Watch Out: How Treatment For ADD Is Taking Over The World And What Can We Do About It

Treatment For ADHD The most common treatments for adding are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications contain stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine and Atomoxetine. They can also be non-stimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine. The use of stimulants should not be used in patients with active addiction issues, but they are an option for those who are in stable remission. Combination therapy with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option. adhd in adults treatment boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. This helps improve concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. The majority of doctors prescribe stimulant medication to treat ADHD. They might prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines which are similar medicines. The type of medication prescribed will depend on a person's biochemistry as well as how well they react to the medication. It may take up to seven days for full effects of a drug to become evident. Improvements in concentration, improved memory, better sleep, and less impulse control are all indications that the medicine is working. These medications can have adverse effects, including reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping, and they can raise heart rate and blood pressure. People with medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure, should not use these medications. These are highly controlled drugs with a potential for misuse. Only psychiatrists or pediatricians or, in some instances general practitioners, are able to prescribe stimulants. They are available in the form of pills or tablets or patches that are placed on the skin, or liquids. Children and adolescents who take stimulants frequently experience problems with appetite and weight loss. If the dosage is excessive, they could also develop the tics. In this case the doctor will decrease the dose to prevent the symptoms from getting worse. Stimulant medication is used by about 70% to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. Most children and young people notice that their symptoms improve when they receive treatment. This is especially relevant for children who have parents, teachers, or caregivers that can report improvements. Early use of stimulants can lower the risk of developing substance use disorders later on in the course of. Wilens Katusic, Wilens, and colleagues81,82 and Biederman, et al83, found that stimulant therapy reduces the risk of substance use disorders during the adolescent years. However this protective effect fades as we enter early adulthood.