ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help people who suffer from ADHD to concentrate better, feel calmer and less impatient. It usually involves a combination of medication and therapy.
Stimulants boost brain activity in areas that control the behavior of attention. Methylphenidate is also referred to as Ritalin, is one of most commonly prescribed medications for adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications that increase activity in areas of the brain responsible for attention and behaviour. They are often used in conjunction with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). adult adhd medication work by increasing the levels of two chemical messengers, norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. This improves your focus and lessens the impact of certain impulses, such as those that can trigger impulsive behavior. They are generally accepted by children and adults but some people might experience side effects, such as jitteriness, headaches or an increased heart rate.
There are a number of different stimulant drugs available such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dextroamphetamine (Dexamphetamine), Atomoxetine (Strattera) and modafinil (Provigil). The results of the largest network meta analysis to date, published in the British Medical Journal in 2016 recommend amphetamines for people with ADHD. The drug lisdexamfetamine is now licensed in the UK and has an advantage over short-acting stimulants because it does not disappear throughout the daytime. It also only requires only one dose a day. Previously, patients would have required short-acting stimulants up to four times a day, but this can be a challenge for patients who forget to take their medication, and could cause poor compliance.
A thorough medical history is necessary to help determine whether the person suffering from ADHD has any other conditions that may be causing their symptoms. For example an illness like sleep apnea, or thyroid problems could cause your child to be exhausted or have trouble focusing. It is also important to mention any substance abuse issues to your doctor, because the excessive use of illegal, prescription or over-the-counter medications can affect your child's ability of concentrating.
Many medical professionals are now recommending that children are medicated for ADHD to enhance their school performance and allow for them to develop into healthy, happy adults. However the decision to medicate a child with ADHD is not made lightly by parents and can be a lengthy and complicated procedure. Many children will experience side effects, such as irritability, insomnia and anxiety, however most times, these can be overcome by careful monitoring and gradual increase of dosages.
Some parents choose private treatment, which involves a series appointments with a psychiatrist to begin medication and monitor the progress. This could involve five or more sessions followed by monthly or fortnightly appointments as the child becomes used to the medication. This is a great option for many families who find the NHS waiting lists to be extremely long and for whom private healthcare can offer more efficient access to care. Your GP will receive a comprehensive report on your child's progress. He or she can then monitor the medication prescribed by your psychiatrist. In some cases you may need to return to the NHS to continue this process so that your GP can perform regular checks and reviews.