esifu71@rx6.gemmasmith.co.uk – https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adhd-treatment-for-adults/

Treatment For ADHDThe main treatments for add are medication and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). The medications include stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine and Atomoxetine. They may also be non-stimulants like clonidine or guanfacine.Patients who have active issues with substance abuse should not take stimulant medications. However, those who are in stable remission might look into them. Combination therapy with antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, is an alternative option.StimulantsStimulants boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels between the brain’s synapses. This helps improve concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsivity. The majority of doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat ADHD. They may recommend methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) or amphetamines, which are very similar medicines. The kind of medicine prescribed is based on the biochemistry of each patient and how they react to it. It could take anywhere from five to seven days before the full effects of the medication are visible. Increased concentration, improved memory, better sleep and reduced the tendency to be impulsive are all indications that the medicine is working.Medications in this class can have side effects, including reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping, and they may increase blood pressure and heart rate. Some people with a medical condition such as high blood pressure or heart disease, should not take them. They are highly prone for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists, and in some situations general practitioners can prescribe them. They can be found in the form of pills or tablets or patches that go on the skin, or liquids.Children and adolescents who are dependent on stimulants are often affected by weight loss and a lack of appetite. They can also develop tics when the dosage is too high. In this instance, the doctor will reduce the dosage to prevent the drug from causing more symptoms.The use of stimulant medications is for approximately 70-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. The majority of children and young people find that their symptoms improve when they receive treatment. This is particularly true for those with parents, teachers or caregivers who be able to report improvements.adhd treatments adults of stimulants could reduce the risk of developing substance use disorders in later life. Wilens and colleagues79,80, Katusic and colleagues81,82 and Biederman et al83 found that treatment with stimulants reduces the risk of developing substance abuse disorders in adolescents, but that this protective effect wanes by early adulthood.