ADHD and Medication
These medications can help people suffering from ADHD focus, manage hyperactivity and impulsive behavior and complete tasks. They can also decrease anxiety and depression.
adhd no medication are the drugs most often prescribed for children and teens with ADHD. They include amphetamines (such as Adderall and Dexedrine) and methylphenidates (such as Focalin and Ritalin). There's a risk of addiction, so doctors watch kids closely for problems.
Stimulants
The most common medication prescribed by doctors for ADHD is stimulants. adhd without medication are thought to improve the activity in parts of the brain that regulate attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine used to treat ADHD and doctors may also prescribe amphetamines, or a newer medication called quebrachine (brand name: Quelbree). These medicines may be prescribed in long-acting formulations or with extended release to ensure that they increase in strength slowly and release more slowly. This can minimize side effects and reduce chance of a sudden "rebound” effect as the drug wears off.
Researchers believe that stimulants can assist people with ADHD due to their ability to increase levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain. Dopamine aids in improving concentration and focus, and also to reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity. 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.
According to research, people with ADHD may have lower than normal dopamine levels in their frontal cortex. This is the part of the brain that is responsible for "executive functions" such as planning and organization. This can lead to problems with time management and working through tasks, as well being a struggle in suppressing emotions and controlling impulses. Research suggests that stimulant medications could aid in improving the function of the frontal cortex in people with ADHD by preventing the reuptake process of dopamine and norepinephrine.
Some people with ADHD are not able to respond to stimulant medication or are not tolerant to them. This could be due to the possibility of abuse or addiction, or intolerance of certain side effects, such as insomnia and jitteriness. In these instances, alternative treatments may be suggested, including atypical antidepressants like Wellbutrin and tricyclic antidepressants. These are often prescribed "off-label" for ADHD, as they are believed to improve the attention span of some patients and carry an extremely low risk of abuse or addiction.
Psychoeducation is offered in some instances to help children, teenagers and adults recognize their condition and manage symptoms. Therapists can employ behavioural therapy to help people change their habits and behaviors.
There is a lot debate over whether ADHD even exists and in the event that it does, what the causes could be. Some people are urging stricter diagnostic criteria and an end to the use of stimulants to anyone who doesn't meet them, while others are advocating non-stimulant treatments which are equally effective and have less side consequences. There is an increasing movement to encourage more behavior modification. This is more effective over the long term than medications. This can involve a variety of psychological strategies such as cognitive behavior therapy and problem-solving skills training. It can also include parenting skills, which can help reduce distraction and impulsiveness in the home. Other forms of behavior change, such as reward based training and family counseling can also be beneficial.