ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can assist those who have ADHD to concentrate better, feel more relaxed and be less impatient. It's usually a mix between medicine and therapy.
Stimulants stimulate the areas of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications which increase brain activity in areas that control behavior and attention. They are often prescribed with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Stimulants work by increasing the levels of two chemical messengers, namely norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This helps you to concentrate and decreases the impact of certain impulses, such as those that cause impulsive behaviour. Children and adults tolerate stimulants very well, but certain individuals may experience adverse effects like jitteriness or headaches.
There are a variety of stimulant drugs including methylphenidate(Ritalin), dextroamphetamine(Dexamphetamine), modafinil(Provigil), and Atomoxetine. The results of the biggest network meta-analysis to date, published in the British Medical Journal in 2016 suggest amphetamines to adults suffering from ADHD. Lisdexamfetamine, a drug, is licensed in the UK and has a distinct advantage over stimulants that are short-acting because it doesn't disappear throughout the daytime. It also only requires one dose per day. Patients had to take short-acting amphetamines three or four time a day. This was difficult for patients to remember to take and could result in poor adherence.
A thorough medical history is essential to help determine whether the person suffering from ADHD has any other health issues that could be contributing to their symptoms. A medical issue such as sleep apnea, thyroid disorders or other conditions could be causing your child's fatigue or difficulty concentration. medication for adhd adults is also important to mention any problems with addiction to your doctor. A prolonged use of prescription, over-the counter or illegal drugs could affect your child's concentration.
Many medical professionals are now recommending that children are medicated for ADHD to improve their school performance and allow for them to develop into healthy, happy adults. However the decision to medicate children with ADHD is not made lightly by parents and can be a long and complex procedure. Many children will experience side effects, such as irritability, insomnia and anxiety, however most of the time these are able to be overcome through cautious monitoring and gradual increase of dosages.
Some parents choose to seek out private treatment for their child, which entails a series of appointments with a specialist psychiatrist to start the medication and track the their progress. This could involve 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 offers a more efficient approach to care. A detailed report of your child's development will be provided to your GP, who can then monitor the medication that has been prescribed by your psychiatrist. In some cases you may need to return to the NHS to continue this process so that your GP can perform regular reviews and checks.