ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help those with ADHD concentrate better, be less impulsive and feel calmer. It usually involves an amalgamation of medication and therapy.
Stimulants boost brain activity in the areas that regulate the behavior of attention. Methylphenidate (known as Ritalin) is one of the most commonly used medications for adults with ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medicines that boost brain activity in areas that control behavior and attention. They are typically prescribed as part of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). They work by increasing the levels of two chemical messengers, norepinephrine as well as dopamine, inside your brain. This aids in concentration and reduces the effects of certain impulses such as those that lead to impulse-driven behavior. Stimulants are generally well tolerated by children and adults but some people might experience negative effects, including headaches, jitteriness, or increased heart rate.
There are a number of different stimulant drugs available that include methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dextroamphetamine (Dexamphetamine), Atomoxetine (Strattera) and modafinil (Provigil). The results from the largest network meta-analysis to date, published in the British Medical Journal in 2016, support amphetamines as first-choice drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. Lisdexamfetamine, a drug, is approved in the UK and has a distinct advantage over short-acting stimulants as it doesn't disappear throughout the daytime. It is also only required only one dose a day. Patients used to take short-acting amphetamines 3 or four time a day. It was a challenge for patients to remember to take and could result in low adherence.
A thorough medical history is essential to determine if an individual suffering from ADHD is suffering from any other medical conditions which could be contributing to their symptoms. A medical issue such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea or other conditions may be contributing to your child's fatigue or difficulty concentration. It is also worth mentioning any issues with the use of substances to your doctor, since excessive use of illegal prescription or over-the-counter drugs can affect your child's ability of concentrating.
Medical professionals advise that children be medicated for ADHD to enhance their school performance and help them grow into happy, healthy adulthood. However the decision to medicate a child with ADHD is not made lightly by parents and can be a long and difficult procedure. A lot of children will experience side effects, such as irritability, insomnia and anxiety, however most of the time, these issues are able to be overcome through carefully monitored and gradual increase of dosages.
Some parents opt for private treatment that includes an ongoing series of appointments with a psychiatrist to start treatment and monitor the progress. It could take up to five sessions followed by fortnightly or month-to-month appointments as the child becomes used to the medication. This is an ideal option for families who find the NHS waiting lists very long, and those who have private healthcare that can provide more streamlined access to healthcare. Your GP will be provided with a thorough assessment of your child's health. They will monitor the medication that was prescribed by your psychiatrist. In adhd depression medication , you may need to return to the NHS to continue this process so that your GP can perform regular checks and reviews.