ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants focus on two brain chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine to increase the ability to focus and reduce the risk of impulsivity. These medications are the main treatment for ADHD for children and adults.
Some people experience side effects when taking these medications. These side effects usually go away after several weeks or days. It is important to speak with your doctor about potential side effects prior to taking treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants raise the levels of certain brain chemicals that help people control their impulses and increase their ability to plan ahead and organize themselves. This type of medication is most commonly used to treat ADHD and includes medications such as dextroamphetamines (Adderall) and atomoxetines (Provigil) and methylphenidates (Ritalin).
The drugs typically begin working within 30 to 45 minutes and can last up to four hours. Some stimulants with short-acting properties are available in pill form, while others are liquids or chewable tablets. People taking these drugs may experience what is called "the crash effect" when the effects diminish and can trigger extreme hunger or mood changes.
In studies, stimulants helped reduce ADHD symptoms in 70-80 percent of adults and children who took them. They reduce hyperactivity, interruptions and fidgeting. They can also help with staying on task, completing schoolwork, and enhancing relationships with family, colleagues and friends. However, they don't solve the root causes that lead to ADHD and those who take them should use other treatments as well.
Drugs that stimulate the brain can be addictive, and the danger of addiction varies from individual to person. Patients should not stop taking their medication without consulting a physician especially if they've been taking the medication for a long time. It can take weeks or even months to determine the proper dose of medication for each individual.
resource for this article aren't the only treatment for ADHD however, they have been shown to be the most efficient. Talking therapy or psychotherapy can help teach skills to cope with symptoms and break bad habits. Some people find cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) in which professionals trained in the field attempt to alter the way that an individual views situations that cause symptoms, beneficial.
CBT can be conducted in individual sessions or group therapy There are also applications to help you practice CBT at home. CBT is something that anyone who are interested should discuss with their physician.
There are other types of psychotherapy that may be helpful for people with ADHD like interpersonal and dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and family-focused therapy. However, these therapies haven't yet been proven to be as effective as stimulants.
Non-stimulant medications
Some doctors prefer to prescribe non-stimulant drugs for treating ADHD as they are less likely to cause an lower risk of addiction and abuse. But they may not be as effective as stimulants, and it may be difficult to determine the appropriate dose for each individual.
These medications aren't available over the counter, and you shouldn't try to purchase them without a prescription from your doctor. Some supplements and vitamins also claim to treat ADHD, but the evidence isn't conclusive. In fact, some are able to interact with stimulant drugs.