ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help people who have ADHD to focus better, feel calmer and less dependent. It is usually a combination between medicine and therapy.
Stimulants boost activity in the parts of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin is among the most common medicines prescribed for adults with ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that increase brain activity in areas that control attention and behavior. They are usually prescribed in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within your brain. This helps you to concentrate and decreases the impact of certain impulses, such as those that trigger impulsive behavior. Stimulants are generally well tolerated by both adults and children. However, certain people may experience negative effects, including jitteriness, headaches or an increased heart rate.
There are a variety of stimulant drugs including methylphenidate(Ritalin), dextroamphetamine(Dexamphetamine), modafinil(Provigil), and Atomoxetine. adult add medications of the largest meta-analysis of a network to date published in the British Medical Journal in 2016 confirm that amphetamines are the best choice of medications for adults suffering from ADHD. The drug lisdexamfetamine, now also approved for use in the UK, has an advantage over shorter-acting amphetamines because it is less likely to wear off throughout the day and requires only one dose daily. Patients used to have to take short-acting amphetamines three or four time a day. It was a challenge for patients to remember to take, and could result in an inability to adhere.
A thorough medical history is important to help determine whether an individual suffering from ADHD has any other conditions which could be contributing to their symptoms. A medical condition like sleep apnea, thyroid disorders or other issues may be contributing to your child's fatigue or difficulties concentrating. It is also important to bring up any substance abuse issues to your doctor, since the excessive use of illegal, prescription or over-the-counter medications can affect your child's ability of concentrating.
Medical professionals suggest that children be medicated for ADHD to improve their academic performance and to help them develop into a healthy, happy adulthood. However the decision to medicate a child for ADHD is not considered lightly by parents and can be a lengthy and complicated process. A lot of children experience side-effects such as irritability and insomnia However, these effects can be overcome by carefully monitoring dosages and gradually increasing dosages.
Some parents decide to pursue private treatment for their child. This involves regular appointments with a specialist psychiatrist to get started on medication and track the progress. This could involve up to five sessions, followed by fortnightly or month-to-month appointments as the child becomes used to the medication. Many families are surprised to learn that NHS waiting lists are incredibly long, and private healthcare offers a more efficient approach to treatment. Your GP will receive a detailed report on your child's progress. He or she will then monitor the medication prescribed by your psychiatrist. In some cases you may need to return to the NHS to continue this process to ensure that your GP will be able to conduct regular checks and reviews.