ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help those who suffer from ADHD to concentrate more effectively, be more calm and less impatient. It usually involves a mix between medicine and therapy.
Stimulants boost brain activity in the areas that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin is one of the most common medicines prescribed for adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that boost activity in the parts of the brain that regulate the behavior and attention. They are usually used in conjunction with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The stimulants increase the levels of two chemical messengers, norepinephrine and dopamine, in your brain. This improves your focus and reduces the effects of certain impulses, such as those that lead to impulse-driven behavior. They are generally accepted by adults and children, however some people may have negative effects, including jitteriness, headaches or an increased heart rate.
There are a number of different stimulant drugs available such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine (Dexamphetamine) as well as atomoxetine (Strattera) and modafinil (Provigil). The results of the biggest network meta-analysis to date, published in the British Medical Journal in 2016 recommend amphetamines for people with ADHD. Lisdexamfetamine, a drug, is approved in the UK and has an advantage over short-acting stimulants as it does not wear off during 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 per day, but this isn't always easy for patients who forget to take their medication and could cause poor adherence.
A thorough medical history is necessary to determine if the person suffering from ADHD is suffering from any other medical conditions which could be contributing to their symptoms. A medical issue such as sleep apnea, thyroid disorders or other issues might be causing your child's fatigue or difficulties in concentrating. It is also important to bring up any issues with the use of substances to your doctor, as the excessive use of illegal, prescription or over the counter drugs could affect your child's ability to concentrate.
Many medical professionals are now recommending that children are treated for ADHD to boost their school performance and allow for them to develop into happy, healthy adults. However medication for adult add to medicate a child with ADHD is not made lightly by parents and can be a long and difficult process. A lot of children experience side-effects, such as irritability and insomnia however, these can be managed by careful monitoring and gradually increasing dosages.
Some parents choose private treatment that includes a series appointments with a psychiatrist to begin medication and monitor progress. This could involve five or more appointments and then fortnightly or monthly appointments as the child gets used to the medication. This is an excellent option for families who are finding the NHS waiting lists to be very long, and for whom private healthcare can offer more efficient access to care. A detailed report of your child's progress will be sent to your GP, who can then monitor the medication that has been prescribed by your psychiatrist. In some cases you may have to visit the NHS to continue this process so that your GP can perform regular reviews and checks.