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ADHD Medications and Treatments
The primary medications used to treat ADHD are stimulants. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters, which help improve concentration and control impulses. They include dextroamphetamine and amphetamine which are marketed under brand names like Adderall and methylphenidate as well as Lisdexamfetamine, also known as Ritalin and Concerta.
If stimulants do not work or cause too many side effects, doctors can prescribe antidepressants like Wellbutrin. These drugs target norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
Medication
Drugs affect brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that are essential for attention and thinking. Stimulants, the most common medication for ADHD, can be efficient when used as directed. But, as with all medications, stimulants can cause side negative effects. Doctors and patients work together to determine the best 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. For children, the symptoms typically start before age 12, and continue through the adolescent years and into adulthood. The symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe and could differ for 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 health care provider can pinpoint 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 situations. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child has to exhibit at least six signs that manifest in two or more settings, and they must impair the child's performance 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 can prescribe methylphenidate, a drug in Ritalin or amphetamine-based stimulants, such as Adderall. Doctors can prescribe nonstimulant drugs like bupropion or atomoxetine treat ADHD. These medicines don't work in the same way as stimulants do, but they can reduce some of the disorder's nagging side effects.
People suffering from ADHD typically have other psychiatric disorders, such as depression or another mood problem. They are also more likely to develop addiction disorders. These other problems can be addressed with behavioral therapy that teaches children and adults how to better cope with ADHD.
Research has shown that treatment with both medication and behavioral therapy can improve a person's quality of life and reduce symptoms. Some teens and children aren't able to respond well to ADHD medications, so they might need a different medication or a lower dose. Clinical trials are being conducted to determine the most effective treatment option for adults and adolescents with ADHD.
Behavioral therapy
For some, behavior therapy may not require medication. For these individuals changing their diet and lifestyle could aid in easing symptoms of ADHD. They may also be able to improve their organizational abilities by using reminders or alarms or by keeping important items in designated locations. They can also use exercises and other activities that require physical effort to help channel energy instead of acting impulsively.
Behavioral therapy can be especially beneficial for children suffering from ADHD. It can help parents learn effective parenting skills, as well as ways to help their child deal with stress and other problems that could cause attention deficits. Behavioral therapy helps children to learn to control their emotions, develop positive self-esteem and manage their behavior at school.
To diagnose ADHD doctors will discuss the symptoms with the patient and observe their behavior in various situations. They will also examine school records and questionnaires from family members and teachers, as well as other details about the individual. They will also determine if there are other health conditions or illnesses that exhibit similar symptoms. They will also use ADHD rating scales and conduct an exam for medical conditions.
The most frequently used drugs to treat ADHD are stimulants designed to increase brain activity in the areas that regulate attention. These include the prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia. There are also non-stimulant drugs that can be used to treat ADHD. They are generally thought to be less effective, but they are more secure than stimulants.
For those suffering from ADHD treatment may be a long process and it's essential to visit a health care provider regularly. The symptoms of the disorder can affect school, work, or relationships. If not treated it can result in depression or low self-esteem, issues with eating, an unhealthy diet, as well as alcohol or drug addiction.
It's also crucial to speak with your doctor if you find that a medicine that was once effective no longer has the same effect or causes adverse consequences. It is important to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as some may interact with certain ADHD medications.
Counseling
If medication is utilized, counseling can help children and adults with ADHD deal with the everyday issues that result from 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 ways to improve relationships and reducing conflicts. Mental health professionals can educate parents about the disorder and assist them in developing skills, attitudes, or ways to communicate with their children.
For medications for adhd in adults can teach them how to organize their lives and improve their work performance. They can learn strategies to stay focused on tasks, such as breaking large assignments down into smaller steps that are easier to manage, and practice coping with anger, frustration, and anxiety. Psychotherapy can help adults increase their confidence, and control the risky and impulsive behavior.
In addition to counseling, many adults find it beneficial to consider other treatments. Some stimulants can have adverse effects on the body, such as insomnia and jitteriness so they should be used only as prescribed. Patients with ADHD must be honest with their physicians and inform them that they are experiencing difficulties with certain medications.
MPH is a stimulant that is prescribed by most doctors to treat ADHD. The drug boosts the levels of neurotransmitters which affect attention and behaviour in the brain. This drug is available in immediate-release and extended-release forms. The longer-acting versions are absorbed slowly in the bloodstream and fade slowly, which minimizes the "crash" effect caused when the dosage drops.
Some nonstimulant drugs, such as the antidepressant atomoxetine or bupropion, also can be effective for some adults with ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, and could be a better option for those who cannot use them due to other health issues or serious adverse side effects.
Some people who have ADHD may also suffer from depression or anxiety. In these situations, doctors often prescribe an antidepressant or an antianxiety medication along with the ADHD medication. They will consider how the medications could interfere or conflict with each other, and they will look for signs of potentially harmful adverse effects.
Other treatment options
There are many drugs that can be used to treat ADHD. They are all designed to increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This aids in focusing better and improves their ability to listen and remember. These medications include stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants, the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD, are stimulants. They work well for many people, but they may cause adverse side negative effects. Some of these side effects can be serious. Your doctor can assist you to determine the appropriate dose of medication that meets your requirements. They can also recommend alternative treatments that may minimize or eliminate side effects.
The two most commonly used stimulants for ADHD include methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. These drugs are sold under a variety of brand names, such as Adderall and Ritalin. They are available as extended-release and short-acting preparations. Short-acting medicines can last up to 3-4 hours and are typically taken twice or three times daily. Extended-release preparations can last up to sixteen hours and are usually taken once 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 time when the medicine wears off and the next dose.
Stimulants can trigger an upset stomach and can cause changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Some people may feel more anxious and stressed than normal. They may cause tics to become more severe or increase the frequency. In some children and adolescents they may cause some slight delays in growth, but it is only temporary and does not affect final height. They can also cause weight growth and increase appetite. They can also trigger an increase in blood cholesterol in certain individuals.
Some antidepressants are also sometimes 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 particularly beneficial for people suffering from ADHD and anxiety or depression. 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 have a substance use disorder.