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ADHD Medications and Treatments Stimulants are the main medications used to treat ADHD. They boost levels of neurotransmitters to improve concentration and control of impulses. These include amphetamine and dextroamphetamine which are marketed under names such as Adderall, and methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine. They are also known as Ritalin and Concerta. If stimulants don't work or cause too many side effects, doctors may prescribe antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin. These medications target norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain. Medication The brain chemicals norepinephrine as well as dopamine are important in focusing and thinking. Stimulants, which are the most commonly used medication for ADHD can be effective when taken as directed. Like all medications, stimulants may cause adverse effects. Doctors and patients work together to determine the most effective dose or combination of medication to minimize the risk of side effects. Symptoms of ADHD can vary, but they always include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. The signs usually start at 12 years of age and progress through adolescence and into adulthood. The symptoms could be mild or moderate and could differ between boys and girls. 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 medical professional can pinpoint ADHD in children or teens by following the American Psychiatric Association guidelines. They will inquire with the child and parents about their symptoms and observe them in different environments. A child must exhibit at least six signs in two or more settings, and these symptoms must affect the child's development and functioning. The symptoms must have begun before the child turned 12. The majority of kids with ADHD are prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. Doctors can prescribe methylphenidate, the drug in Ritalin or amphetamine-based stimulants such as Adderall. Doctors can also prescribe non-stimulant drugs to treat ADHD, including atomoxetine and bupropion. These medications don't work as quickly as stimulants however they can help reduce some of the disorder's nagging side effects. ADHD is often linked to other mental disorders, like mood disorders or depression. They are also at higher risk of substance use disorders. Behavioral therapy, which is able to teach adults and children better ways to manage their ADHD, can help address these issues. Research has proven that treatment with both behavioral therapy and medication can improve the quality of life and decrease symptoms. Some teens and kids do not respond to the medication available for ADHD, so they may need a lower dose or a different type of medication. Clinical trials are being conducted to determine the best treatment option for adults and adolescents with ADHD. Behavioral therapy Some people may not need medication to benefit from a behavior therapy. For these individuals changing their diet and lifestyle can aid in easing symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, they might be able to improve their organizational abilities, like placing important items in designated places or using reminders and alarms. They can also utilize exercise and other activities that require physical effort to help channel energy instead of being impulsive. Behavioral therapy can be particularly helpful for children with ADHD. It can help parents learn to be better parents, and also help their child cope with stress and other issues that can cause problems with attention. Behavioral therapy helps children learn to manage their emotions, develop positive self-esteem, and manage their behavior at school. To diagnose ADHD doctors will discuss the symptoms of the patient in detail with the person and observe their behavior in various situations. They also look over school records, questionnaires from relatives and teachers, as well as other information about the individual. They will also rule other diseases and conditions that have similar symptoms. They will also conduct a medical exam and use ADHD rating scales. The most frequently used drugs to treat ADHD are stimulants, which are designed to increase brain activity in the areas that regulate attention. These include the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. There are also non-stimulant medications that can be used to treat ADHD. These are generally considered less effective, but they are more secure than stimulants. For those with ADHD treatment may be an extended process, and it's important to visit a health care provider regularly. The symptoms of ADHD can interfere with relationships, work and school. If not treated it could lead to depression, low self-esteem, trouble with eating and a poor diet, and alcohol or drug addiction. It's also important to talk with your doctor if you find that a medication that was previously effective doesn't have the same effect or results in adverse consequences. It's important to tell your doctor about any other medications you take in case they interact with certain ADHD medications. Counseling If medication is being used, counseling can help children and adults with ADHD deal with the everyday issues that result from their condition. Counselors can assist them in learning how to utilize calendars, date books, and remember appointments. They can also help set realistic goals. Counseling can also aid in improving relationships and reduce conflicts. Mental health professionals are also able to inform parents about the condition and help them develop new skills, attitudes, and ways of communicating with their children. Counseling can help patients of all ages organize their lives and improve their performance at work. They can learn how to stay focused on tasks by breaking down large assignments into smaller, more manageable pieces and develop strategies to deal with frustration, anger, and anxiety. Psychotherapy can help adults gain confidence and control risky and impulsive behaviors. In addition to counseling, many adults find it helpful to explore other treatments. The stimulants can cause negative side effects, including jitteriness and sleep disturbances, therefore, they should only be taken as directed. People with ADHD should be honest with their healthcare professionals and inform them whether they're having difficulty taking certain medications. Most doctors prescribe stimulants methylphenidate, also known as MPH to treat ADHD. This drug increases the levels of neurotransmitters that affect attention and behaviour in the brain. It's available in immediate-release and extended release forms. adhd medication uk -acting forms are slowly absorbed into the bloodstream, and then wear off gradually. This reduces the “crash” caused by a drug's level dropping. Certain non-stimulant medications like bupropion or atomoxetine, which is an antidepressant can also be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, and may be beneficial for those who are unable to take them due to other health issues or severe side effects. Many people who suffer from ADHD are also afflicted with depression or anxiety. In these instances doctors typically prescribe an antidepressant or an antianxiety medication along with the ADHD medication. They will keep in mind how the medications could interact or conflict with one another, and they will monitor for signs of troubling side effects. Other treatment options There are a variety of drugs that can be used to treat ADHD. Each of them is designed to boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in brains. This increases the ability to focus and listen, as well as their memory. These medications contain stimulants as well with nonstimulants. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD. Although stimulants are effective for many people, they can also cause side effects. Some of these side effects can be severe. Your doctor can help determine the most effective dosage of medication to suit your needs. They may also recommend other treatments that can minimize or eliminate side effects. The two most popular stimulants for ADHD include methylphenidate, and dextroamphetamine. These drugs are available under a variety of brand names, such as Adderall and Ritalin. They are available in both extended-release and short-acting formulations. Short-acting medications can last up to 3-4 hours and are generally taken three or four times per day. Extended-release medications are typically taken daily and can last as long as 16 hours. Many adults supplement an extended release morning medication with a dose that is shorter-acting late in the afternoon or evening, in order to make up the time between the medication wearing off and the next dose. Stimulants may cause nausea, changes in blood pressure and heart rate. They can also make some people feel more anxious and irritable than they usually do. They may also cause tics to become more intense or increase the frequency of their appearance. In certain children and adolescents they may cause some slight delays in growth, but it is only temporary and does not affect final height. They also can increase appetite and weight gain, and they can cause a rise in blood cholesterol as well as other heart issues in certain people. Certain antidepressants can also be used “off-label” to treat ADHD. The most popular is bupropion (Wellbutrin) which works by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. It can be especially helpful for people suffering from ADHD and anxiety or depression. It may be beneficial in the event that stimulants don't work, if they are not used or tolerated or if a substance abuse disorder is present.