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ADHD Medications and Treatments Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD. They increase levels of neurotransmitters, which help improve concentration and control of impulses. They include dextroamphetamine and amphetamine that are known under brand names like Adderall and methylphenidate, as well as lisdexamfetamine, called Ritalin and Concerta. If stimulants do not work or cause too many adverse side effects, doctors can prescribe antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin. These drugs target dopamine and norepinephrine, which are the brain's chemical messengers. Medication The brain chemicals norepinephrine as well as dopamine are important in focusing and thinking. Stimulants, the most common medication used to treat ADHD can be efficient when used as directed. But, as with all medications, stimulants can cause adverse effects. Doctors and patients work together to determine the best dosage or combination of medications to reduce the risk of side effects. Symptoms of ADHD can vary, but they always include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. In children, symptoms usually begin before the age of 12 and they persist throughout adolescence and into adulthood. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or even severe, and they may be different for boys and girls. Boys and children assigned male at birth (AMAB) tend to show more hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, but the same behaviors can occur in girls and women. A doctor can determine ADHD in a child or teenager by following the guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association for the disorder. They will interview the child and parents about their symptoms and observe them in different situations. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must exhibit at least six signs that appear in more than one environment, and they must impair the child's functioning and development. The symptoms must have started before the age of 12. The majority of children with ADHD are prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. A doctor may prescribe methylphenidate which is the ingredient in Ritalin or amphetamine-based stimulants like Adderall. Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant medications to treat ADHD, including atomoxetine and bupropion. These medications aren't as fast as stimulants but they can lessen some of the unpleasant side effects. ADHD is often associated with other mental disorders, like mood disorders or depression. They are also more likely to develop disorders of substance use. Behavioral therapy, which can teach children and adults better methods to deal with their ADHD can assist in addressing these issues. Research shows that the combination of medication and behavioral therapy can improve the quality of life for an individual and reduce the symptoms. Certain teenagers and children don't respond well to the ADHD medication, and may require a different drug or a lower dosage. Clinical trials are being conducted to find the best treatment option for adults and adolescents with ADHD. Behavioral therapy Some people may not need medication to benefit from a behavior therapy. For these people, a change in diet and lifestyle could help ease symptoms of ADHD. They may also be able improve their organizational abilities by using reminders or alarms, or by keeping important items in designated locations. They can also make use of exercises and other activities that require physical movement to make energy available, instead of being impulsive. Behavioral therapy is especially beneficial for children suffering from ADHD. It can help parents learn effective parenting techniques as well as strategies to help their child deal with stress and other problems that could cause attention deficits. Behavioral therapy helps children learn to manage their emotions and develop confidence in themselves, as well as manage their behavior in school. To determine the cause of ADHD, doctors discuss the person's symptoms with them, and observe the person's behavior in various situations. They will review school records and questionnaires from teachers, family members and other people who know the person. They will also look for other health conditions or illnesses that exhibit similar symptoms. They will also use ADHD rating scales and conduct an exam for medical conditions. The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. These drugs are made to boost brain activity in the regions of the brain which regulate attention. These include the prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia. There are many non-stimulant medicines that are used to treat ADHD as well. These medications are considered less effective, but are more secure than stimulants. It can take some time to treat ADHD. It is important to visit your doctor regularly. The symptoms of ADHD can affect work, school, and relationships. If not treated it can result in depression and low self-esteem, problems with eating, an unhealthy diet, as well as addiction to alcohol or drugs. It's also important to talk with your doctor if you find that a medicine that was once effective no longer has the same effect or causes adverse consequences. Also, be sure to mention any other supplements or medications you are taking, as certain supplements can interact with ADHD medicines. Counseling Counseling can help adults and children with ADHD deal with the problems they encounter every day. Therapists can teach them how to keep track of appointments, utilize calendars and date books and create realistic goals for themselves. Counseling can also provide strategies to improve relationships and reducing conflict. Mental health professionals can also inform parents about the condition and assist them in developing new skills, behaviors, and ways of interacting with their children. Counseling can help adult patients organize their lives and improve their performance at work. www.iampsychiatry.uk can learn to stay focused on tasks by breaking down large assignments into smaller pieces that are easier to manage and learn strategies for dealing to deal with anger, frustration and anxiety. Psychotherapy can help adults increase their confidence and manage reckless and impulsive behaviors. Many adults find alternative treatment options helpful in addition to counseling. The stimulants can cause negative effects on the body, such as insomnia and jitteriness so they should only be taken as directed. People with ADHD should be honest with their doctor and let them know they are having issues with certain medications. MPH is a stimulant that is recommended by a majority of doctors to treat ADHD. This drug increases the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that affect attention and behavior. It's available in immediate-release and extended-release forms. The longer-acting versions are slowly absorbed into the bloodstream, and wear off gradually. This helps to reduce the “crash” caused by a drug's levels dropping. Some nonstimulant drugs, such as the antidepressant atomoxetine or bupropion can also be beneficial for certain adults suffering from ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, and could be a better choice for those who aren't able to take them because of other health issues or serious adverse effects. Many people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety or depression. In these cases doctors will prescribe an antidepressant, or an antianxiety medication along with the ADHD medication. They will consider how the drugs could interact or conflict with one another, and will be on the lookout for signs of troubling side effects. Other treatment options There are several drugs that can be used to treat ADHD. All of them are designed to increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This helps people focus better and improves their ability to concentrate and remember. These drugs include stimulants aswell with nonstimulants. The stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. While stimulants can be effective for many people, they may also cause side negative effects. Some of these side effects can be severe. Your doctor can assist you to determine the appropriate dose of medication that meets your needs. They can also recommend other treatments that can minimize or eliminate side effects. The two most commonly used kinds of stimulants for ADHD are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. They are sold under a variety of brand names such as Ritalin and Adderall. These medications are available as short-acting and extended-release formulations. Short-acting drugs can last up to 3-4 hrs and are typically taken two or three times per day. Extended-release medicines are typically taken once a day and can last as long as 16 hours. Many adults choose to supplement an extended-release morning medication with a shorter-acting dose in the evening or in the afternoon to bridge the gap after the medicine is fading. Stimulants can cause upset stomach and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. They may also make people feel more stressed and angry than they typically do. They can cause tics to get worse or increase their frequency. They can also cause a minor growth delay in some teens and children, but it is only temporary and doesn't affect the final height. They can also lead to weight growth and increase appetite. They may also cause an increase in blood cholesterol levels in certain people. Some antidepressants can also be utilized “off-label” to treat ADHD. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is the most commonly used drug. It helps by increasing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, and dopamine. It can be particularly helpful for people who have both ADHD and anxiety or depression. It can also be useful in the event that stimulants aren't working or if you're unable to take them or are at risk of abusing them, or if you have an addiction to drugs.