ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help those with ADHD to concentrate more effectively, be more calm and less impulsive. It is typically a combination of medication and therapy.
Stimulants boost activity in the parts of the brain that regulate attention and behaviour. 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 areas of the brain that regulate the behavior and attention. They are typically used in conjunction with cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT). Stimulants work by increasing the levels of two chemical messengers, namely norepinephrine and dopamine, in your brain. This helps you focus and lessens the effect of certain impulses such as those that can trigger impulsive behavior. Children and adults tolerate stimulants very well, but certain individuals may experience adverse effects like jitteriness or headaches.
There are a variety of stimulant drugs that include methylphenidate(Ritalin), dextroamphetamine(Dexamphetamine), modafinil(Provigil), and Atomoxetine. The results of the largest network meta-analysis to date, published by the British Medical Journal in 2016 recommend amphetamines for people with ADHD. Lisdexamfetamine, a drug that is also approved for use in the UK has a distinct advantage over amphetamines that have a shorter acting duration because it is less likely to be absorbed during the day and requires only one dose daily. Prior to this, patients needed to take short-acting stimulants up to four times per day, but this can be difficult for those who forget to take their medication, and can cause poor adhering to the medication.
It is important to get an entire medical history to determine if a child with ADHD might have other health issues which are causing 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 heavy usage of illegal, prescription or over-the-counter medications can have an impact on your child's ability of concentrating.
Medical professionals advise that children be medicated for ADHD to improve their school performance and help them grow into a healthy, happy adulthood. However the decision to treat children with ADHD is not considered lightly by parents and can be a lengthy and difficult procedure. A lot of children experience side-effects, such as irritability and insomnia however, these can be cured by careful monitoring dosages and gradually increasing dosages.
adhd medication side effects choose to pursue private treatment for their child. This involves an ongoing series of appointments with a specialist psychiatrist to get started on medication and track the progress. It could take up to five appointments and thereafter, fortnightly or monthly appointments as the child gets used to the medication. This is an ideal option for families who find NHS waiting lists to be very long, and those who have private healthcare that can provide a more efficient and convenient access to care. A thorough report of your child's progress will be shared with your GP, who can then carry out the monitoring of the medication that has been prescribed by your psychiatrist. In certain instances, you might require a visit to the NHS to continue this process to ensure that your GP can perform regular checks and reviews.