ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help those suffering from ADHD focus better, become less impulsive, and feel more peaceful. It usually involves a mix between medicine and therapy.
Stimulants stimulate the areas of the brain that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin is one of the most common medicines prescribed for adults with ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medicines that boost brain activity in the areas that control attention and behavior. They are typically prescribed as part of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The stimulants increase the levels of two chemical messengers, norepinephrine and dopamine, in your brain. This helps you to concentrate and decreases the impact of certain impulses, including those that trigger impulsive behavior. Children and adults tolerate stimulants well, however certain individuals may experience adverse effects such as jitteriness or headaches.
There are a variety of different stimulant medications available such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dextroamphetamine (Dexamphetamine) as well as atomoxetine (Strattera) and modafinil (Provigil). The results from the largest network meta-analysis to date, published in the British Medical Journal in 2016 recommend amphetamines as the first choice of medications for adults suffering from ADHD. The drug lisdexamfetamine is now licensed in the UK and has a distinct advantage over stimulants that are short-acting because it does not fade over the course of the daytime. It is also only required one dose a day. Prior to this, patients required short-acting stimulants three or four times a day, but this can be difficult for patients who forget to take their medication and can cause poor adhering to the medication.
It is essential to obtain an accurate medical history in order to determine if a child suffering from ADHD may have other conditions that are contributing to their symptoms. For instance an illness like sleep apnea, or thyroid issues could be causing your child to feel exhausted or have difficulty concentrating. It is also important to mention any substance abuse problems to your doctor. A prolonged use of prescription, over-the counter or illegal drugs could affect your child's concentration.
Medical professionals suggest that children be medicated for ADHD to enhance their academic performance and help them grow into happy, healthy adulthood. best adhd medication aren't rushing to decide whether or not to medicate their child for ADHD. It can be a lengthy and complex process. Many children suffer from side effects such as irritability, insomnia and anxiety, but the majority of the time, these issues are able to be overcome through cautious monitoring and gradual increase of dosages.
Some parents opt for private treatment, which involves an ongoing series of appointments with a psychiatrist to start medication and track the progress. This may involve five or more appointments and then fortnightly or monthly appointments when the child is accustomed to the medication. This is an excellent option for families who find NHS waiting lists to be lengthy and those who have private healthcare that can provide more streamlined access to healthcare. Your GP will be provided with a thorough report on your child's progress. He or she can then follow the medication prescribed by your psychiatrist. In some cases, you may return to the NHS to continue this process to ensure that your GP is aware of every medication that has been prescribed to your child. They can conduct regular checks and reviews.