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ADHD Medications and Treatments
The primary medications used to treat ADHD are stimulants. They increase neurotransmitters and aid in controlling impulses and improving concentration. These include amphetamine and dextroamphetamine that are known under names such as Adderall and methylphenidate as well as lisdexamfetamine, called Ritalin and Concerta.
If stimulants are not effective or cause too many side effects, doctors may prescribe antidepressants such as Wellbutrin. These medications target dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
Medication
The brain chemicals norepinephrine as well as dopamine are important in focusing and thinking. Stimulants, the most common treatment for ADHD are efficient when used as directed. However, like all medications stimulants can cause side effects. Doctors and patients collaborate to determine the best dosage 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. Symptoms usually begin at 12 years of age and last through adolescence and even into adulthood. The symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe and may 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 medical professional can identify ADHD in a child or teenager 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 various settings. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child has to be able to demonstrate at least six symptoms that appear in more than one environment, and they must impair the child's performance and development. The signs must have been present before the child reached 12.
The majority of kids with ADHD are prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. A doctor can prescribe methylphenidate, the drug found in Ritalin or amphetamine-based stimulants, such as Adderall. Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant medications to treat ADHD, including atomoxetine and bupropion. These medications don't work as fast as stimulants, but they can reduce some of the disorder's nagging side effects.
People with ADHD frequently suffer from other mental health issues, including depression or another mood problem. They are also more likely to develop substance abuse disorders. Behavioral therapy, which is able to teach children and adults better ways to manage their ADHD can assist in addressing these other problems.
Research has shown that treatment with both behavioral therapy and medication can improve a person's quality of life and reduce symptoms. Certain teenagers and children don't respond well to the ADHD medication, and might need a different medication or a lower dosage. Clinical trials are ongoing to find the best treatment for adults and adolescents with ADHD.
Behavioral therapy
For some people the treatment for behavior may not require medication. For these people, a change in diet and lifestyle can aid in easing symptoms of ADHD. They may also be able to improve their organization skills by using reminders and alarms or by keeping important items in designated places. Exercise and other activities requiring physical activity can be used to help channel energy instead of acting in impulsive ways.
Behavioral therapy can be particularly beneficial for children with ADHD. It can teach parents how to be better parents, and help their child deal with stress or other issues that can cause problems with attention. Behavioral therapy helps children learn to control their emotions, improve their self-esteem and manage their behavior at school.
To determine the cause of ADHD, doctors discuss the symptoms of the patient with them, and observe their 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 rule out other illnesses and health conditions 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 drugs are made to increase the brain activity in areas of the brain that regulate attention. These include the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal Ganglia. There are several non-stimulant medications that are used to treat ADHD and other disorders. These drugs are regarded as less effective, but are more secure than stimulants.
It can take a long time to treat ADHD. It is important to see your doctor regularly. Symptoms of the disorder can interfere with work, school, and relationships. If left untreated, it can lead to depression, low self-esteem, eating problems, poor nutrition, and addiction to alcohol or drugs.
It's also important to talk with your doctor if you find that a medicine that was once effective no longer has the same effect or causes negative side effects. It is also important to inform your doctor of any other medications or supplements you're taking, since certain supplements can interact with ADHD medications.
Counseling
Counseling can help children and adults with ADHD deal with the problems they face every day. Therapists can teach them how to remember appointments, use calendars and date books, and create realistic goals for themselves. Counseling may also suggest strategies to improve relationships and reducing conflict. Mental health professionals can educate parents about the disorder, and assist them in developing abilities, attitudes, or ways to interact with their children.
For adult patients counseling can help them understand how to organize their lives and improve their work performance. They can learn how to remain focused on their tasks by breaking up large projects into smaller, more manageable pieces and learn strategies for dealing to deal with anger, frustration and anxiety. Psychotherapy can help adults gain confidence and control their impulsive and risk-taking behavior.
Many adults discover that other treatment options are useful in addition to counseling. Stimulants may cause side effects such as jitteriness or sleep disturbances. They should only be used according to prescription. People suffering from ADHD should be honest with their healthcare providers and inform them if they are having trouble tolerating certain medications.
The majority of doctors prescribe the stimulant methylphenidate or MPH, to treat ADHD. The drug increases levels of neurotransmitters within the brain, which affect the way we think and behave. The drug is available in immediate-release as well as extended-release form. The longer-acting versions are absorbed slowly in the bloodstream and fade slowly, which reduces the "crash" result that can occur when the dosage drops.
Some nonstimulant drugs, such as the antidepressant atomoxetine and bupropion can also be effective for some adults with ADHD. They work slower than stimulants and could be a better choice for those who aren't able to take them because of other health problems or severe adverse effects.
Many people with ADHD may also suffer from anxiety or depression. In these cases, doctors often prescribe an antidepressant or antianxiety drug along with the ADHD medication. They will be aware of the ways in which the drugs interact and they will monitor for any potential side consequences.
Other treatment options
ADHD can be treated with a variety of medications. They are all designed to increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This improves focus and improves their ability to listen and remember. These drugs include stimulants aswell with nonstimulants. Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed treatment for ADHD. They work well for a lot of people, but they may cause side effects. Some of these side effects can be serious. Your doctor can help determine the appropriate dose of medication that meets your needs. They can also recommend other treatments to minimize or eliminate adverse effects.
The two most commonly used types of stimulants for ADHD are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. These medications are sold under many brand names, such as Adderall and Ritalin. They are available in short-acting and extended-release preparations. Short-acting medicines can last for 3-4 hours and are typically taken twice or three times per day. Extended-release medicines are typically taken daily and can last for up to 16 hours. Many adults supplement their extended release medication in the morning by taking a dose shorter-acting in the late afternoon or evening to bridge the gap between the medication wearing off and the next dose.
Stimulants can cause upset stomach and can cause changes in blood pressure or heart rate. adult add medications can also make people feel more stressed and angry than they normally do. They may cause tics to become more severe or increase the frequency. They can also cause a slight slowing of growth in certain adolescents and children, however it's only temporary and does not affect the final height. They can also cause weight gain and increase appetite. They can also trigger an increase in blood cholesterol levels in certain individuals.
Some antidepressants can also be employed "off-label", to treat ADHD. The most commonly used is bupropion (Wellbutrin) which works by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. It is particularly beneficial for people who have both ADHD and anxiety or depression. It is a great option in the event that stimulants don't work, if they are not tolerated or abused or if a substance abuse disorder is present.