ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help those with ADHD concentrate better, be less impulsive and feel calmer. It is usually a combination of therapy and medicine.
Stimulants stimulate brain activity in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate (known as Ritalin) is among the most frequently prescribed medications for adults with ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medicines that boost brain activity in the areas that control attention and behavior. They are usually used in conjunction with cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT). They work by increasing the levels of two chemical messengers, norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This aids in concentration and lessens the effect of certain impulses like those that trigger impulse-driven behavior. Children and adults tolerate stimulants well, however certain individuals may experience adverse effects like jitteriness or headaches.
There are a variety of stimulant drugs, including 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 suggest amphetamines to adults suffering from ADHD. Lisdexamfetamine is a drug also approved for use in the UK, has an advantage over amphetamines that have a shorter acting duration because it is less likely to wear off during the day, and only requires one dose per day. Patients had take short-acting amphetamines 3 or four times per day. This was difficult for patients to remember to take and could result in low adherence.
It is essential to obtain a complete medical history to determine if a person suffering from ADHD might have other health issues that contribute to their symptoms. A medical condition like sleep apnea, thyroid disorders or other issues may be contributing to your child's fatigue or difficulties concentrating. It is also important to mention any issues with the use of substances to your doctor, since heavy usage of illegal, prescription or over the counter drugs could affect your child's ability of concentrating.
Medical professionals recommend that children be medicated for ADHD to improve their school performance and help them grow into happy, healthy adulthood. However the decision to treat a child with ADHD is not considered lightly by parents and can be a long and complicated procedure. Many children will suffer from side effects like insomnia, irritability and anxiety, but the majority of the time these can be overcome with a cautious monitoring and gradual increases in dosage.
Some parents decide 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. This could involve five or more sessions then fortnightly or monthly sessions as the child gets familiar with the medication. This is an ideal option for families who find NHS waiting lists to be very long, and for whom private healthcare can provide a more efficient and convenient access to care. Your GP will receive a comprehensive report on your child's progress. They will monitor the medication that was prescribed by your psychiatrist. In adhd medication for adults uk , you might need to return to the NHS to continue this process so that your GP can conduct regular reviews and checks.