ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help people who suffer from ADHD to concentrate more effectively, be more calm and less dependent. It's usually a mix between medicine and therapy.
Stimulants stimulate brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior of attention. Methylphenidate (known as Ritalin) is among the most common medicines used to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medicines that increase activity in parts of the brain responsible for the behavior and attention. They are typically prescribed as part of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). They work by increasing the levels of two chemical messengers, norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This makes it easier for you to concentrate and lessens the impact of certain impulses, like ones that can trigger impulsive behavior. Adults and children tolerate stimulants well, but certain individuals may experience adverse effects like jitteriness or headaches.
There are many stimulant medicines including methylphenidate(Ritalin), dextroamphetamine(Dexamphetamine), modafinil(Provigil), and atomoxetine. The results from the largest meta-analysis of a network to date published in the British Medical Journal in 2016 recommend amphetamines as the first choice of medications for adults suffering from ADHD. The drug lisdexamfetamine, now licensed for use in the UK is a benefit over shorter-acting amphetamines because it is less likely to be absorbed during the day, and requires only one dose daily. Patients used to the option of taking short-acting amphetamines three or four time a day. It was a challenge for patients to remember to take, and could lead to poor adherence.
It is essential to obtain an accurate medical history in order to determine if a person with ADHD might have other medical conditions that are contributing to their symptoms. adhd and medication as sleep apnea, thyroid disorders or other ailments could be causing your child's fatigue or difficulty concentrating. It is important to report any issues with substance abuse to your doctor. The use of prescription, over-the counter or illegal substances can impact your child's ability to concentrate.
Many medical professionals now recommend that children be treated for ADHD to boost their school performance and allow to help them grow into happy, healthy adults. However the decision to treat children with ADHD is not considered lightly by parents and can be a lengthy and complicated procedure. Many children will experience side effects like irritability or insomnia, but these can be managed by careful monitoring dosages and gradually increasing dosages.
Some parents choose to pursue private treatment for their child, which entails an ongoing series of appointments with a specialist psychiatrist to start the medication and monitor their progress. It could take up to five sessions followed by fortnightly or month-to-month appointments as the child becomes used to the medication. This is an ideal option for families who find the NHS waiting lists to be very long, and those who have private healthcare that can provide a more efficient and convenient access to care. Your GP will receive a detailed report on the progress of your child. He or she will monitor the medication that was prescribed by your psychiatrist. In some instances, you may have to visit the NHS to continue this process so that your GP can conduct regular reviews and checks.