ADHD and Medication
These medications can help people suffering from ADHD focus, control impulsive behavior and hyperactivity, and finish tasks. They can also help reduce depression and anxiety.
The most frequently prescribed medicines to children and teens with ADHD are stimulants. They include amphetamines (such as Adderall and Dexedrine) and methylphenidates (such as Focalin and Ritalin). There's a risk of addiction, so doctors monitor children for any signs of trouble.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the medications that doctors prescribe most often for ADHD. They are believed to improve the activity in areas of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, the most commonly prescribed drug for ADHD is also available in amphetamines and a newer medication known as quebrachine (brand names include Quelbree). These medicines may be prescribed in formulations with a long-acting effect or with extended release, so that they accumulate slowly and are released more slowly. This may help to minimize adverse effects and decrease the chance of experiencing an abrupt "rebound" effect as the drug wears off.
Researchers believe that stimulants can assist people with ADHD because they boost levels of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that is found in the brain. Dopamine helps improve concentration and focus and to reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity. These medications may also increase the activity of neurons that transmit signals to the nucleus accumbens, which is involved in motivation and pleasure as well as reward.
Research suggests that those with ADHD have lower levels of dopamine than normal in the frontal cortex, which is an area of the brain that is responsible for such "executive" functions as planning and organising. This can cause difficulties with managing time and completion of tasks, aswell as difficulty suppressing emotions and controlling impulses. Research suggests that stimulant medications could aid in improving the functioning of the frontal cortex in people with ADHD by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine.
Certain people with ADHD do not benefit from stimulant medication, or do not take them well. medication for autism and adhd could be due to the risk of addiction or abuse or intolerance to certain side effects such as jitteriness and insomnia. Other medications, like antidepressants that are atypical, such as Wellbutrin or tricyclic antidepressants, might be prescribed in these instances. These medications are often prescribed for ADHD "off-label", as they are believed to enhance 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 understand the diagnosis and manage their symptoms. Therapists may employ behavioural therapy to help people change their habits and behaviors.
There is a lot debate about whether ADHD even exists and, if it does exist, what the causes might be. Some people are urging stricter diagnostic criteria and the prohibition of prescribing stimulants to anyone who doesn't meet these criteria, whereas others are advocating non-stimulant therapies that are just as effective and have fewer side consequences. There is an increasing movement to encourage more behavioral modification. This can be more effective over the long term than medication. This could include a range of psychological techniques, such as cognitive behavior therapy and problem solving training. This could include parenting skills that reduce impulsiveness and distractions at home. Other forms of behavior change, such as reward based training and family counseling can also be helpful.