ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD

Treatment can help those suffering from ADHD focus better, become less impulsive, and feel more peaceful. It usually involves an amalgamation of medication and therapy.

Stimulants stimulate the areas of the brain responsible for attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate (known as Ritalin) is among the most commonly used medications for adults with ADHD.

Stimulants

Stimulants are medicines that increase activity in areas of the brain responsible for attention and behavior. They are usually prescribed in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within your brain. This makes it easier for you to concentrate and lessens the impact of certain impulses, like ones that can trigger impulsive behavior. Adults and children tolerate stimulants well, but some may experience side effects like jitteriness and headaches.

There are a number of different stimulant medications available, including methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexamphetamine) and atomoxetine (Strattera) and modafinil (Provigil). The results from the largest network meta-analysis to date, published in the British Medical Journal in 2016, support amphetamines as first-choice drugs for adults with ADHD. Lisdexamfetamine, a drug, is approved in the UK and has an advantage over stimulants that are short-acting because it does not fade over the course of the day. It is also only required one dose a day. Prior to this, patients had to take short-acting stimulants up to four times per day, but this can be difficult for those who prescribes adhd medication forget to take their medication, and could result in poor adhering to the medication.

It is crucial to take an entire medical history to determine if a person with ADHD might have other medical conditions that contribute to their symptoms. For example, a medical condition like sleep apnea, or thyroid disorders might cause your child to be exhausted or have trouble focusing. You should also mention any issues with substance abuse to your doctor. Heavy usage of prescription, over the counter or illegal substances can you get adhd medication without a diagnosis affect your child's focus.

Medical professionals suggest that children be medicated for ADHD in order to improve their performance at school and to assist them in developing into a healthy, happy adulthood. However the decision to medicate a child for ADHD is not made lightly by parents and can be a long and difficult procedure. Many children will suffer from side effects like insomnia, irritability and anxiety, but most of the time these can be overcome with a carefully monitored and gradual increases in dosage.

Some parents decide to seek private treatment for their child, which entails regular appointments with a specialist psychiatrist to begin the medication process and track the the progress. This could involve up to five appointments, and then fortnightly or monthly appointments when the child is accustomed to the medication. Many families find that NHS waiting lists are very long, and private healthcare provides a more streamlined approach to treatment. Your GP will be provided with a thorough report on the progress types of adhd Medication uk your child. They will then monitor the medication 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 prescribed to your child and will conduct regular checks and reviews.