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ADHD Medications and Treatments Stimulants are the main medications used to treat ADHD. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters that help increase concentration and control impulses. These include dextroamphetamine, amphetamine, and dex which are marketed under names such as Adderall and methylphenidate as well as lisdexamfetamine, called Ritalin and Concerta. If stimulants don't work or cause too many side effects, doctors may prescribe antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin. These medications target dopamine and norepinephrine, which are the brain's chemical messengers. Medication The brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine are vital for thinking and concentration. The stimulants are the most frequently used medications for ADHD and are beneficial if they are used as directed. Like all medications, stimulants can cause adverse side effects. Doctors and patients work together to find the right dosage or combination of medications to minimize the adverse effects. Symptoms of ADHD can vary, but they always include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. For children, the symptoms typically start before age 12, and continue through the adolescent years and into adulthood. The symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe and could differ between girls and boys. 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 accurately diagnose ADHD in the child or teenager by following the American Psychiatric Association guidelines. They will interview the child and parents about their symptoms and observe them in various environments. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must be able to demonstrate at least six symptoms that are present in more than one environment and must affect the child's performance and development. The signs must have been present prior to the age of 12. The majority of children suffering from ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. A doctor can prescribe methylphenidate which is the drug in Ritalin, or amphetamine-based stimulants like Adderall. Doctors can prescribe nonstimulant medications like bupropion or atomoxetine treat ADHD. These medicines don't work as fast as stimulants however they can lessen some of the disorder's unpleasant side effects. People with ADHD often have other mental health issues, including depression or another mood problem. They are also more likely to develop substance abuse disorders. Behavioral therapy, which can teach adults and children methods to deal with their ADHD, can help address these other issues. Research has proven that treatment using both behavioral therapy and medication can enhance a person's quality of life and reduce symptoms. Certain teenagers and children don't respond well to the ADHD medications, so they may require a different drug or a lower dosage. Clinical trials are currently being conducted to determine the best treatment option for adults and adolescents with ADHD. Behavioral therapy For some people the treatment for behavior might not require medication. A alteration in diet or lifestyle can help those suffering from symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, they might be able to improve their organization skills, such as keeping important items in specific places or using reminders and alarms. Exercise and other activities requiring physical activity can be used to help channel energy, instead of acting out of a lack of. Behavioral therapy can be particularly beneficial for children with ADHD. It can teach parents effective parenting skills, as well as ways to help their child deal with stress and other problems that might cause attention deficits. Behavioral therapy assists children to learn to control their emotions, build positive self-esteem and manage their behavior at school. To diagnose ADHD doctors will discuss the individual's symptoms in detail with the person and observe their behavior in various situations. They will review school records and questionnaires from relatives, teachers and others who know the person. They will also determine if there are other illnesses and conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. They will also conduct a medical exam and use ADHD rating scales. The most commonly used medications to treat ADHD are stimulants designed to increase brain activity in the areas that regulate attention. This includes the prefrontal cortex as well as the basal Ganglia. There are many non-stimulant medicines that are used to treat ADHD as well. They are generally regarded as less effective, but they are more secure than stimulants. It can take some time to treat ADHD. It is essential that you see your doctor regularly. The symptoms of the disorder can affect school, work, or relationships. If left untreated it could lead to depression or low self-esteem, issues with food and an unhealthy diet, as well as alcohol or drug addiction. You should also talk to your doctor if you feel that a medication that was once effective is not producing the same results or causing adverse side effects. You should also make sure to mention any other medications or supplements you are taking, as certain supplements can interact with ADHD medications. Counseling Counseling can assist children and adults with ADHD deal with the problems they encounter every day. Therapists can help them learn how to use calendars, date books and remember appointments. They can also help them set realistic goals. adhd without medication can also provide strategies for improving relationships and reducing conflict. Mental health professionals are also able to inform parents about the condition and help them develop new skills, attitudes, and methods of communicating with their children. For adult patients counseling can help them understand how to manage their lives and improve their work performance. They can learn to stay focused on their work by breaking large tasks into smaller chunks that are more manageable and learn strategies for dealing to deal with anger, frustration and anxiety. Psychotherapy can help adults gain confidence and control their impulsive and risk-taking behaviors. Many adults discover alternative treatment options beneficial in addition to counseling. The stimulants can cause negative effects on the body, including jitteriness and sleep disturbances, so they should only be used as prescribed. People suffering from ADHD need to be honest with their physicians and let them know that they are experiencing difficulties with certain medications. MPH is a stimulant that is commonly prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. This drug boosts levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that influence the way we think and behave. It is available in immediate-release and extended-release forms. The longer-acting versions build up slowly in the bloodstream and fade slowly, which minimizes the “crash” result that can occur when the dosage decreases. Some people with ADHD may also benefit from nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine an antidepressant or bupropion. They work slower than stimulants and could be a better choice for those who cannot use them due to other health issues or serious side effects. Many people suffering from ADHD are also afflicted with anxiety or depression. In these instances, doctors will prescribe an antidepressant, or an antianxiety medication along with the ADHD medication. They will keep in mind how the medications might interact or conflict with one another, and will be on the lookout for signs of potentially harmful side effects. Other treatment options There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat ADHD. They are all designed to increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This increases the ability to focus and listen as well as their memory. These drugs include stimulants aswell as nonstimulants. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. While stimulants can be effective for many people, they can also cause side negative effects. Some of these adverse effects can be serious. Your doctor can assist you to determine the appropriate dose of medication that meets your requirements. They can also recommend alternative treatments that can reduce or eliminate adverse effects. The two most commonly used stimulants used to treat ADHD include methylphenidate, and dextroamphetamine. These drugs are sold under various brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. They are available in both extended-release and short-acting preparations. Short-acting drugs can last for 3-4 hours and are typically taken three or four times a day. Extended-release medications can last for up to 16 hours and are typically taken once daily. Many adults supplement an extended-release morning medication by taking a dose shorter-acting in the late in the afternoon or evening, to make up the time between the medication wearing off and the next dose. Stimulants may cause nausea, changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people may be more anxious and irritable than usual. They may cause tics to become more frequent or more severe. They can also cause a slight growth delay in some teens and children, but it's only temporary and does not alter the final height. They can also lead to weight gain and increase appetite. They may also cause an increase in blood cholesterol in some people. Certain antidepressants can also be utilized “off-label” to treat ADHD. The most popular is bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is a neurotransmitter stimulant that increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. It is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and anxiety or depression. It may also be beneficial in the event that stimulants aren't working for you, if you are unable to tolerate them or are at risk of abusing them, or if you have an addiction to drugs.