ADHD Medication – Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help those who have ADHD to concentrate better, feel more relaxed and be less dependent. It usually involves a mix of therapy and medicine.
Stimulants increase brain activity in the areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate (known as Ritalin) is one of the most commonly used medications for adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications which increase brain activity in areas that control attention and behavior. They are typically prescribed as part of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Stimulants work by increasing the levels of two chemical messengers, namely norepinephrine and dopamine, in your brain. This helps you focus and reduces the effects of certain impulses such as those that trigger an impulsive behavior. Stimulants are generally well tolerated by adults and children, however certain people may experience side effects, such as jitteriness, headaches or an increased heart rate.
There are many different stimulant medications available that include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine (Dexamphetamine) and Atomoxetine (Strattera) and modafinil (Provigil). The results of the largest network meta-analysis to date, published by the British Medical Journal in 2016 support amphetamines for adults with ADHD. The drug lisdexamfetamine is now approved in the UK and has an advantage over short-acting stimulants as it how does medication for adhd work not fade over the course of the day. It is also only required one dose per day. In the past, patients needed to take short-acting stimulants 3 or 4 times a day, but this can be a challenge for those who fail to take their medication and could result in poor compliance.
It is essential to obtain an entire medical history to determine if a person suffering from ADHD may have other conditions that contribute to their symptoms. A medical condition such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea or other issues may be contributing to your child’s fatigue or difficulties in concentrating. You should also mention any issues with substance abuse to your doctor. A prolonged usage of prescription, over the counter or illegal drugs could affect your child’s concentration.
Many medical professionals recommend that children are medicated for ADHD to boost their school performance and allow for them to grow into happy, healthy adults. However, the decision to medicate a child for ADHD is not made lightly by parents and Can i get adhd medication without a diagnosis be a long and complex procedure. Many children will suffer from side effects like insomnia, irritability and anxiety, but the majority of the time these are able to be overcome through careful monitoring and gradual increases in dosage.
Some parents opt for private treatment that includes regular appointments with a psychiatrist to start medication and track progress. It could take up to five appointments, and then fortnightly or monthly appointments when the child is accustomed to the medication. This is a great option for many families who are finding the NHS waiting lists to be very long, and for whom private healthcare could provide more streamlined access to healthcare. A detailed report on your child’s progress will be sent to your GP, who can then carry out the monitoring of the medication that has been prescribed by your psychiatrist. In certain instances you might be referred back to the NHS for this to continue to ensure that your GP is aware of all medications that have been prescribed to your child and can conduct regular reviews and checks.
