ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help people with ADHD focus better, be less impulsive and more relaxed. It usually involves a mix of therapy and medication.
Stimulants increase brain activity in areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate (known as Ritalin) is among the most commonly used medications for adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications which increase brain activity in areas that control behavior and attention. They are often used in conjunction with cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT). The stimulants increase the levels norepinephrine, and dopamine in your brain. add in adults medication helps you to focus and reduces the effects of certain impulses, including those that trigger impulsive behavior. Children and adults can tolerate stimulants very well, but there are some who may experience side effects such as jitteriness or headaches.
There are many stimulant medicines, including methylphenidate(Ritalin), dextroamphetamine(Dexamphetamine), modafinil(Provigil), and Atomoxetine. The results of the biggest network meta-analysis to date, published by the British Medical Journal in 2016 support amphetamines for adults with ADHD. Lisdexamfetamine, a drug that is also licensed for use in the UK is a benefit over amphetamines that have a shorter acting duration because it is less likely to be absorbed during the day and only requires one dose per day. Patients used to the option of taking short-acting amphetamines three 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 entire medical history to determine if a person suffering from ADHD might have other medical conditions which are causing their symptoms. A medical issue such as sleep apnea, thyroid disorders or other ailments could be causing your child's fatigue or difficulty concentration. It is also important to mention any issues with substance abuse to your doctor, as heavy usage of illegal, prescription or over-the-counter medications can affect your child's ability of concentrating.
Medical professionals recommend that children be medicated for ADHD to improve their academic performance and to help them develop into happy, healthy adulthood. However the decision to treat a child with ADHD is not made lightly by parents and can be a long and difficult procedure. Many children will experience side-effects, such as irritability and insomnia, but these can be overcome by carefully monitoring and gradually increasing dosages.
Some parents opt to seek out private treatment for their child. This involves a series of appointments with a specialist psychiatrist to start the medication and monitor progress. This could involve up to five appointments, and thereafter, fortnightly or monthly appointments when the child is accustomed to the medication. Many families find that NHS waiting lists are incredibly long, and private healthcare is a more efficient method to treatment. Your GP will receive a detailed report on the progress of your child. He or she can then follow the medication prescribed by your psychiatrist. In some instances, you may have to visit the NHS to continue this process to ensure that your GP can conduct regular reviews and checks.
