ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help people with ADHD concentrate better, be less impulsive and feel calmer. It usually involves a mix of therapy and medicine.
Stimulants stimulate brain activity in the areas that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin is among the most frequently prescribed medicines for adults with ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medicines that boost brain activity in areas that regulate attention and behavior. They are usually prescribed in combination with cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT). Stimulants work by increasing the levels of two chemical messengers, norepinephrine as well as dopamine, in your brain. This makes it easier for you to concentrate and decreases the impact of certain impulses, like those that cause impulsive behaviour. add medication uk iampsychiatry.uk and adults can tolerate stimulants well, but some may experience side effects like jitteriness and headaches.
There are a number of different stimulant medications that are available, including methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexamphetamine) as well as atomoxetine (Strattera) and modafinil (Provigil). The results of the biggest network meta-analysis to date, published in the British Medical Journal in 2016 support amphetamines for adults with ADHD. The drug lisdexamfetamine is now licensed in the UK and has an advantage over short-acting stimulants because it does not disappear throughout the daytime. It is also only required only one dose a day. Prior to this, patients needed to take short-acting stimulants three or four times per day, but this can be difficult for patients who forget to take their medication and can result in poor adherence.
A thorough medical history is important to determine if an individual suffering from ADHD has any other health issues which could be contributing to their symptoms. For example an illness such as sleep apnea or thyroid problems could cause your child to feel exhausted or have difficulty concentrating. It is also important to bring up any substance abuse issues to your doctor, since heavy usage of illegal, prescription or over-the-counter medications can have an impact on your child's ability to concentrate.
Medical professionals suggest that children be medicated for ADHD in order 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 made lightly by parents and can be a long and complex process. Many children will experience side-effects, such as irritability and insomnia however, these can be overcome by carefully monitoring dosages and gradually increasing dosages.
Some parents choose private treatment, which involves an ongoing series of appointments with a psychiatrist to begin medication and monitor the progress. This could include up to five sessions followed by fortnightly or month-to-month appointments as the child gets familiar with the medication. This is an excellent option for families who find NHS waiting lists to be very long, and for whom private healthcare can provide more streamlined access to healthcare. Your GP will be provided with a thorough report on your child's progress. He or she can then follow the medication prescribed by your psychiatrist. In some cases, you may return to the NHS to continue this process to ensure that your GP is aware of any medications that have been prescribed to your child. He or she can carry out regular checks and reviews.