ADHD Medication - Treatment For ADHD

Treatment can general practitioners prescribe adhd medication help people with adhd without medication to concentrate better, feel more relaxed and be less dependent. It is typically a combination of medication and therapy.

Stimulants boost activity in the parts of the brain that regulate attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate (known as Ritalin) is among the most frequently prescribed medications for adults with ADHD.

Stimulants

Stimulants are medicines that increase activity in parts of the brain responsible for attention and behaviour. They are usually prescribed in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The stimulants increase the levels of two chemical messengers, norepinephrine and dopamine, in your brain. This allows you to concentrate and lessens the effect of certain impulses, including ones that can trigger impulsive behavior. Adults and children tolerate stimulants well, but some may experience side effects such as jitteriness or headaches.

There are many different stimulant medications available that include methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexamphetamine) and atomoxetine (Strattera) and modafinil (Provigil). The results of the biggest meta-analysis of the network to date, published in the British Medical Journal in 2016 confirm that amphetamines are the best choice of drugs for adults with adhd without medication. Lisdexamfetamine is currently licensed in the UK and has an advantage over short-acting stimulants as it does not disappear throughout the day. It is also only required one dose a day. Patients used to have take short-acting amphetamines 3 or four times per day. It was a challenge for patients to remember to take and could lead to low adherence.

A thorough medical history is essential to determine if a person with ADHD has any other conditions which could be contributing to their symptoms. For example, a medical condition such as sleep apnea or thyroid problems could cause your child to feel tired or having difficulty concentrating. It is important to report any substance abuse problems to your doctor. Heavy usage of prescription, over the counter or illegal substances can a doctor prescribe adhd medication impact your child's ability to concentrate.

Medical professionals advise that children receive medication for ADHD in order to improve their school performance and help them grow 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 difficult process. A lot of children will suffer from side effects such as irritability, insomnia and anxiety, however most of the time these can be overcome with a careful monitoring and gradual increases in dosage.

Some parents opt for private treatment that includes a series appointments with a psychiatrist to start medication for adhd and depression and track the progress. This could involve up to five appointments and subsequent fortnightly or monthly visits as the child becomes used to the medication. This is a great option for many families who find the NHS waiting lists to be lengthy and for whom private healthcare can provide more streamlined access to healthcare. A detailed report of your child's development will be provided to your GP and they will monitor the medication prescribed by your psychiatrist. In certain instances, you might require a visit to the NHS to continue this process to ensure that your GP can conduct regular reviews and checks.