ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help people with ADHD to concentrate more effectively, be more calm and less impulsive. It usually involves a combination of medicine and therapy.
Stimulants increase activity in parts of the brain that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate (known as Ritalin) is among the most frequently prescribed medications to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medicines that increase activity in areas of the brain responsible for attention and behaviour. They are typically used in conjunction with cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT). Stimulants work by increasing the levels of two chemical messengers, norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This allows you to concentrate and decreases the impact of certain impulses, including those that trigger impulsive behavior. Stimulants are generally well tolerated by children and adults but certain people may experience adverse effects, like headaches, jitteriness, or increased heart rate.
There are a number of different stimulant medications available such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexamphetamine) and Atomoxetine (Strattera) and modafinil (Provigil). The results of the biggest meta-analysis of the network to date, published in the British Medical Journal in 2016 recommend amphetamines as the first choice of drugs for adults with ADHD. Lisdexamfetamine, a drug, is licensed 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 one dose a day. Patients used to have take short-acting amphetamines 3 or four times a day. It was a challenge for patients to remember to take, and could result in an inability to adhere.
It is essential to obtain an accurate medical history in order to determine if a child with ADHD might have other health issues that contribute to their symptoms. A medical condition like thyroid disorders, sleep apnea or other issues could be causing your child's fatigue or difficulty concentration. It is also important to mention any issues with substance abuse 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.
most effective adhd medication for adults recommend that children be medicated for ADHD to enhance their academic performance and to help them develop into healthy, happy adults. However the decision to medicate children with ADHD is not taken lightly by parents and can be a long and complex process. A lot of children will experience side effects, such as irritability, insomnia and anxiety, but most times, these can be overcome by cautious monitoring and gradual increase in dosage.
Some parents choose private treatment, which involves regular appointments with a psychiatrist to start treatment and monitor the progress. It could take up to five sessions, followed by monthly or fortnightly appointments as the child becomes familiar with the medication. Many families discover that NHS waiting lists are incredibly long, and private healthcare is a more efficient method to care. A detailed report on your child's progress will be sent to your GP who will then carry out the monitoring of the medication prescribed by your psychiatrist. In certain 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. They will conduct regular reviews and checks.