off slowly. This helps to reduce the "crash" caused by a drug's level dropping.
Some adults with ADHD can 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 unable to take them due to health issues or severe side effects.
Many people with ADHD may also suffer from anxiety or depression. In these situations, doctors may prescribe an antidepressant or an antianxiety medication along with the ADHD medication. They are aware of how the medications could interact and will watch for any side effects.
Other treatment options
There are a variety of drugs that can be used to treat ADHD. They are all designed to increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This improves focus and improves their ability to concentrate and remember. These medications contain stimulants as well with nonstimulants. The stimulants are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD. Although stimulants work for many people, they can cause adverse side negative effects. Some of these side effects could be severe. Your doctor can help you find the right dose of medication to meet your needs. They can also recommend alternative treatments that can lessen or eliminate the adverse effects.
The two most popular types of stimulants for ADHD are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. These drugs are available under various brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. They are available as short-acting formulations and extended-release ones. Short-acting medications can last as long as 3-4 hours, and are usually taken two or three times a day. Extended-release medications are typically taken daily and can last for up to 16 hours. Many adults opt to augment an extended-release morning medication with a shorter-acting dose in late afternoon or evening to bridge the gap between the two doses as the medication wears off.
Stimulants can trigger an upset stomach as well as changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Some people may also feel more anxious and stressed than usual. They can also make tics worse or increase their frequency. In some children and adolescents, they can cause a slight delay in growth, however this is temporary and doesn't affect the final height. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, and can lead to an increase in blood cholesterol as well as other heart-related issues in some people.
Certain antidepressants can also be used "off-label" to treat ADHD. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is the most popular drug used. It helps by increasing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and depression or anxiety. It can also be useful if stimulants don't work, if you can't tolerate them or are at risk of using them or if you suffer from an addiction disorder.