Treatment For ADD: What's No One Is Talking About Treatment For ADHD

Psychosocial therapy is the primary treatment for add. The drugs include stimulants such as methylphenidate amphetamine, and Atomoxetine. They may also be non-stimulants, such as clonidine and guanfacine.

Stimulant medication should not be used in patients who have active addiction issues, but they are a possibility for those who are in stable remission. Combination therapy using antidepressants especially SSRIs, is another option.

Stimulants

Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. This improves focus and reduces hyperactivity and impulses. Most doctors prescribe stimulant medications to treat ADHD. They may recommend methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are very similar medications. The type of medicine prescribed depends on the biochemistry of each patient and how they respond to it. Iam Psychiatry could take between five and seven days before the full effects of the medication become apparent. The medicine will be effective if you notice improvements in memory, concentration, sleep, and impulsivity.

Some of the adverse effects include a decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people with an illness like high blood pressure or heart disease should not take these medications. Stimulants have a high potential for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only paediatricians or psychiatrists or in certain cases 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 in liquids.

Children and adolescents who consume stimulants often experience appetite problems and weight loss. If the dosage is too high, they may also develop symptoms of tics. In this instance, the doctor will reduce the dosage to prevent the drug from causing more symptoms.

Stimulant medicines are used for about 70% to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. The majority of adolescents and children find that their symptoms improve when treated. This is especially the case for children with parents, teachers or carers who report improvement.


Early use of stimulants may lower the risk of developing addiction disorders later in life. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic and colleagues81,82 and Biederman et al83 found that treatment with stimulants decreases the risk of developing substance use disorders during adolescence, however the protective effect diminishes as we enter early adulthood.