ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help people who have ADHD to concentrate better, feel calmer and be less impatient. add in adults medication involves a combination of medication and therapy.
Stimulants increase brain activity in areas that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, is one of most commonly prescribed medications for adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medicines that increase activity in the parts of the brain responsible for attention and behavior. They are usually prescribed in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Stimulants work by increasing the levels of two chemical messengers, norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. This allows you to focus and reduces the impact of certain impulses, like ones that can trigger impulsive behavior. Adults and children tolerate stimulants well, but some may experience side effects such as jitteriness or headaches.
There are many stimulant medications that include 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 licensed for use in the UK has a distinct advantage over shorter-acting amphetamines because it is less likely to be absorbed during the day and only requires one dose daily. Patients had take short-acting amphetamines 3 or four times per day. This was difficult for patients to remember to take and could lead to an inability to adhere.
It is essential to obtain a complete medical history to determine if someone with ADHD might have other medical conditions which are causing their symptoms. For example, a medical condition like sleep apnea or thyroid issues could be causing your child to feel tired or having difficulty concentrating. You should also mention any issues with substance abuse to your doctor. A prolonged usage of prescription, over the counter or illegal substances can affect your child's concentration.
Medical professionals suggest that children be medicated for ADHD to enhance their performance at school and to assist them in developing into healthy, happy adults. However the decision to medicate a child for ADHD is not considered lightly by parents and can be a long and complex process. Many children will suffer from side effects like insomnia, irritability and anxiety, however most times, these can be overcome with a cautious monitoring and gradual increases in dosage.
Some parents choose to pursue private treatment for their child. This involves an ongoing series of appointments with a specialist psychiatrist to begin the medication process and monitor the progress. It could take up to five appointments and subsequent fortnightly or monthly visits as the child becomes used to the medication. This is an excellent option for families who find NHS waiting lists extremely long and those who have private healthcare that can provide a more efficient and convenient access to care. Your GP will be provided with a thorough assessment of your child's health. They will then monitor the medication 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 all medication that has been prescribed to your child and can carry out regular reviews and checks.