ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help people with ADHD concentrate better, be less impulsive and more relaxed. It usually involves a combination of medication and therapy.
Stimulants stimulate brain activity in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate (known as Ritalin) is among the most commonly used medications for adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications which increase brain activity in areas that regulate attention and behavior. They are typically prescribed as part of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). They work by increasing the levels of two chemical messengers, norepinephrine and dopamine, inside your brain. This improves your focus and reduces the effects of certain impulses like those that lead to impulsive behavior. They are generally accepted by children and adults but some people might experience negative effects, including jitteriness, headaches or an increased heart rate.
There are a variety of different stimulant drugs available such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexamphetamine) and Atomoxetine (Strattera) and modafinil (Provigil). The results of the largest meta-analysis of a network to date published in the British Medical Journal in 2016 recommend amphetamines as the first choice of medications for adults suffering from ADHD. Lisdexamfetamine, a drug that is also approved for use in the UK, has an advantage over shorter-acting amphetamines because it is less likely to be absorbed throughout the day and only requires one dose daily. Prior to this, patients required short-acting stimulants up to four times a day, but this can be difficult for patients who forget to take their medication and may cause poor compliance.
It is important to get an entire medical history to determine if a person with ADHD might have other health issues that contribute to their symptoms. I Am Psychiatry like thyroid disorders, sleep apnea or other conditions might be causing your child's fatigue or difficulties concentration. It is also worth mentioning any issues with the use of substances to your doctor, since the excessive use of illegal, prescription or over-the-counter drugs can have an impact on your child's ability to concentrate.
Medical professionals advise that children receive medication for ADHD in order to improve their academic performance and help them grow into healthy, happy adults. Parents should not rush to decide whether or not to medicate their child for ADHD. It's a lengthy and complex process. A lot of children experience side-effects like irritability or insomnia however, these can be overcome by carefully monitoring dosages and gradually increasing dosages.
Some parents decide to seek private treatment for their child. This involves an ongoing series of appointments with a specialist psychiatrist in order to start the medication and monitor the progress. This may involve up to five appointments and thereafter, fortnightly or monthly appointments when the child is accustomed to the medication. This is a great option for many families who find the NHS waiting lists to be 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 report on your child's progress. They will then follow the medication prescribed by your psychiatrist. In some cases you may have to visit the NHS to continue this process so that your GP can perform regular checks and reviews.