ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD
Treatment can help people with ADHD to focus better, feel more relaxed and be less impulsive. It is usually a combination between medicine and therapy.
Stimulants boost activity in the parts of the brain that regulate attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate (known as Ritalin) is one of the most frequently prescribed medications for adults suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants
Stimulants are medicines that boost brain activity in areas that control attention and behavior. They are often used in conjunction with cognitive treatment for behavioural disorders (CBT). Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. This improves your focus and reduces the effects of certain impulses like those that trigger impulsive behavior. They are generally accepted by children and adults but certain people may experience side effects, such as jitteriness, headaches or an increased heart rate.
There are a number of different stimulant drugs available that include methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dextroamphetamine (Dexamphetamine) and Atomoxetine (Strattera) and modafinil (Provigil). The results of the biggest network meta analysis to date, published by the British Medical Journal in 2016 suggest amphetamines to adults suffering from ADHD. Lisdexamfetamine, a drug, is approved in the UK and has a distinct advantage over short-acting stimulants as it does not disappear throughout the daytime. It only requires one dose per day. In the past, patients required short-acting stimulants up to four times a day, but this isn't always easy for those who forget to take their medication and can cause poor adherence.
It is essential to obtain an accurate medical history in order to determine if a person suffering from ADHD might have other health issues that contribute to their symptoms. For example medical conditions like sleep apnea or thyroid disorders might cause your child to be tired or having difficulty concentrating. You should also mention any problems with addiction to your doctor. Heavy use of prescription, over-the-counter or illegal drugs can affect your child's concentration.
Many medical professionals are now recommending that children are treated for ADHD to improve their school performance and make it possible to help them grow into happy, healthy adults. However, the decision to medicate children with ADHD is not taken lightly by parents and can be a lengthy and complex process. Many children will experience side-effects such as irritability and insomnia, but these can be managed by careful monitoring and gradually increasing dosages.
best adhd medication for adults uk choose private treatment, which involves an ongoing series of appointments with a psychiatrist in order to start treatment and monitor progress. It could take five or more appointments and thereafter, fortnightly or monthly appointments as the child gets used to the medication. Many families discover that NHS waiting lists are extremely long, while private healthcare offers a more efficient approach to treatment. A thorough report of your child's development will be provided to your GP and they will perform the monitoring of the medication prescribed by your psychiatrist. In some cases you may require a visit to the NHS to continue this process to ensure that your GP will be able to conduct regular checks and reviews.