ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help those suffering from ADHD concentrate better, be less impulsive and more relaxed. It usually involves a mix of therapy and medicine.
Stimulants boost activity in the parts of the brain responsible for the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate (known as Ritalin) is among the most common medicines used for adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medicines that boost brain activity in areas that control behavior and attention. They are usually prescribed in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Stimulants increase the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in your brain. This allows you to concentrate and lessens the effects of certain impulses, like ones that can trigger impulsive behavior. Stimulants are generally well tolerated by both adults and children. However, certain people may experience side effects, such as headaches, jitteriness or increased heart rate.
There are many different stimulant medications that are available such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dextroamphetamine (Dexamphetamine), Atomoxetine (Strattera) and modafinil (Provigil). The results from the largest meta-analysis of a network to date published in the British Medical Journal in 2016 recommend amphetamines as the first choice of drugs for adults with ADHD. The drug lisdexamfetamine, now also licensed for use in the UK, has an advantage over shorter-acting amphetamines because it is less likely to become stale throughout the day and requires only one dose per day. Patients used to have take short-acting amphetamines 3 or four times per day. This was difficult for patients to remember to take, and could lead to low adherence.
A thorough medical history is essential to help determine whether a person with ADHD is suffering from any other medical conditions which could be contributing to their symptoms. For instance medical conditions like sleep apnea, or thyroid disorders might cause your child to feel tired or having difficulty concentrating. It is also important to mention any issues with the use of substances to your doctor, as heavy usage of illegal, prescription or over the counter drugs could affect your child's ability to concentrate.
Many medical professionals recommend that children be treated 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 they should medicate their child for ADHD. It is an extensive and complex procedure. Many children will experience side effects, like insomnia, irritability and anxiety, but the majority of the time, these issues are able to be overcome through carefully monitored and gradual increase of dosages.
Some parents opt for private treatment, which involves regular appointments with a psychiatrist in order to start treatment and monitor progress. This could include up to five sessions followed by monthly or fortnightly sessions as the child gets familiar with the medication. This is an ideal option for families who find the NHS waiting lists to be extremely long and for whom private healthcare can provide a more efficient and convenient access to care. on front page detailed report of your child's development will be provided to your GP and they will perform the monitoring of the medication prescribed by your psychiatrist. In some instances, you may need to return to the NHS to continue this process to ensure that your GP can conduct regular reviews and checks.