ADHD Medications and Treatments
The primary medications used to treat ADHD are stimulants. They increase neurotransmitters, which help control impulses and improve concentration. These include amphetamine and dextroamphetamine which are marketed under brand names like Adderall and methylphenidate, as well as Lisdexamfetamine. They are also known as Ritalin and Concerta.
Doctors may also prescribe antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (generic name bupropion) for those suffering from ADHD if stimulants don't work or cause unacceptable negative side adverse effects. These medications target dopamine and norepinephrine, which are the brain's chemical messengers.
Medication
Medications affect the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are vital for thinking and attention. Stimulants, the most common treatment for ADHD can be effective if taken according to the directions. Like all medications, stimulants can cause side 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 begin before the age of 12 and they continue throughout adolescence and into adulthood. The symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe and may differ between 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 medical professional can identify ADHD in the child or teenager by following the American Psychiatric Association guidelines. They will talk to the parents and children about their symptoms, and they will observe them in a variety of situations. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must have at least six symptoms that manifest in more than one environment, and they must impair the child's functioning and development. The symptoms must have begun before the child turned 12 years old.
Most children with ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. Doctors can prescribe methylphenidate, a drug found in Ritalin or amphetamine-based stimulants like Adderall. Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant treatments for ADHD like atomoxetine or bupropion. These medications don't work as fast as stimulants however they can help reduce some of the disorder's bothersome adverse effects.
People who suffer from ADHD often have other mental health issues, including depression or another mood problem. They also are at a greater risk of developing addiction disorders. Behavioral therapy, which can teach adults and children better methods to deal with their ADHD, can help address these issues.
Research has proven that treatment with both medication and behavioral therapy can enhance a person's quality of life and reduce symptoms. Some kids and teens don't respond to the medications available for ADHD and therefore require less or a different type of medication. Clinical trials are ongoing to determine the best treatment options for adolescents and adults with ADHD.
Behavioral therapy
Certain people may not require medication to benefit from therapy for behavior. A alteration in diet or lifestyle may help these individuals ease symptoms of ADHD. They could also improve their organization skills by using reminders or alarms or by storing important items in designated places. They can also make use of exercises and other activities that require physical movement to make energy available, instead of engaging in impulsive behavior.
Behavioral therapy can be especially beneficial for children suffering from ADHD. It can help parents learn to be better parents and also assist their child to deal with stress or other problems that may cause problems with attention. Behavioral therapy helps children learn to control their emotions and develop confidence in themselves as well as manage their behavior in school.
To diagnose ADHD, doctors discuss the person's symptoms at length with them, and observe his or her behavior in various situations. They also look over school records as well as questionnaires from family members and teachers, and other details about the individual. They will also determine if there are other health conditions and illnesses that have similar symptoms. They will also conduct a medical exam and use ADHD rating scales.
The most common medication used to treat ADHD is stimulants. These medications are designed to boost the activity in the areas of the brain that regulate attention. These include the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal Ganglia. There are many non-stimulant medicines that are used to treat ADHD, as well. These are generally considered less effective, however they are safer than stimulants.
For people with ADHD treatment is an extended process, and it's important to see a medical provider regularly. The symptoms of ADHD can be a problem with relationships, work, and school. Untreated, it can cause depression, low self-esteem eating disorders, poor diet and alcohol or drug addiction.
You should also talk to your doctor if you feel that a medication that was once effective is no longer producing the same results, or causing side effects. It is also important to mention any other medications or supplements you are taking, as certain supplements can interact with ADHD medicines.
Counseling
No matter what medication is being used, counseling can help adults and children with ADHD cope with everyday problems caused by their disorder. Counselors can assist them in learning how to make use of calendars, date books and remember appointments. They can also help set realistic goals. Counseling can also provide strategies for improving relationships and reducing conflict. Mental health professionals can inform parents on the disorder and help them develop abilities and attitudes or ways to communicate with their children.
For adult patients counseling can help them understand how to organize their lives and improve their performance. They can learn strategies for staying focused on their work like breaking large projects down into smaller steps that are easier to manage more info and learn to manage anger, frustration, and anxiety. Psychotherapy can also help adults gain confidence and control their impulsive and risk-taking behaviors.
Many adults discover alternative treatment options beneficial in addition to counseling. Stimulants can have negative effects on the body, such as insomnia and jitteriness therefore, they should only be taken as prescribed. People suffering from ADHD must be honest with their physicians and let them know they are experiencing difficulties with certain medications.
MPH is an stimulant that is recommended by a majority of doctors to treat ADHD. The drug increases levels of neurotransmitters within the brain, which affect attention and behavior. It is available in immediate-release and extended release forms. The longer-acting ones accumulate slowly in the bloodstream, and then wear off gradually. This minimizes the "crash" caused by the drop in a drug's concentration.
Some nonstimulant drugs such as the antidepressant atomoxetine or bupropion, also can be beneficial for certain adults suffering from ADHD. They are slower to work than stimulants and could be better for those who are not able to take them due to health issues or severe adverse reactions.
Many people with ADHD also have depression or anxiety. In these instances, doctors will prescribe an antidepressant or an antianxiety medication, along with the ADHD medications. They are aware of how the medications could interact and will be on the lookout for any potential side effects.
Other treatment options
There are many medications that may be used to treat ADHD. They all aim to increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain. This helps people focus better and improves their ability to hear and remember. These medications contain stimulants as well as non-stimulants. The stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. While stimulants can be effective for many people, they may cause adverse side negative effects. Some of these side effects could be severe. Your doctor can assist you to find the right dose of medication for your requirements. They can also recommend other treatments that can reduce or avoid side effects.
The two most commonly used stimulants for ADHD include methylphenidate, and dextroamphetamine. They are sold under various brand names that include Ritalin and Adderall. They are available in both extended-release and short-acting preparations. Short-acting medications can last as long as 3-4 hours, and are usually taken two or three times a day. Extended-release medicines are typically taken daily and can last for up to 16 hours. Many people supplement an extended release morning medication with a shorter-acting dose late afternoon or evening to bridge the gap between the time when the medicine wears off and the next dose.
Stimulants can cause upset stomach and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. They can also make people feel more stressed and angry than they usually do. They can cause tics to become more severe or increase their frequency. In some children and adolescents they may cause a slight delay in growth, however this is temporary and does not affect final height. They can also lead to weight growth and increase appetite. They may also cause an increase in blood cholesterol levels in some people.
Certain antidepressants can be used "off-label" to treat ADHD. The most popular is bupropion (Wellbutrin), which works by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. It can be particularly helpful for those suffering from ADHD and anxiety or depression. It may be beneficial if stimulants do not work when they are taken or misused or if a drug abuse disorder is present.