Treatment For Adhd Treatment London

The main treatment options for add are medications and psychosocial therapy (psychotherapy). Medications can include stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine, and nonstimulants like atomoxetine, clonidine, guanfacine and viloxazine.

The use of stimulants are not recommended for patients with active substance abuse issues, however they can be considered in those who are in stable in remission. Combination treatment with antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) is also an option.

Stimulants

Stimulants boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. This improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulses. The majority of doctors prescribe medications from the stimulant class to treat adhd in adults symptoms and treatment. They may prescribe methylphenidate, (Concerta or Ritalin) or amphetamines. Both are similar drugs. The type of medicine prescribed will depend on a person's biochemistry as well as how well they respond to the medication. It may take up to seven days for full effects of a drug to become apparent. Improved concentration, better memory, better sleep, and a decrease in impulse control are all indications that the medicine is working.

Medications in this class can have side effects, including reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping, and they can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Patients with medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure, shouldn't take these medications. Stimulants have a high potential for abuse and are closely controlled drugs. Only paediatricians, psychiatrists or neurologists, and in certain situations general practitioners can prescribe them. They are available in the form of pills or tablets or patches that are placed on the skin, or liquids.

Children and adolescents who are dependent on stimulants often suffer from weight loss and appetite problems. They can also develop tics when the dosage is too high. If this occurs, the doctor might reduce the dosage to stop the drug from leading to a worsening of symptoms.

Stimulant medicines are used for around 70 to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. The majority of children and adolescents report that their symptoms improve when treated. This is particularly true for those who have parents, teachers or other caregivers that can report improvements.

Early use of stimulants may lower the risk of developing substance use disorders in later life. Wilens and colleagues79,80 Katusic and colleagues81,82 and Biederman et al83 found that stimulant treatment reduces the risk of developing substance use disorders in adolescence, but the protective effect diminishes in the early years of adulthood.