ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help those suffering from ADHD concentrate better, be less impulsive and feel calmer. It's usually a mix of therapy and medication.
Stimulants increase brain activity in the areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin is one of the most frequently prescribed medicines for adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that boost activity in parts of the brain that control attention and behavior. They are often prescribed in combination with cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT). The stimulants increase the levels of two chemical messengers, norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This helps you focus and reduces the effects of certain impulses, such as those that lead to an impulsive behavior. Children and adults can tolerate stimulants well, but there are some who may experience side effects like jitteriness and headaches.
There are many stimulant medications, 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 suggest amphetamines to adults suffering from ADHD. Lisdexamfetamine, a drug that is 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 requires only one dose daily. Iam Psychiatry used to have the option of taking short-acting amphetamines three or four times per day. This was difficult for patients to remember to take and could lead to low adherence.
It is crucial to take an entire medical history to determine if a person with ADHD may have other conditions that contribute to their symptoms. A medical issue such as sleep apnea, thyroid disorders or other conditions may be contributing to your child's fatigue or difficulty concentration. It is also important to mention any problems with addiction to your doctor. Heavy use of prescription, over-the-counter or illegal drugs could affect your child's focus.
Medical professionals recommend that children be medicated for ADHD to enhance their performance at school and to help them develop into a healthy, happy adulthood. However the decision to medicate children with ADHD is not taken lightly by parents and can be a long and complex process. Many children have side effects, like insomnia, irritability and anxiety, however most times, these are able to be overcome through careful monitoring and gradual increase of dosages.
Some parents opt to seek private treatment for their child, which involves a series of appointments with a specialist psychiatrist in order to get started on medication and monitor their progress. This could include up to five sessions, then fortnightly or monthly appointments as the child gets familiar with the medication. Many families discover that NHS waiting lists are very long, and private health care offers a more efficient approach to treatment. A thorough report of your child's progress will be sent to your GP who will then monitor the medication prescribed by your psychiatrist. In certain instances, you might need to return to the NHS to continue this process so that your GP will be able to conduct regular reviews and checks.