ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help those suffering from ADHD concentrate better, be less impulsive and more relaxed. It's usually a mix between medicine and therapy.
Stimulants boost activity in the parts of the brain that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate (known as Ritalin) is one of the most common medicines used for adults with ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that increase activity in parts of the brain that control the behavior and attention. They are often prescribed in combination with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. This aids in concentration and reduces the effects of certain impulses like those that lead to impulse-driven behavior. add adhd medication are generally well tolerated by adults and children, however certain people may experience negative effects, including headaches, jitteriness or increased heart rate.
There are a number of different stimulant medications available, including methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dextroamphetamine (Dexamphetamine) as well as 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 medications for adults suffering from ADHD. Lisdexamfetamine, a drug that is licensed for use in the UK has a distinct advantage over amphetamines with shorter durations of action because it is less likely to wear off throughout the day and requires only one dose daily. Prior to this, patients needed to take short-acting stimulants up to four times a day. However, this can be difficult for patients who forget to take their medication and could result in poor compliance.
A thorough medical history is necessary to help determine whether the person suffering from ADHD has any other health issues that may be causing their symptoms. For example, a medical condition like sleep apnea or thyroid problems could cause your child to feel tired or having difficulty concentrating. It is also worth mentioning any substance abuse issues to your doctor, since excessive use of illegal prescription or over-the-counter medications can affect your child's ability to concentrate.
Medical professionals recommend that children be treated for ADHD to enhance their school performance and help them grow into healthy, happy adults. However the decision to medicate a child with ADHD is not made lightly by parents and can be a long and complicated procedure. Many children suffer from side effects like insomnia, irritability and anxiety, however most of the time, these issues can be overcome with a cautious monitoring and gradual increases in dosage.
Some parents decide to seek out private treatment for their child. This involves a series of appointments with a specialist psychiatrist in order to begin the medication process and track the progress. This may involve up to five appointments, and thereafter, fortnightly or monthly appointments as the child gets used to the medication. Many families find that NHS waiting lists are very long, and private healthcare offers a more efficient approach to treatment. Your GP will be provided with a thorough report on the progress of your child. They will monitor the medication that was prescribed by your psychiatrist. In some cases you could be asked to return to the NHS to continue this process to ensure that your GP is aware of every medications prescribed to your child. He or she can conduct regular checks and reviews.