ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help those with ADHD focus better, become less impulsive and more relaxed. It is typically a combination of medicine and therapy.
Stimulants increase brain activity in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is also referred to as Ritalin is one of the most frequently prescribed medicines for adults with ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications which increase brain activity in areas that regulate attention and behavior. They are usually prescribed in combination with cognitive treatment for behavioural disorders (CBT). They work by increasing the levels of two chemical messengers, norepinephrine as well as dopamine, inside your brain. This makes it easier for you to concentrate and lessens the effects of certain impulses, like those that cause impulsive behaviour. Children and adults tolerate stimulants very well, but some may experience side effects such as jitteriness or headaches.
There are many different stimulant drugs available, including methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine (Dexamphetamine) as well as atomoxetine (Strattera) and modafinil (Provigil). The results of the largest meta-analysis of the 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 approved in the UK and has an advantage over short-acting stimulants as it doesn't disappear throughout the daytime. It also only requires one dose per day. Patients used to to take short-acting amphetamines three or four times a day. This was difficult for patients to remember to take, and could result in poor adherence.
A thorough medical history is essential to determine if the person suffering from ADHD has any other conditions that may be causing their symptoms. For instance, a medical condition like sleep apnea or thyroid disorders might cause your child to be exhausted or have difficulty concentrating. It is also important to mention any issues with substance abuse to your doctor. add adhd medication of prescription, over the counter or illegal substances can affect your child's concentration.
Many medical professionals recommend that children be treated for ADHD to improve their school performance and make it possible to help them grow into healthy, happy adults. Parents aren't rushing to decide whether or not to medicate their child for ADHD. It is an extensive and complex procedure. A lot of children will have side effects, such as irritability, insomnia and anxiety, but the majority of the time, these issues can be overcome with a cautious monitoring and gradual increases in dosage.
Some parents opt to pursue private treatment for their child, which entails regular appointments with a specialist psychiatrist to begin the medication process and track the progress. This could involve five or more sessions followed by fortnightly or month-to-month sessions as the child gets familiar with the medication. This is an excellent option for families who find NHS waiting lists to be extremely long and for whom private healthcare can provide a more efficient and convenient access to healthcare. A detailed report of your child's development will be provided to your GP and they will monitor the medication prescribed by your psychiatrist. In some cases, you may return to the NHS to continue this process to ensure that your GP is aware of any medications prescribed to your child. He or she can conduct regular checks and reviews.