ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD

Treatment can help those with ADHD focus better, become less impulsive, and feel more peaceful. It's usually a mix between medicine and therapy.

Stimulants stimulate the areas of the brain that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, is one of most common medicines prescribed for adults suffering from ADHD.

Stimulants

Stimulants are medications which increase brain activity in areas that control attention and behavior. They are often prescribed with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). They work by increasing the levels of two chemical messengers, namely norepinephrine and dopamine, in your brain. This helps you to concentrate and decreases the effects of certain impulses, such as ones that can trigger impulsive behavior. Adults and children tolerate stimulants well, however some may experience side effects such as jitteriness or headaches.

There are a variety of different stimulant medications available such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine (Dexamphetamine), Atomoxetine (Strattera) and modafinil (Provigil). The results of the largest meta-analysis of the network to date, published in the British Medical Journal in 2016 confirm that amphetamines are the Best Adhd Medication Uk choice of drugs for adults with ADHD. Lisdexamfetamine, a drug that is also licensed for use in the UK, has an advantage over shorter-acting amphetamines because it is less likely to be absorbed during the day and only requires one dose daily. Prior to this, patients had to take short-acting stimulants 3 or 4 times a day, but this can be a challenge for those who forget to take their medication and can result in poor compliance.

It is crucial to take an entire medical history to determine if a person with ADHD might have other medical conditions which are causing their symptoms. For example an illness such as sleep apnea or thyroid issues could be causing your child to feel exhausted or have difficulty concentrating. It is also important to mention any issues with the use of substances to your doctor, because excessive use of illegal prescription or over-the-counter drugs can have an impact on your child's ability of concentrating.

Medical professionals recommend that children be treated for ADHD to improve their academic performance and to help them develop into happy, healthy adulthood. However the decision to treat a child with ADHD is not considered lightly by parents and can be a long and complicated process. A lot of children will have side effects, like insomnia, irritability and anxiety, but the majority of the time these can be overcome with a cautious monitoring and gradual increase of dosages.

Some parents choose to seek out private treatment for their child, which entails an ongoing series of appointments with a specialist psychiatrist to get started on medication and monitor progress. This may involve up to five appointments, and then fortnightly or monthly appointments when the child is accustomed to the medication for odd and adhd. Many families are surprised to learn that NHS waiting lists are extremely long, while private healthcare is a more efficient method to care. A detailed report on your child's progress will be shared with your GP who will then perform the monitoring of the medication prescribed by your psychiatrist. In certain instances, you might require a visit to the NHS to continue this process so that your GP can conduct regular checks and reviews.