non stimulant adhd medication and Medication
These medications can help people suffering from ADHD focus, manage hyperactivity and impulsive behavior and finish tasks. They can also help reduce anxiety and depression.
The most frequently prescribed medicines to children and teens with ADHD are stimulants. They include amphetamines (such as Adderall and Dexedrine) and the methylphenidates (such as Focalin and Ritalin). Doctors closely monitor children to look for signs of addiction.
Stimulants
The most common medication prescribed by doctors for ADHD is stimulants. They are thought to improve the activity in parts of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is also available as amphetamines and a newer drug known as quebrachine (brand names include Quelbree). These medicines are typically prescribed in long-acting formulations or with extended release to ensure that they build up slowly and are released slowly. This can help minimize side effects and lower the risk of an abrupt "rebound" effect as the drug wears off.
Researchers believe that stimulants can assist people suffering from ADHD because they increase levels of dopamine which is a neurotransmitter in the brain. Dopamine helps improve concentration and focus, and also to reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness. These drugs can also boost the activity of neurons that send signals to the brain's nucleus acumbens that are involved in motivation, pleasure, and reward.
According to research, individuals who suffer from ADHD may have lower-than-normal dopamine levels in their frontal cortex. This is the area of the brain responsible for "executive functions" like planning and organization. This can lead to problems with time management and completion of tasks, aswell being a struggle in suppressing emotions and controlling impulses. Researchers have also discovered that stimulant drugs can enhance the frontal cortex function of people suffering from ADHD. This is accomplished by blocking dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake.
Certain people suffering from ADHD aren't helped by stimulant medication or are unable to tolerate them well. This could be due to the potential for addiction or abuse, or intolerance of certain side effects like insomnia and jitteriness. In these cases, other medications may be offered for treatment, like Wellbutrin and tricyclic antidepressants. These are often prescribed "off-label" for ADHD as they are believed to improve attention in certain patients and carry an extremely low chance of addiction or misuse.
In some cases psychoeducation can be provided to help teens, children and adults to understand the diagnosis and manage their symptoms. Therapists can also use behavioral therapy, which is helping people learn to change their behavior and habits.
There is plenty of debate over whether ADHD exists and, if it does, what its causes are. Some advocates advocate for more stringent diagnostic criteria, and the prohibition of prescribing stimulants to any person who does not meet the criteria. Others advocate non-stimulant treatment that is as efficient and has fewer negative side consequences. There is an increasing trend that promotes more behavior modification. This could be more effective over the long term than prescription medications. This could involve a range of psychological strategies, such as cognitive behavior therapy and problem-solving training. This can include parenting skills that reduce distraction and impulsiveness at home. Other types of behavior modification, such as reward based training and counseling for families, can also be beneficial.