ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help people who have ADHD to concentrate better, feel calmer and less impulsive. It usually involves a combination of medicine and therapy.
Stimulants boost brain activity in areas that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for adults with ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that boost activity in the parts of the brain that regulate attention and behaviour. adult add medications are often prescribed with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The stimulants increase the levels of two chemical messengers, norepinephrine as well as dopamine, in your brain. This aids in concentration and lessens the impact of certain impulses like those that lead to impulsive behavior. Stimulants are generally well tolerated by adults and children, however certain people may experience side effects, such as headaches, jitteriness or increased heart rate.
There are many different stimulant medications that are available that include methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexamphetamine), atomoxetine (Strattera) and modafinil (Provigil). The results from the largest meta-analysis of the network to date, published in the British Medical Journal in 2016 recommend amphetamines as the first choice of drugs for adults with ADHD. The drug lisdexamfetamine is now licensed in the UK and has an advantage over short-acting stimulants as it does not wear off during the day. It only requires one dose per day. Prior to this, patients needed to take short-acting stimulants up to four times per day, but this isn't always easy for those who forget to take their medication, and may cause poor adherence.
A thorough medical history is essential to determine if an individual suffering from ADHD is suffering from any other medical conditions which could be contributing to their symptoms. A medical condition such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea or other conditions might be causing your child's fatigue or difficulty concentration. It is also worth mentioning any issues with the use of substances to your doctor, as excessive use of illegal prescription or over-the-counter medications can have an impact on your child's ability to concentrate.
Many medical professionals now recommend that children are treated for ADHD to improve their school performance and allow for them to grow into healthy, happy adults. However, the decision to medicate children with ADHD is not considered lightly by parents and can be a lengthy and complicated procedure. Many children suffer from side effects like insomnia, irritability and anxiety, but the majority times, these can be overcome by careful monitoring and gradual increases in dosage.
adhd uk medication opt to seek out private treatment for their child, which entails an ongoing series of appointments with a specialist psychiatrist to begin the medication process and track the progress. It could take five or more sessions then fortnightly or monthly sessions as the child gets familiar with the medication. Many families discover that NHS waiting lists are extremely long, and private health care is a more efficient method to treatment. 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 some cases you could be asked to return to the NHS to continue this process to ensure that your GP is aware of any medication that has been prescribed to your child. They can carry out regular checks and reviews.