treatment for adhd in adults characterization diagnosis and treatment (Full Article)

The main treatment options for add are medications and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications contain stimulants such as methylphenidate amphetamine, and atomoxetine. They may also be nonstimulants, like clonidine and Guanfacine.

Patients with active issues with addiction are not advised to take stimulant medication. However, those who are in stable remission may consider them. Combination therapy using antidepressants especially SSRIs, is a different option.

Stimulants

Stimulants boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels between the brain's synapses. This improves focus and reduces impulses and hyperactivity. Most doctors prescribe stimulant medications to treat ADHD. They may prescribe methylphenidate, (Concerta or Ritalin) or amphetamines. They are both similar medications. The type prescribed will depend on a individual's biochemistry and how to treat depression and adhd well they react to the medicine. It can take five to seven days before the full effects of the medication become apparent. The medication will be effective when you notice improvements in memory, concentration sleep, and impulsivity.

These medications can have side effects, including reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping, and may increase blood pressure and heart rate. People with medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure should not take these medications. Stimulants have a high potential for abuse and are tightly controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists or paediatricians, or in some cases general practitioners, are able to prescribe stimulants. They are available in the form of pills, tablets patches, or patches that are applied to the skin or liquids.

Children and adolescents who take stimulants frequently experience problems with appetite and weight loss. When the dose is too high, they may also develop symptoms of tics. In this case the doctor will lower the dosage to prevent the non drug treatment for adhd from causing more symptoms.

Around 70 to 80 percent of adults and children with adhd in adults untreated are treated with stimulant medication. The majority of children and adolescents report that their symptoms improve when treated. This is especially true for those with teachers, parents, or carers who can observe improvements.

The early use of stimulants may lower the risk of developing substance use disorders later in life. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic and colleagues81,82 and Biederman and colleagues83 discovered that treatment with stimulants decreases the risk for substance use disorders in adolescence, but the protective effect diminishes as we enter early adulthood.