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treatment for adhd in adults For ADHD

Psychosocial therapy is the most common treatment for add. These medications include stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, treatment for Add as well as nonstimulants like atomoxetine, viloxazine, guanfacine, and clonidine.

Stimulant medication should not be used in patients with active substance abuse issues, however they are a possibility for those who are in stable in remission. Combination therapy using antidepressants particularly SSRIs, is an alternative option.

Stimulants

Stimulants boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels between synapses in the brain. This improves concentration and reduces impulses and hyperactivity. The majority of doctors prescribe stimulant medication to treat adhd in adults treatment. They can prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin), or amphetamines. These are both very similar drugs. The type of medicine prescribed will depend on the individual's biochemistry and how well they react to the medication. It may take up to seven days for full effects of a medication to become evident. Improvements in concentration, improved memory, better sleep and a decrease in impulse control are all indications that the medicine is working.

The medicines in this class may cause side effects, such as diminished appetite and trouble sleeping, and they can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Some people with a medical condition, such as high blood pressure or heart disease should not take these medications. They are controlled substances with the potential for misuse. Only psychiatrists, paediatricians, neurologists, and in certain situations, general practitioners may prescribe them. They can be found in the form of tablets or pills or patches that go on the skin, or in liquids.

Children and adolescents who take stimulants are often affected by weight loss and eating disorders. When the dose is too high, they can also develop tics. In this case, the doctor will reduce the dose to prevent the drug from worsening symptoms.

Around 70 to 80 percent of children and adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulant medications. The majority of adolescents and children find that their symptoms improve when treated. This is especially the case for children with parents, teachers or carers who report improvement.

The early use of stimulants may lower the risk of developing substance use disorders later in life. Wilens, Katusic, and colleagues81,82, and Biederman, et al83 discovered that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of acquiring substance use disorders in the adolescent period. However this protective effect fades in the early years of adulthood.