ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can assist those with ADHD to concentrate better, feel more relaxed and be less impatient. It usually involves an amalgamation of medication and therapy.
Stimulants increase activity in parts of the brain that regulate attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate (known as Ritalin) is one of the most frequently prescribed medications for adults with ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medicines that boost brain activity in the areas that regulate attention and behavior. They are often prescribed in combination with cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT). They work by increasing the levels of two chemical messengers, norepinephrine as well as dopamine, inside your brain. This makes it easier for you to focus and reduces the effects of certain impulses, such as those that trigger impulsive behavior. Stimulants are generally well tolerated by children and adults but some people may have side effects, such as headaches, jitteriness or increased heart rate.
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 recommend amphetamines for people with ADHD. The drug lisdexamfetamine, now licensed for use in the UK, has an advantage over amphetamines with shorter durations of action because it is less likely to become stale during the day and requires only one dose per day. Patients used to have to take short-acting amphetamines three or four times a day. It was a challenge for patients to remember to take, and could lead to low adherence.
adult adhd medication is essential to help determine whether a person with ADHD has any other conditions that could be contributing to their symptoms. For example, a medical condition like sleep apnea, or thyroid disorders might cause your child to be tired or having difficulty concentrating. It is also worth mentioning any issues with the use of substances to your doctor, since heavy usage of illegal, prescription or over the counter drugs could have an impact on your child's ability of concentrating.
Medical professionals recommend that children be treated for ADHD in order to improve their school performance and to help them develop into healthy, happy adults. However the decision to treat children with ADHD is not taken lightly by parents and can be a long and complex process. Many children will experience side effects, such as irritability and insomnia, but these can be cured by careful monitoring dosages and gradually increasing dosages.
Some parents choose private treatment that includes an ongoing series of appointments with a psychiatrist in order to start medication and track progress. This could involve up to five sessions then fortnightly or monthly sessions as the child gets used to the medication. Many families find that NHS waiting lists are incredibly long, while private healthcare provides a more streamlined approach to care. Your GP will receive a comprehensive report on your child's progress. They will monitor the medication that was prescribed by your psychiatrist. In some cases you may need to return to the NHS to continue this process so that your GP will be able to conduct regular reviews and checks.