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ADHD Medications and Treatments
Stimulants are the main medications used to treat ADHD. They boost levels of neurotransmitters to improve concentration and control of impulses. These include dextroamphetamine, amphetamine, and dex, known by names such as Adderall and methylphenidate as well as lisdexamfetamine, called Ritalin and Concerta.
Doctors may prescribe antidepressants, like Wellbutrin (generic name bupropion) for those suffering from ADHD when stimulants aren't effective or cause unacceptable negative side adverse effects. These medications target dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
Medication
The brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine are vital for concentration and thinking. The most popular stimulants, a treatment for ADHD can be effective when taken as directed. But like all medications, stimulants can cause adverse effects. Doctors and patients work together to determine the optimal dosage or combination of medications to minimize the side effects.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary, but they always include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. Symptoms usually begin at the age of 12, and last through adolescence and into adulthood. The symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe and may be different for 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 identify ADHD in the teen or child by following the guidelines of the American Psychological Association for the disorder. They will speak to the child and their parents about their symptoms, and they will observe them in different situations. A child must exhibit at least six signs in two or more different environments and these symptoms should affect the child's development and functioning. The symptoms must have started before the age of 12 years old.
The majority of children suffering from ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. Doctors may prescribe amphetamine-based stimulants such as Adderall or the methylphenidate (the ingredient in Ritalin). Doctors can also prescribe non-stimulant treatments for ADHD, including atomoxetine and bupropion. These medications don't work as fast as stimulants but they can lessen some of the ADHD's unpleasant side effects.
ADHD is often associated with other psychiatric disorders, such as mood disorders or depression. adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication are also more likely to develop disorders of substance use. These issues can be treated with behavioral therapy that teaches children and adults how to better cope with ADHD.
Research has shown that treatment with both behavioral therapy and medication can improve the quality of life and reduce symptoms. Certain teenagers and children don't respond well to the ADHD medications, so they may require a different medication or a lower dose. Clinical trials are ongoing to find the most effective treatment for adolescents and adults with ADHD.
Behavioral therapy
For certain people, behavior therapy might not require medication. For those who are not, a change in diet and lifestyle might help alleviate symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, they might be able to figure out ways to improve their organizational skills, such as keeping important items in designated locations or using reminders and alarms. They can also make use of exercises and other activities that require physical movement to make energy available, instead of acting impulsively.
Behavioral therapy can be particularly helpful for children with ADHD. It can help parents learn effective parenting skills as well as strategies to help their child cope with stress and other issues that can cause attention deficits. Behavioral therapy can help children control their emotions and develop positive self-esteem, as well as manage their behavior in school.
To determine the cause of ADHD, doctors discuss the person's symptoms in detail with him or her, and observe the person's behavior in different environments. They will also examine school records as well as questionnaires from family members and teachers, as well as other information about the person. They will also rule out other illnesses and health conditions that have similar symptoms. They will also use ADHD rating scales and perform an examination for medical reasons.
The most frequently used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. These drugs are designed to boost brain activity in areas of the brain that regulate attention. This includes the prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia. There are several non-stimulant medications that are used to treat ADHD, as well. They are generally thought to be less effective, however they are more secure 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 disorders, poor nutrition, and alcohol or drug addiction.
You should also talk to your doctor if a medicine that was once effective is not having the same effect or is causing adverse effects. It is also important to mention any other supplements or medications you're taking, since certain supplements can interact with ADHD medicines.
Counseling
Counseling can help children and adults with ADHD overcome the challenges they face every day. Therapists 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 help educate parents on the disorder and help them develop skills and attitudes or ways to relate to their children.
For adult patients counseling can teach them how to organize their lives and improve their work performance. They can learn to stay focused on tasks by breaking up large projects into smaller, more manageable pieces and develop strategies to deal with frustration, anger, and anxiety. Psychotherapy can help adults build confidence and control the risky and impulsive behavior.
Many adults discover that other treatment options are useful in addition to counseling. The stimulants can cause negative side effects, including jitteriness and sleep disturbances, therefore, they should be used only according to the prescription. Patients with ADHD should be honest with their healthcare professionals and inform them if they are having trouble with certain medications.
MPH is an stimulant prescribed by most doctors to treat ADHD. This drug boosts levels of neurotransmitters within the brain that influence the way we think and behave. The drug is available in immediate-release and extended-release form. The longer-acting versions build up slowly in the bloodstream, and fade slowly, which minimizes the "crash" result that can occur when the dosage decreases.
Some people with ADHD can also benefit from nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine, an antidepressant or bupropion. They work slower than stimulants, and could be a better choice for those who aren't able to take them because of other health issues or severe side effects.
Some people with ADHD may also be suffering from anxiety or depression. In these instances, doctors will prescribe an antidepressant, or an antianxiety medication, along with the ADHD medications. They will consider how the medications might interact or clash with one another, and will monitor for signs of potentially harmful side effects.
Other treatment options
There are several medications that may be used to treat ADHD. All of them are designed to increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in brains. This aids in focusing better and improves their ability to hear and remember. These medications include stimulants as well as nonstimulants. The most frequently prescribed medication for treating ADHD, are stimulants. Although stimulants are effective for many people, they may cause adverse side effects. Some of these side effects can be serious. Your doctor can help you find the right dosage of medication to meet your requirements. They may also suggest alternative treatments that could reduce or eliminate side effects.
The two most commonly used kinds of stimulants used for ADHD are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. These medications are sold under a variety of brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. They are available in short-acting preparations and extended-release formulations. Short-acting drugs can last up to 3-4 hrs and are typically taken two or three times a day. Extended-release medications are typically taken daily and can last as long as 16 hours. Many adults prefer to supplement 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 cause nausea and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. They can also make people feel more stressed and angry than they typically do. They may also cause tics to become more frequent or more severe. They may also cause a slight slowing of growth in certain children and teenagers, but it's only temporary and doesn't affect 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-related issues in some people.
Certain antidepressants can also be employed "off-label", to treat ADHD. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is the most commonly used drug. It helps by increasing neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine and so on. It is especially useful for those suffering from ADHD and depression or anxiety. It can also be useful if stimulants don't work or if you're unable to take them or are at risk of abusing them or if you suffer from a substance use disorder.