ADHD and Medication
The use of medication can help those with ADHD concentrate, control hyperactivity and impulsive behavior and complete tasks. They can also reduce depression and anxiety.
The most common medicines prescribed to children and teens with ADHD are stimulants. medication for autism and adhd include amphetamines (such as Adderall and Dexedrine) and the methylphenidates (such as Focalin and Ritalin). There's a possibility of addiction, so doctors watch children closely for signs of problems.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the medications that doctors typically prescribe for ADHD. They are believed to increase activity in parts of the brain that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, which is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD, is also available in amphetamines and a newer medication known as quebrachine (brand name: Quelbree). Doctors may prescribe extended release or long-acting formulations of these medicines so that the drugs build slowly in the body and then wear off more gradually. This can help minimize side effects and lower the risk of the sudden "rebound" effect as the drug wears off.
Researchers believe that stimulants can assist people suffering from ADHD due to their ability to increase levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is found in the brain. Dopamine is believed to improve concentration and focus, and 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 people with ADHD have lower levels of dopamine than normal in the frontal cortex, an area of the brain responsible for such "executive" functions such as planning and organising. This can result in issues with time management and completion of tasks, aswell having difficulty calming emotions and controlling impulses. Researchers have also found that stimulant drugs can enhance the function of the frontal cortex of people 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 of these medications. This could be due to the potential for addiction or abuse or intolerance to certain side effects such as insomnia and jitteriness. Other medications, like antidepressants that are atypical, such as Wellbutrin or tricyclic antidepressants, might be prescribed in these cases. These medications are often prescribed for ADHD "off-label" because they are believed to increase attention and are associated with a low risk of addiction or abuse.
In some cases psychoeducation can be provided to help children, teenagers and adults recognize the diagnosis and manage their symptoms. Therapists can also use behavioural therapy, which involves helping people to change their behaviors and habits.
There is a lot of debate over whether ADHD exists, and in the event that 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 them, while others are advocating non-stimulant treatments that can be just as effective and have fewer side negative effects. There is also a growing movement to encourage more behavior modification, which could be more effective than medication in the long run. This could involve a range of psychological strategies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and problem-solving skills training. It can also include parenting skills, which can help to reduce distraction and impulsiveness in the home. Other types of behavior modification that are based on rewards, like reward-based training and family counseling, are also beneficial.