Treatment For ADD Isn t As Tough As You Think

evidence based treatment for adhd in adults For Adhd Treatment For Adults Without Medication

The most effective treatment options for add are medications and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications include stimulants like methylphenidate, amphetamine and atomoxetine. They may also be non pharmacological treatment for adhd-stimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine.

Stimulant medications should not be used by patients with active substance abuse issues, however they can be considered in those who can diagnose and treat adhd are in stable recovery. 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 decreases impulses and hyperactivity. Most doctors prescribe stimulant medications to treat non prescription adhd treatment. They can prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin), or amphetamines. These are both very similar medications. The type of medicine prescribed will depend on a individual's biochemistry and how well they respond to the drug. It can take five to seven days before the full effects of the medication are visible. Improvements in concentration, improved memory, better sleep, and a decrease in the tendency to be impulsive are all indications that the medication is working.

These medications can have side effects, including diminished appetite and trouble sleeping, and they may raise heart rate and blood pressure. People with medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure should not use these medications. Stimulants have a high potential for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only psychiatrists or pediatricians or, in some instances general practitioners, are able to prescribe stimulants. You can find them in the form of pills, tablets, patches that go on the skin or liquids.

Children and adolescents who consume stimulants frequently experience problems with appetite and weight loss. When the dose is too high, they may also develop tics. In this instance the doctor will lower the dose to prevent the symptoms from getting worse.

Stimulant medicines are used for about 70% to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. A majority of children and young adults experience improvement in their symptoms with best treatment for adhd in adults. This is particularly true for those who have parents, teachers or other caregivers who have reported improvements.

Early use of stimulants can reduce the risk of substance use disorders later on in life. Wilens, Katusic, and colleagues81,82, and Biederman, et al83 discovered that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of acquiring substance use disorders during the adolescent years. However, this protective effect fades by early adulthood.