ADHD Medications and Treatments
Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD. They boost levels of neurotransmitters that help improve concentration and control impulses. These include amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, known by brand names like Adderall and methylphenidate as well as Lisdexamfetamine, also known as Ritalin and Concerta.
Doctors may prescribe antidepressants like Wellbutrin (generic name bupropion) for those suffering from ADHD if stimulants don't work or cause intolerable negative side adverse effects. These medications target dopamine as well as norepinephrine, which are the brain's chemical messengers.
Medication
Drugs affect brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are essential for concentration and thinking. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD and are effective if they are taken in the prescribed manner. But like all medications, stimulants can cause side negative effects. Doctors and patients work together to find the right dosage or combination of medications to minimize those side effects.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary, but they always include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. In children, symptoms usually begin before the age of 12 and they continue throughout the adolescent years and into adulthood. The symptoms may be mild, moderate or even severe and could differ 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 doctor can identify ADHD in a teenager or child 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 must be able to demonstrate at least six symptoms that appear in more than one setting and must affect the child's functioning and development. The signs must have been present before the child reached age 12.
Most kids who have ADHD are prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. A doctor can prescribe methylphenidate which is the drug found in Ritalin, or amphetamine-based stimulants, such as Adderall. Doctors can prescribe nonstimulant drugs such as bupropion or atomoxetine to treat ADHD. These drugs don't work as fast as stimulants but they can reduce some of the unpleasant adverse effects.
ADHD is often linked to other psychiatric disorders, like depression or mood disorders. They are also more likely to develop disorders of substance use. Behavioral therapy, which can teach adults and children better ways to cope with their ADHD, can help address these other issues.
Research has demonstrated that treatment with both behavioral therapy and medication can improve the level of living and reduce symptoms. Some kids and teens do not respond to the medication available for ADHD, so they may need an a lower dose or different type of medicine. Clinical trials are being conducted to find the best treatment option for adolescents and adults with ADHD.
Behavioral therapy
Some people may not need medication to benefit from behavior therapy. A change in diet or lifestyle could help them lessen the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, they might be able to improve their organization skills, for example, keeping important items in specific locations or using reminders and alarms. They can also use exercise and other activities that require physical effort to channel energy, rather than acting impulsively.
Behavioral therapy is particularly helpful for children with ADHD. It can help parents learn effective parenting techniques as well as strategies to help their child cope with stress and other problems that can cause problems with attention. Behavioral therapy helps children to learn how to control their emotions, improve their self-esteem, and manage their behavior at school.
To determine the cause of ADHD, doctors discuss the individual's symptoms in detail with them, and observe the person's behavior in various environments. They also look over school records as well as questionnaires from family members and teachers, as well as other information about the individual. They will also rule out other health conditions or illnesses that exhibit similar symptoms. They will also conduct a medical examination and utilize ADHD rating scales.
The most frequently used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. These drugs are designed to boost brain activity in the areas of the brain that regulate attention. These include the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. There are many non-stimulant medicines that are used to treat ADHD as well. These are generally considered less effective, but they are safer than stimulants.
It can take some time to treat ADHD. It is important to visit your doctor regularly. The symptoms of the disorder can interfere with school, work, or relationships. Untreated, it can cause depression, low self-esteem, eating problems, poor diet and addiction to alcohol or drugs.
You should also speak to your doctor if a medicine that was previously effective isn't producing the same results, or causing side effects. It's important to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as some may interact with certain ADHD medications.
Counseling
Counseling can help children and adults with ADHD to deal with the issues they face every day. 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 improve relationships and reduce conflicts. Mental health professionals can also help parents understand the symptoms and help them develop new abilities, attitudes, and ways of interacting with their children.
Counseling can help patients of all ages manage their lives and improve their performance at work. They can learn strategies to stay focused on tasks like breaking large projects down into smaller steps that are more manageable and learn to manage anger, frustration, and anxiety. Psychotherapy can help adults gain confidence and manage risky and impulsive behaviors.
In addition to counseling Many adults find it helpful to take advantage of other treatment options. The stimulants can cause negative side effects, including insomnia and jitteriness so they should only be used as prescribed. People with ADHD must be honest with their doctor and let them know that they are having issues with certain medications.
Most doctors prescribe the stimulant methylphenidate, or MPH to treat ADHD. This drug boosts levels of neurotransmitters within the brain that affect attention and behavior. The drug is available in immediate-release and extended-release versions. The longer-acting ones build up gradually in the bloodstream and wear off slowly, which minimizes a "crash" effect that occurs when the level of the drug drops.
Certain non-stimulant drugs like the antidepressant atomoxetine and bupropion can also be beneficial for certain adults suffering from ADHD. They are slower to work than stimulants, and could be better for those who are unable to take them due to health issues or severe side effects.
Many people with ADHD also have depression or anxiety. In these cases, doctors often prescribe an antidepressant, or an antianxiety drug along with the ADHD medication. They will be aware of the ways in which the drugs interact and will be on the lookout for any side negative effects.
Other treatment options
ADHD can be treated by a variety of drugs. All of them are designed to increase dopamine levels and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This improves the ability to focus and listen, and also improves memory. These medications contain stimulants as well as non-stimulants. The stimulants are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD. While stimulants can be effective for many people, they may cause adverse effects. Some of these side effects can be severe. Your doctor can assist you in determining the best dose of medication to meet your needs. They can also recommend other treatments to minimize or eliminate side effects.
The two most common types of stimulants for ADHD are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. These drugs are sold under many brand names, such as Adderall and Ritalin. They are available in both short-acting and extended-release preparations. Short-acting medicines can last up to 3-4 hrs and are usually taken twice or three times daily. Extended-release preparations can last up to sixteen hours and are usually taken once daily. Many adults more info opt to augment an extended-release morning medication with a short-acting dose in the late afternoon or evening to fill the gap when the medicine wears off.
The stimulants can cause nausea, changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people may feel more anxious and stressed than usual. They may also cause tics to become more intense or increase the frequency of their appearance. In some children and adolescents, they can cause a slight delay in growth, but this is only temporary and does not affect the final height. They can also lead to weight gain and increase appetite. They can also cause an increase in blood cholesterol in some people.
Certain antidepressants can be employed "off-label", to treat ADHD. The most popular is bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is a neurotransmitter stimulant that increases norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. It can be particularly helpful for those suffering from ADHD and depression or anxiety. It may also be beneficial when stimulants don't work for you, if you are unable to tolerate them or are at risk of abusing them or if you suffer from a substance use disorder.