ADHD and Medication
The medication can help those with ADHD manage hyperactivity and hyperactivity as well as complete tasks. They can also reduce anxiety and depression.
The most commonly prescribed medications to teens and children with ADHD are stimulants. Amphetamines, like Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates like Ritalin and Focalin are among the most frequently prescribed stimulants. Doctors closely monitor children to check for addiction.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the medications doctors typically prescribe for ADHD. They are believed to increase activity in the parts of the brain that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is a common medicine used to treat ADHD, and doctors may prescribe amphetamines or a newer medication known as quebrachine (brand name, Quelbree). These medicines are typically prescribed in long-acting formulations or with extended release to ensure that they accumulate slowly and release more slowly. This will minimize the risk of the chance of a sudden "rebound” effect as the drug wears down.
Researchers believe that stimulants aid people with ADHD by increasing levels of a neurotransmitter called dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is believed to improve concentration and focus, and reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness. These drugs can also boost the activity of the neurons that transmit signals to the nucleus Acumbens which is involved with motivation pleasure, reward, and motivation.
Research suggests that those with ADHD have lower than normal dopamine levels in the frontal cortex, a region of the brain responsible for these "executive" functions like planning and organising. This can result in problems with time management and completion of tasks, aswell as difficulty suppressing emotions and controlling impulses. Researchers have also discovered that stimulant medications can improve the function of the frontal cortex of people with ADHD. This is done by blocking dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake.
Some people suffering from ADHD are not helped by stimulant medications or are unable to take them well. This could be due to the risk of abuse or addiction or intolerance to certain side effects like jitteriness and insomnia. In these instances, alternative treatments may be suggested, including atypical antidepressants such as Wellbutrin and tricyclic antidepressants. They are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD because they are believed to improve the attention span of some patients and carry an extremely low risk of abuse or addiction.
In some cases psychoeducation may be offered, which aims to help adolescents, children and adults to understand the diagnosis and manage their symptoms. Therapists may employ behavioural therapy to help people change their behavior and habits.
There is a lot of debate about whether ADHD exists, and if so and what its causes are. Some people are pushing for more strict diagnostic criteria and the prohibition of prescribing stimulants to anyone who doesn't meet these criteria, whereas others are advocating non-stimulant therapies which are equally efficient and have less adverse negative effects. There is a growing movement that encourages more behavioral modification. This is more effective in the long run than medication. This can involve a variety of psychological techniques, such as cognitive behavior therapy and problem solving training. This can include parenting skills that can reduce distraction and impulsiveness at home. adhd medication ritalin of behavior modification, such as family therapy and training based on rewards can also be beneficial.