20 Things You Should ASK ABOUT ADHD And Medication Before You Decide To Purchase It
ADHD Medications and Treatments
The primary drugs used to treat ADHD are stimulants. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters that help improve concentration and control impulses. They include dextroamphetamine and amphetamine that are known under brand names like Adderall, and methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine, called Ritalin and Concerta.
Doctors can prescribe antidepressants such as Wellbutrin (generic name bupropion) for those suffering from ADHD if stimulants don't work or cause intolerable negative side adverse effects. These medications target dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
Medication
The brain chemicals norepinephrine as well as dopamine which are vital for thinking and attention. Stimulants, which are the most commonly used medication for ADHD, can be effective when taken as directed. But like all medications, stimulants can cause side effects. Doctors and patients work together to determine the optimal dosage or combination of medication to minimize the side effects.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary, but they always include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. In children, symptoms usually begin before the age of 12, and they persist throughout adolescence and into adulthood. adult add medication may be mild, moderate, or severe and may differ between girls and boys. Boys and children assigned male at birth (AMAB) tend to show more hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, but the same behaviors can occur in girls and women.
A doctor can identify ADHD in the child or teenager by following the American Psychiatric Association guidelines. They will inquire with parents and children about their symptoms and observe them in different environments. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child has to have at least six symptoms that manifest in more than one environment and must affect the child's performance and development. The symptoms must have started before the child turned 12.
Most kids who have ADHD are prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. A doctor may prescribe methylphenidate which is the drug found in Ritalin or amphetamine-based stimulants like Adderall. Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant treatments for ADHD like atomoxetine or bupropion. These medications don't work as quickly as stimulants, but they can reduce some of the ADHD's unpleasant side effects.
People who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from other psychiatric conditions, especially depression or another disorder of the mood. They are also more likely to develop substance abuse disorders. These other problems can be dealt with through behavioral therapy, which teaches children and adults how to better cope with ADHD.
Research has shown that treatment with both behavioral therapy and medication can improve a person's quality of life and reduce symptoms. Some kids and teens do not respond to the medication available for ADHD and may need a lower dose or a different type of medicine. Clinical trials are currently being conducted to find the best treatment option for adults and teenagers with ADHD.
Behavioral therapy
For certain people who are not able to handle behavior therapy, it may not require medication. For these individuals it is possible to make changes to their diet and lifestyle can help ease symptoms of ADHD. In addition, they may be able to figure out ways to improve their organization skills, such as keeping important items in designated locations or using reminders and alarms. Get the facts can also use exercise and other activities that require physical effort to make energy available, instead of engaging in impulsive behavior.
Behavioral therapy can be especially beneficial for children with ADHD. It can help parents learn to be better parents, and help their child overcome stress or other issues that can cause attention deficits. Behavioral therapy helps children to learn how to control their emotions, build positive self-esteem and manage their behavior at school.
To determine the cause of ADHD, doctors discuss the symptoms of the patient at length with the person and observe his or her behavior in different environments. They will look over school records and questionnaires from relatives, teachers and others who know the individual. They will also rule out other illnesses and health conditions that have similar symptoms. They will also conduct a medical examination and utilize ADHD rating scales.
The most common medications used to treat ADHD are stimulants that are designed to increase brain activity in the areas that regulate attention. This includes the prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia. There are several non-stimulant medications that are used to treat ADHD as well. These medications are considered less effective but safer than stimulants.
For those with ADHD treatment may be lengthy, and it's important to see a medical provider regularly. The symptoms of ADHD can cause problems with relationships, work and school. If not treated it could lead to depression or low self-esteem, issues with eating, a poor diet, and addiction to alcohol or drugs.
You should also talk to your doctor if you feel that a medication that was once effective is not having the same effect, or causing side effects. Also, be sure to mention any other medications or supplements you are taking, as certain medications can interact with ADHD medications.
Counseling
Whether or not medication is used, counseling can help adults and children with ADHD cope with everyday problems that arise because of their disorder. Counselors can teach them how to keep track of appointments, utilize calendars and date books and establish realistic goals for themselves. Counseling may also offer strategies for improving relationships and reduce conflict. Mental health professionals can educate parents about the disorder, and assist them in developing abilities, attitudes, or ways to relate to their children.
For patients who are older counseling can teach them how to organize their lives and improve their performance. They can learn strategies to stay focused on tasks like breaking large assignments down into smaller steps that are easier to manage and learn to manage frustration, anxiety and anger. Psychotherapy can help adults increase their confidence and manage risky and impulsive behaviors.
Many adults discover that other treatment options are beneficial in addition to counseling. Some stimulants can cause adverse effects such as jitteriness or sleep disturbances. They should only be taken according to prescription. People with ADHD must be honest with their doctor and let them know that they are experiencing difficulties with certain medications.
MPH is a stimulant that is prescribed by most doctors to treat ADHD. The drug boosts the levels of neurotransmitters that affect attention and behaviour in the brain. It is available in immediate-release and extended-release versions. The longer-acting versions build up gradually in the bloodstream and fade slowly, which minimizes a "crash" effect caused when the level of the drug decreases.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine an antidepressant or bupropion. They are less effective than stimulants, and could be a better choice for those who are unable to take them because of other health problems or severe adverse side effects.
Some people with ADHD may also suffer from depression or anxiety. In these cases doctors will prescribe an antidepressant or an antianxiety medication, along with the ADHD medication. They are aware of the ways in which the drugs interact and will be on the lookout for any potential side consequences.
Other treatment options
There are many drugs that can be used to treat ADHD. They are all designed to increase the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This improves the ability to concentrate and listen, as well as their memory. These medications contain stimulants as well as nonstimulants. The stimulants are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD. Although stimulants work for many people, they can also cause side effects. Some of these side effects can be severe. Your doctor can assist you in determining the right dosage of medication to suit your needs. They can also recommend other treatments to minimize or eliminate side effects.
The two most popular types of stimulants for ADHD are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. These drugs are available under various brand names, such as Adderall and Ritalin. They are available as extended-release and short-acting preparations. Short-acting medications can last as long as 3-4 hours and are generally taken three or four times per day. Extended-release medicines are typically taken once a day and can last for up to 16 hours. Many adults supplement their extended-release morning medication with a dose that is shorter-acting late in the afternoon or evening, to bridge the gap between the medication wearing off and the next dose.
Stimulants can cause nausea and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Some people may be more anxious and irritable than usual. They may cause tics to become more severe or increase the frequency. In certain children and adolescents they may cause a slight delay in growth, however it is only temporary and does not affect final height. They can also increase appetite and weight gain, and can lead to an increase in blood cholesterol as well as other heart issues in certain people.
Certain antidepressants can be utilized "off-label" to treat ADHD. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is the most commonly used drug. It helps by increasing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, and dopamine. It is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and anxiety or depression. It may be beneficial in the event that stimulants don't work when they are taken or misused or if a substance abuse disorder is present.