ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help those with ADHD focus better, become less impulsive and feel calmer. It's usually a mix of therapy and medication.
Stimulants boost brain activity in the areas that regulate the behavior of attention. Methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin is among the most commonly prescribed medications for adults with ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that boost activity in the parts of the brain that control attention and behavior. They are usually prescribed in combination with cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT). The stimulants boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. This allows you to concentrate and decreases the impact of certain impulses, including those that trigger impulsive behavior. The majority of stimulants are well-tolerated by adults and children, however some people may have adverse effects, like headaches, jitteriness, or increased heart rate.
There are many different stimulant medications available such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexamphetamine) as well as Atomoxetine (Strattera) and modafinil (Provigil). adhd medications uk of the biggest network meta-analysis to date, published in the British Medical Journal in 2016 confirm that amphetamines are the best choice of medications for adults suffering from ADHD. Lisdexamfetamine, a drug, is approved in the UK and has a distinct advantage over stimulants that are short-acting because it doesn't disappear throughout the day. It is also only required one dose per day. Patients used to the option of taking short-acting amphetamines three or four time a day. This was difficult for patients to remember to take and could result in poor adherence.
It is crucial to take an entire medical history to determine if a person suffering from ADHD might have other medical conditions which are causing their symptoms. For instance an illness such as sleep apnea or thyroid issues could cause your child to feel tired or having difficulty concentrating. It is also important to mention any problems with addiction to your doctor. A prolonged usage of prescription, over the counter or illegal drugs can affect your child's focus.
Many medical professionals are now recommending that children be treated for ADHD to boost their school performance and allow to help them grow into happy, healthy adults. However the decision to treat a child with ADHD is not made lightly by parents and can be a long and difficult process. Many children will experience side-effects like irritability or insomnia, but these can be overcome by carefully monitoring and gradually increasing dosages.
Some parents decide to seek private treatment for their child, which involves regular appointments with a specialist psychiatrist to begin the medication process and monitor the progress. This could involve up to five appointments and then fortnightly or monthly appointments as the child gets used to the medication. Many families are surprised to learn that NHS waiting lists are very long, and private health care provides a more streamlined approach to treatment. Your GP will receive a comprehensive report on your child's progress. He or she will then monitor the medication prescribed by your psychiatrist. In certain instances you could be asked to return to the NHS for this to continue to ensure that your GP is aware of all medication that has been prescribed to your child and can conduct regular reviews and checks.