ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help those who suffer from ADHD to concentrate more effectively, be more calm and be less impatient. It is usually a combination of medication and therapy.
Stimulants increase brain activity in the areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate (known as Ritalin) is among the most commonly used medications for adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that increase activity in areas of the brain responsible for the behavior and attention. They are often prescribed with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. This makes it easier for you to concentrate and lessens the impact of certain impulses, like ones that can trigger impulsive behavior. add adhd medication and adults tolerate stimulants well, but certain individuals may experience adverse effects such as jitteriness or headaches.
There are a variety of stimulant drugs that include methylphenidate(Ritalin), dextroamphetamine(Dexamphetamine), modafinil(Provigil), and atomoxetine. The results from 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 drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. Lisdexamfetamine is currently licensed in the UK and has a distinct advantage over stimulants that are short-acting because it does not fade over the course of the daytime. It only requires one dose a day. Patients used to the option of taking short-acting amphetamines three or four times a day. This was difficult for patients to remember to take and could lead to low adherence.
A thorough medical history is important to help determine whether a person with ADHD has any other conditions that may be causing their symptoms. For example, a medical condition such as sleep apnea or thyroid problems could be causing your child to be exhausted or have trouble focusing. It is also important to bring up any issues with the use of substances to your doctor, because heavy usage of illegal, prescription or over-the-counter drugs can have an impact on your child's ability of concentrating.
Many medical professionals recommend that children are medicated for ADHD to enhance their school performance and allow for them to grow into healthy, happy adults. However the decision to medicate a child with ADHD is not taken lightly by parents and can be a lengthy and complicated procedure. Many children will have side effects, like insomnia, irritability and anxiety, however most of the time these are able to be overcome through cautious monitoring and gradual increase of dosages.
Some parents choose private treatment, which involves an ongoing series of appointments with a psychiatrist to start treatment and monitor progress. This could involve up to five appointments and then fortnightly or monthly appointments as the child gets used to the medication. Many families discover that NHS waiting lists are very long, while private healthcare offers a more efficient approach to treatment. Your GP will receive a detailed report on the progress of your child. They will monitor the medication that was prescribed by your psychiatrist. In some cases you may have to visit the NHS to continue this process to ensure that your GP can perform regular reviews and checks.