ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD

Treatment can help those suffering from ADHD concentrate better, be less impulsive and more relaxed. It usually involves a mix of therapy and medication.

Stimulants stimulate the areas of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate (known as Ritalin) is one of the most frequently prescribed medications to treat adults suffering from adhd medication cost uk.

Stimulants

Stimulants are drugs that boost activity in the parts of the brain that control attention and behaviour. They are often prescribed with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Stimulants work by increasing the levels two chemical messengers, norepinephrine as well as dopamine, inside your brain. This makes it easier for you to concentrate and decreases the impact of certain impulses, such as those that trigger impulsive behavior. Stimulants are generally well tolerated by children and adults but certain people may experience adverse effects, like jitteriness, headaches or an increased heart rate.

There are many stimulant medications, including methylphenidate(Ritalin), dextroamphetamine(Dexamphetamine), modafinil(Provigil), and Atomoxetine. The results of the biggest network meta-analysis to date, published in the British Medical Journal in 2016, support amphetamines as first-choice drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. The drug lisdexamfetamine is now licensed in the UK and has a distinct advantage over short-acting stimulants because it does not wear off during the daytime. It is also only required only one dose a day. Patients used to the option of taking short-acting amphetamines three or four times per day. This was difficult for patients to remember to take, and could lead to an inability to adhere.

A thorough medical history is necessary to help determine whether a person with ADHD has any other health issues that may be causing their symptoms. For instance an illness like sleep apnea, or thyroid issues could be causing your child to feel exhausted or have trouble focusing. You should also mention any issues with substance abuse to your doctor. A prolonged usage of prescription, over the counter or illegal substances can affect your child's concentration.

Medical professionals recommend that children receive medication for ADHD to improve their performance at school and help them grow into a healthy, happy adulthood. However, the decision to medicate a child with ADHD is not taken lightly by parents and can be a long and difficult procedure. Many children will experience side effects like irritability or insomnia However, these effects be cured by careful monitoring dosages and gradually increasing dosages.

Some parents opt for private treatment, which includes an ongoing series of appointments with a psychiatrist in order to start treatment and monitor progress. This could include up five sessions, followed by monthly or fortnightly appointments as the child becomes used to the medication. Many families discover that NHS waiting lists are extremely long, while private healthcare provides a more streamlined approach to treatment. Your GP will receive a comprehensive report on your child's progress. They will monitor the medication that was prescribed by your psychiatrist. In certain instances you could be asked to return to the NHS to continue this process to ensure that your GP is aware of all medications that have been prescribed to your child and can carry out regular reviews and checks.