Treatment For ADHD

The most common treatments for adding are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). Medications can include stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, and nonstimulants like atomoxetine, clonidine, guanfacine and viloxazine.

Stimulant medications should not be used in patients with active addiction issues, but they are a possibility for those who are in stable remission. Combination treatment For adhd in adults uk with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.

Stimulants

Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are released between brain synapses. This helps improve concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. Most doctors prescribe stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They may recommend methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines which are similar to each other. The type prescribed will depend on the individual's biochemistry and how well they react to the drug. It could take anywhere from five to seven days before the full effects of the medication are apparent. Improved concentration, better memory, better sleep and reduced the tendency to be impulsive are all indications that the medication is working.

The medicines in this class may have adverse effects, including decreased appetite and trouble sleeping, and may raise blood pressure and heart rate. Some people with an illness, such as high blood pressure or heart disease, shouldn't take these medications. They are highly prone for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians or neurologists, and in certain situations general practitioners can prescribe them. They are available in the form of pills or tablets or patches that go on the skin, or in liquids.

Children and adolescents who consume stimulants often experience appetite problems and weight loss. When the dose is too high, they may also develop symptoms of tics. In this situation the doctor will decrease the dosage to prevent the drug from causing more symptoms.

The use of stimulant medications is for about 70% to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. A majority of children and young adults find that their symptoms improve when they receive treatment. This is particularly relevant for children who have parents, teachers or other caregivers who have reported improvements.

The early use of stimulants can reduce the risk for addiction disorders later in life. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic as well as colleagues81,82 and Biederman et al83 found that treatment with stimulants decreases the risk of developing substance use disorders during adolescence, however that this protective effect wanes as we enter early adulthood.