ADHD and Medication
The medications can help people with ADHD control hyperactivity and hyperactivity as well as accomplish tasks. They can also reduce depression and anxiety.
The most commonly prescribed medications to teens and children with ADHD are stimulants. They include amphetamines (such as Adderall and Dexedrine) and methylphenidates (such as Focalin and Ritalin). Doctors monitor children closely to look for signs of addiction.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the medications doctors prescribe most often for ADHD. They are believed to work by enhancing the activity of brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, the most commonly prescribed drug for ADHD, is also available in amphetamines as well as a newer medication known as quebrachine (brand name: Quelbree). Doctors may recommend long-acting or extended release formulations of these medications so that the drug builds slowly within the body, and wear off more slowly. knowing it can minimize the chances of a sudden "reboundeffects as the drug wears off.
Researchers believe stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD because they boost levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter found in the brain. Dopamine helps improve concentration and focus, and also to reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness. These drugs can also boost the activity of neurons that send signals to the nucleus accumbens, which is involved in motivation and pleasure as well as reward.
Research suggests that those with ADHD have lower than normal dopamine levels in the frontal cortex, which is an area of the brain responsible for these "executive" functions like planning and organising. This can result in issues with time management and completing tasks, as well being a struggle in suppressing emotions and controlling impulses. Recommended Internet site have also found that stimulant drugs can improve the functioning of the frontal cortex in people with ADHD. This is achieved by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine.
Certain people with ADHD do not benefit from stimulant medications or are unable to take them well. This is due to the possibility of abuse and addiction as well as an intolerance to certain side effects, such as jitteriness or insomnia. Other medications, such as atypical antidepressants like Wellbutrin or tricyclic antidepressants, might be prescribed in these instances. These are usually prescribed for ADHD "off-label", as they are believed to improve attention and have an extremely low chance of addiction or abuse.
In some cases, psychoeducation is given, which aims to help children, teenagers and adults recognize the diagnosis and manage their symptoms. Therapists can also use behavioral therapy, which is helping people learn to change their behaviors and habits.
There is a lot debate over whether ADHD even exists and If it does, what its causes may be. Some people are pushing for more strict diagnostic criteria and a ban on prescribing stimulants to anyone who doesn't meet these criteria, whereas others are recommending non-stimulant treatments that can be just as efficient and have less adverse effects. There is also a growing movement to encourage more behavior modification, which is more effective than medications in the long run. This can include a range of psychological strategies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and problem-solving skills training. This could include parenting skills that reduce distraction and impulsiveness at home. Other types of behavior modification that are based on rewards, like reward-based training and family counseling, are also beneficial.