5 Killer Quora Answers On ADHD And Medication
5 Killer Quora Answers On ADHD And Medication
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ADHD Medications and Treatments
Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD. They boost levels of neurotransmitters, which help increase concentration and control impulses. They include dextroamphetamine and amphetamine that are known under names such as Adderall and methylphenidate as well as lisdexamfetamine, called Ritalin and Concerta.
Doctors may prescribe antidepressants such as Wellbutrin (generic name bupropion) for people suffering from ADHD in cases where stimulants do not work or cause unacceptably adverse side adverse effects. These drugs target norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
Medication
The brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine are essential in focusing and thinking. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD and can be beneficial if they are used according to the directions. Like all medicines, stimulants can cause side effects. Doctors and patients collaborate to find the best dosage or combination of medication to minimize side effects.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary, but they always include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. In children, symptoms usually start before age 12, and they persist throughout the adolescent years and into adulthood. The symptoms could be mild or moderate and may differ between girls and boys. Boys and children assigned male at birth (AMAB) tend to show more hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, but the same behaviors can occur in girls and women.
A health care provider can determine ADHD in the teen or child by following the guidelines of the American Psychological Association for the disorder. They will interview parents and the child about their symptoms and observe them in different settings. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child has to have at least six symptoms that are present in two or more settings and that affect the child's development and functioning. The signs must have been present before the age of 12.
Most kids who have ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. A doctor can prescribe methylphenidate which is the ingredient in Ritalin or amphetamine-based stimulants like Adderall. Doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or bupropion to treat ADHD. These medications don't work as fast as stimulants, but they can reduce some of the disorder's nagging adverse effects.
ADHD is often associated with other psychiatric disorders such as mood disorders or depression. They are also more likely to develop addiction disorders. Behavioral therapy, which is able to teach adults and children ways to manage their ADHD, can help address these other problems.
Research suggests that the combination of therapy for behavior and medication can improve the quality of life for an individual and reduce the symptoms. Some teens and children do not respond well to ADHD medications, so they may require a different medication or a lower dose. Clinical studies are ongoing to determine the most effective treatment for adolescents and adults with ADHD.
Behavioral therapy
Some people might not require medication to benefit from a behavior therapy. A alteration in diet or lifestyle can help those suffering from symptoms of ADHD. In addition, they might be able to improve their organization abilities, like keeping important items in specific locations or using reminders and alarms. They can also make use of exercises and other activities that require physical movement to make energy available, instead of being impulsive.
Behavioral therapy is especially beneficial for children with ADHD. It can help parents learn to be better parents, and help their child overcome stress or other issues that can cause attention deficits. Behavioral therapy helps children learn to control their emotions and develop confidence in themselves, and also control their behavior in school.
To diagnose ADHD Doctors will discuss the symptoms with the patient and observe their behavior in different situations. They will examine school records and questionnaires from family members, teachers and other people who know the person. They will also look for other health conditions or illnesses that have similar symptoms. They will also conduct a medical exam and use ADHD rating scales.
The most commonly used medications to treat ADHD are stimulants that are designed to boost brain activity in areas that regulate attention. These include the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. There are several non-stimulant medications that are used to treat ADHD and other disorders. They are generally regarded as less effective, however they are less harmful than stimulants.
For those suffering from ADHD treatment may be a long process and it's essential to visit a health care provider regularly. The symptoms of ADHD can be a problem with relationships, work, and school. If it is not treated it can result in depression, low self-esteem, trouble with eating, a poor diet, and addiction to alcohol or drugs.
It is also advisable to consult your doctor if you feel that a medication that was once effective is no longer producing the same results, or causing side effects. It is important to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking because some of them may interact with certain ADHD medications.
Counseling
If medication is used counseling can help children and adults with ADHD overcome the daily challenges that result from their condition. Counselors can help them learn to remember appointments, use calendars and date books, and create realistic goals for themselves. Counseling may also suggest strategies for improving relationships and decreasing conflict. Mental health professionals can also inform parents about the condition and assist them in developing new abilities, behaviors, and ways of communicating with their children.
Counseling can help adult patients organize their lives and improve their performance at work. They can learn strategies to remain focused on their work, such as breaking down large tasks into smaller steps that are easier to manage and practice handling anger, frustration, and anxiety. Psychotherapy can also help adults gain confidence and control their impulsive and risk-taking behavior.
Many adults discover alternative treatment options helpful in addition to counseling. Some stimulants can have adverse effects on the body, such as insomnia and jitteriness, therefore, they should be used only according to the prescription. People suffering from ADHD should be honest with their health care providers and inform them whether they're having difficulty taking certain medications.
Most doctors prescribe the stimulant methylphenidate, or MPH to treat ADHD. The drug increases levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which affect the way we think and behave. It's available in immediate-release and extended-release versions. The longer-acting ones build up slowly in the bloodstream, and then wear off slowly, which reduces the "crash" effect caused when the drug's level drops.
Some adults with ADHD might benefit from non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine, an antidepressant or bupropion. They work slower than stimulants, and could be beneficial for those who are unable to use them due to other health issues or serious adverse reactions.
Some people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety or depression. In these instances doctors will often prescribe an antidepressant or antianxiety drug along with the ADHD medication. They here will keep in mind how the medications might interfere or conflict with one another, and they will be on the lookout for any signs of a potentially dangerous side effects.
Other treatment options
There are several medications that can be used to treat ADHD. All of them are designed to boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This aids in focusing better and improves their ability to listen and remember. These medications include stimulants and nonstimulants. Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. Although stimulants work for many people, they may cause adverse effects. Some of these side-effects could be serious. Your doctor can assist you in determining the right dosage of medication to suit your requirements. They can also recommend other treatments that can minimize or eliminate side effects.
The two most popular stimulants used to treat ADHD are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. These medications are sold under a variety of brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. They are available in both extended-release and short-acting formulations. Short-acting drugs can last as long as 3-4 hours and are typically taken twice or three times a day. Extended-release medications are typically taken daily and can last up to 16 hours. Many adults prefer to supplement their morning medication with a shorter-acting dose in late afternoon or evening to fill the gap between the two doses as the medication is fading.
Stimulants can cause nausea and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. They can also make people feel more stressed and angry than they typically do. They can also make tics more intense or increase the frequency of their appearance. They can also cause a slight slowing of growth in certain children and teenagers, but it's only temporary and doesn't affect the final height. They also can increase appetite and weight gain, and could cause a rise in blood cholesterol and other heart-related issues in some people.
Some antidepressants are also sometimes used "off-label" for treating ADHD. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is the most frequently used drug. It is a neurotransmitter stimulant that increases norepinephrine, and dopamine. It is especially useful for people with ADHD and anxiety or depression. It can also be useful if stimulants don't work for you, if you are unable to tolerate them or are at risk of abusing them or if you suffer from an addiction to drugs.