ADHD Medications and Treatments

Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD. They increase levels of neurotransmitters to improve concentration and control of impulses. These include dextroamphetamine, amphetamine, and dex, known by brand names like Adderall, and methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine, also known as Ritalin and Concerta.

If stimulants are not effective or cause too many adverse side effects, doctors can prescribe antidepressants such as Wellbutrin. These drugs target dopamine and norepinephrine, which are the brain's chemical messengers.

Medication

Drugs affect brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which are essential for concentration and thinking. Stimulants, the most common treatment for ADHD, can be effective when taken as directed. But, as with all medications, stimulants can cause adverse effects. Doctors and patients work together to determine the optimal dosage or combination of medication to minimize 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 continue through the adolescent years and into adulthood. The symptoms can be mild or moderate and may differ between 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 medical professional can accurately diagnose ADHD in children or teens by following the American Psychiatric Association guidelines. They will talk to the parents and children about their symptoms, and will observe them in various situations. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must exhibit at least six signs that appear in more than one setting, and they must impair the child's development and functioning. The signs must have been present before the age of 12 years old.

The majority of children with ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. Doctors may prescribe stimulants based on amphetamine, such as Adderall or methylphenidate (the drug in Ritalin). Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant drugs to treat ADHD, including atomoxetine and bupropion. These medications don't work like stimulants do, but they can reduce some of ADHD's annoying side effects.

ADHD is often linked to other mental disorders, like mood disorders or depression. They are also more likely to develop substance abuse disorders. These other problems can be treated with behavioral therapy which teaches children as well as adults how to better cope with ADHD.

Research has shown that a combination of medication and behavioral therapy can improve the quality of life for an individual and reduce the symptoms. Certain teens and children do not respond to the medication available for ADHD and may require an a lower dose or different type of medicine. Clinical trials are ongoing to determine the best treatment options for adults and teens with ADHD.

Behavioral therapy

For certain people who are not able to handle behavior therapy, it might not require medication. For these individuals it is possible to make changes to their diet and lifestyle can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD. They could also improve their organization skills by using reminders and alarms or by keeping important items in designated places. Exercise and other activities that require physical movement can be used to channel energy instead of acting in impulsive ways.

Behavioral therapy is particularly beneficial for children suffering from ADHD. It can help parents learn effective parenting techniques as well as strategies to help their child cope with stress and other issues that could cause problems with attention. Behavioral therapy can help children control their emotions and develop confidence in themselves, and also manage their behavior in school.

To diagnose ADHD doctors will discuss the symptoms of the patient at length with him or her, and observe their behavior in various situations. They will review school records and questionnaires from family members, teachers and others who know the person. They will also rule other health conditions and illnesses that have similar symptoms. They will also conduct a medical examination and utilize ADHD rating scales.

The most commonly used medications to treat ADHD are stimulants that are designed to increase brain activity in the areas that regulate attention. This includes the prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia. There are also non-stimulant medications that can be used to treat ADHD. These medications are thought to be less effective, but are more secure than stimulants.

It can take a long time to treat ADHD. It is crucial to see your doctor regularly. Symptoms of the disorder can affect work, school, and relationships. If left untreated it could lead to depression or low self-esteem, issues with food and an unhealthy diet, as well as addiction to alcohol or drugs.

You should also talk to your doctor if a medication that was previously effective isn't producing the same results or causing adverse 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 teach them how to keep track of appointments, utilize calendars and date books, and establish realistic goals for themselves. Counseling may also offer ways to improve relationships and reduce conflicts. Mental health professionals can inform parents about the condition and assist them in developing new skills, attitudes, and ways of relating to their children.

Counseling can help adult patients organize their lives and improve the efficiency of their jobs. They can learn strategies to remain focused on their work like breaking large assignments down into smaller steps that are easier to manage and practice handling anger, anxiety, and frustration. Psychotherapy can also get more info help adults gain confidence and control impulsive and risk-taking behaviors.

In addition to counseling for adults, many find it beneficial to take advantage of other treatments. The stimulants can cause negative effects on the body, including insomnia and jitteriness so they should only be used as prescribed. People with ADHD should be honest with their health care providers and let them know if they are having trouble with certain medications.

Most doctors prescribe stimulants methylphenidate or MPH to treat ADHD. The drug increases levels of neurotransmitters within the brain, which affect the way we think and behave. It's available in immediate-release and extended release forms. The longer-acting ones build up slowly in the bloodstream, and fade slowly, which minimizes a "crash" effect that occurs when the level of the drug decreases.

Some nonstimulant drugs, such as the antidepressant atomoxetine and bupropion, also can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, and could be a better choice for those who are unable to take them due to other health problems or severe side effects.

Many people with ADHD are also afflicted with anxiety or depression. In these cases doctors typically prescribe an antidepressant, or an antianxiety drug along with the ADHD medication. They will be aware of how the medications could interact and will be on the lookout for any potential side negative effects.

Other treatment options

ADHD can be treated with a range of medications. They are all designed to increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This improves the capacity to focus and listen and also improves memory. These medications include stimulants and non-stimulants. The stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. They work well for a lot of people, however they may cause side effects. Some of these side effects could be serious. Your doctor can help you find the right dosage of medication for your needs. They may also recommend alternative treatments that help minimize or eliminate adverse effects.

The two most common kinds of stimulants used for ADHD are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. These drugs are available under a variety of brand names, including Adderall and Ritalin. They are available in both extended-release and short-acting formulations. Short-acting medicines can last up to 3-4 hours and are typically taken twice or three times daily. Extended-release preparations can last up to sixteen hours and are usually taken once daily. Many people supplement an extended-release morning medication by taking a dose shorter-acting in the late in the afternoon or evening to bridge the gap between the medicine wearing off and the next dose.

Stimulants may cause nausea, changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people may feel more irritable and anxious than usual. They may also make tics more frequent or more severe. In certain children and adolescents they may cause an insignificant delay in growth, but it is only temporary and does not affect final height. They also can increase appetite and weight gain, and could cause an increase in blood cholesterol and other heart issues in certain people.

Some antidepressants are also sometimes used "off-label" for treating ADHD. The most popular is bupropion (Wellbutrin) that works by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. It is particularly beneficial for people suffering from ADHD and depression or anxiety. It is a great option when stimulants are not working in the absence of being tolerated or abused, or if a substance abuse disorder is present.