Iam Psychiatry For ADHD
Psychosocial therapy is the main treatment for adding. The medications include stimulants like methylphenidate, amphetamine and atomoxetine. They may also be non-stimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine.
Patients with active substance abuse issues are not advised to take stimulant medication. However, those who are in stable remission might consider them. Combination therapy using antidepressants especially SSRIs, is a different option.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain's synapses. This improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsivity. The majority of doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines which are similar medicines. The type of medication prescribed will depend on the person's individual biochemistry and how well they react to the drug. It can take five to seven days before the full effects of the medication are visible. The medication will be effective for you if you notice improvement in memory, concentration sleep, impulsivity, and sleep.
Medications in this class can cause side effects, such as reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping, and they may increase blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure should not use these medications. Stimulants have a high potential for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists or paediatricians or in certain cases general practitioners, may prescribe stimulants. They are available in the form of tablets or pills, a patch that goes on the skin, or liquids.
Children and adolescents who consume stimulants are often afflicted with appetite issues and weight loss. When the dose is excessive, they could also develop tics. In this instance the doctor will decrease the dosage to prevent the drug from worsening symptoms.
Stimulant medicines are used for about 70% to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. A majority of children and young adults notice that their symptoms improve through treatment. This is especially true for those who have parents, teachers or other caregivers who report improvement.
The early use of stimulants can reduce the risk of developing addiction disorders later in life. Wilens, Katusic, and colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83, found that stimulant therapy reduces the risk of developing substance use disorders in adolescence. However the protective effect diminishes by early adulthood.