ADHD and Medication
Medications can help people with ADHD focus, manage impulsive behavior and hyperactivity, and finish tasks. They can also help reduce anxiety and depression.
Stimulants are among the medications that are most commonly prescribed to children and teens with ADHD. Amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin and Focalin are among the most commonly prescribed stimulants. Doctors monitor children closely to detect signs of addiction.
Stimulants
The most common medication prescribed by doctors for ADHD is stimulants. They are believed to be effective by increasing the activity in brain regions that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is a common medicine used to treat ADHD doctors may prescribe amphetamines, or a newer treatment called quebrachine (brand name: Quelbree). Doctors may recommend extended release or prolonged-acting formulations of these medicines so that the drugs build slowly within the body and then wear off more slowly. buy adhd medication uk can minimize side effects and reduce risk of a sudden “rebound” effect as the drug wears off.
Researchers believe that stimulants can assist people suffering from ADHD because they increase levels of dopamine which is a neurotransmitter in the brain. Dopamine helps improve concentration and focus and to reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity. Dopamine can also increase the activity of the neurons that send signals to the nucleus of accumbens which is involved in motivation, pleasure and reward.
According to research, those who suffer from ADHD may have lower-than-normal dopamine levels in their frontal cortex. This is the area of the brain responsible for "executive functions" such as organizing and planning. This can cause problems in managing time, completing tasks and suppressing emotions. Researchers have also found that stimulant medications can improve the frontal cortex function of those with ADHD. This is done by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine.
Certain people suffering from ADHD do not respond well to stimulant medications or are not tolerant to them. This can be because of the possibility of abuse and addiction, as well as intolerance to certain side effects, such as jitteriness or insomnia. Other medications, like antidepressants with atypical properties, such as Wellbutrin or tricyclic antidepressants may be prescribed in these cases. They are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD as they are thought to improve attention in certain patients and have a low risk of misuse or addiction.
In some instances, psychoeducation is given, which aims to help adolescents, children and adults understand the diagnosis and manage their symptoms. Therapists can also use the behavioural therapy method, which focuses on helping people learn to change their behavior and habits.
There is a lot of debate about whether ADHD exists and, if so and what the causes are. Some advocates for stricter diagnostic criteria, as well as an end to prescribing stimulants to anyone who does not meet them. Others advocate non-stimulant treatment that can be as efficient and has fewer adverse negative effects. There is also a growing movement to encourage more behavioral modification, which can be more effective than medications in the long term. This can involve a variety of psychological techniques, such as cognitive behavior therapy and problem solving skills training. This can include parenting techniques that can reduce distraction and impulsiveness at home. Other methods of influencing behavior that are based on rewards, like reward-based training and family counseling are also beneficial.