ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help people with ADHD concentrate better, be less impulsive, and feel more peaceful. It usually involves an amalgamation of medication and therapy.
Stimulants boost activity in the parts of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. adhd without medication (known as Ritalin) is one of the most common medicines used to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medicines that boost brain activity in the areas that control attention and behavior. They are often prescribed with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The stimulants increase the levels of two chemical messengers, norepinephrine as well as dopamine, in your brain. This improves your focus and lessens the impact of certain impulses such as those that lead to impulsive behavior. The majority of stimulants are well-tolerated by children and adults but some people may have side effects, such as headaches, jitteriness or increased heart rate.
There are a variety of different stimulant drugs available such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dextroamphetamine (Dexamphetamine), Atomoxetine (Strattera) and modafinil (Provigil). The results of the biggest network meta analysis to date, published in the British Medical Journal in 2016 suggest amphetamines to adults suffering from ADHD. The drug lisdexamfetamine, now licensed for use in the UK has a distinct advantage over amphetamines with shorter durations of action because it is less likely to become stale during the day, and requires only one dose per day. Previously, patients would have had to take short-acting stimulants three or four times a day. However, this can be difficult for patients who forget to take their medication and may result in poor adherence.
It is essential to obtain an entire medical history to determine if a person with ADHD might have other health issues that are contributing to their symptoms. A medical issue such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea or other ailments could be causing your child's exhaustion or difficulty concentrating. You should also mention any problems with addiction to your doctor. The usage of prescription, over the counter or illegal drugs could affect your child's concentration.
Many medical professionals recommend that children are medicated for ADHD to enhance their school performance and allow for them to develop into happy, healthy adults. Parents should not rush to decide whether or not to medicate their child for ADHD. It's a lengthy and complex procedure. Many children will experience side effects, like insomnia, irritability and anxiety, however most of the time these can be overcome with a carefully monitored and gradual increase of dosages.
Some parents opt for private treatment that includes an ongoing series of appointments with a psychiatrist to begin medication and monitor the progress. It could take five or more sessions then fortnightly or monthly appointments as the child becomes familiar with the medication. Many families find that NHS waiting lists are very long, while private healthcare is a more efficient method to care. A detailed report on your child's progress will be sent to your GP and they will monitor the medication prescribed by your psychiatrist. In some instances, you may need to return to the NHS to continue this process so that your GP will be able to conduct regular checks and reviews.