ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help those suffering from ADHD focus better, become less impulsive and feel calmer. It usually involves a mix of therapy and medicine.
Stimulants stimulate brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior of attention. Methylphenidate is also referred to as Ritalin is one of the most frequently prescribed medicines for adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medicines that boost brain activity in areas that control attention and behavior. They are typically prescribed as part of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The stimulants boost the levels of norepinephrine, and dopamine in your brain. This makes it easier for you to concentrate and lessens the effect of certain impulses, including those that cause impulsive behaviour. The majority of stimulants are well-tolerated by both adults and children. However, certain people may experience side effects, such as jitteriness, headaches or an increased heart rate.
There are a number of different stimulant medications that are available such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexamphetamine) as well as atomoxetine (Strattera) and modafinil (Provigil). The results of the largest network meta analysis to date, published by the British Medical Journal in 2016 recommend amphetamines for people with ADHD. The drug lisdexamfetamine, now also approved for use in the UK has a distinct advantage over amphetamines with shorter durations of action because it is less likely to be absorbed during the day and requires only one dose per day. Patients had take short-acting amphetamines 3 or four times per day. medication for adhd was difficult for patients to remember to take and could lead to poor adherence.
It is crucial to take an accurate medical history in order to determine if a child with ADHD might have other health issues which are causing their symptoms. A medical condition like thyroid disorders, sleep apnea or other ailments could be causing your child's exhaustion or difficulty concentration. It is also worth mentioning any issues with substance abuse to your doctor, as the excessive use of illegal, prescription or over the counter drugs could have an impact on your child's ability to focus.
Many medical professionals now recommend that children be treated for ADHD to enhance their school performance and allow for them to develop into healthy, happy adults. However the decision to medicate a child with ADHD is not considered lightly by parents and can be a long and complex process. Many children will experience side effects, such as irritability and insomnia However, these effects can be cured by careful monitoring dosages and gradually increasing dosages.
Some parents opt for private treatment, which involves a series appointments with a psychiatrist in order to start treatment and monitor the progress. It could take five or more appointments and then fortnightly or monthly appointments as the child becomes used to the medication. This is an excellent option for families who find NHS waiting lists to be extremely long and those who have private healthcare that can provide more streamlined access to care. A thorough report of your child's progress will be sent to your GP, who can then monitor the medication that has been prescribed by your psychiatrist. In certain cases you might be referred back to the NHS for this to continue to ensure that your GP is aware of any medication that has been prescribed to your child. They can conduct regular reviews and checks.