adhd no medication help in reducing impulsivity and improving attention. They focus on two brain chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine. These medications are the main treatment for ADHD for children and adults.
There are some people who experience side effects from these medications. They usually disappear within a few days or weeks. It's important to talk with your doctor about potential adverse effects prior to starting treatment.
Stimulants
The effects of stimulants increase the amount of certain chemicals in the brain that aid people in focusing, control their impulses and improve their ability to plan and organize. This category of medication is the most frequently used to treat ADHD and comprises medicines like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) and Atomoxetine (Provigil).
The drugs typically begin working within 30 to 45 minutes, and can last for up to four hours. Some stimulants with short-acting properties are available in pill form, whereas others are chewable tablets or liquids. When the effects of these medications fade, some people experience "the crash effect" that can trigger extreme mood changes or hunger.
In studies, stimulants reduced ADHD symptoms in 70-80% of children and adults taking these medications. They reduce the tendency to be disruptive, interrupting others and fidgeting. They can also help people focus and complete their schoolwork, as well as improve their relationships with their family friends, colleagues and other family members. However, the pills don't cure the underlying problems that cause ADHD and those who take them must seek other treatments as well.
The use of stimulants can be addictive. The risk of addiction varies based on the person. It is not recommended to stop taking their medication without consulting a physician, especially if they have been taking the medication for a long period of time. It could take weeks or months to determine the proper dosage of medication for a particular person.
The most effective treatment for ADHD is medication. Psychotherapy or talking therapy can help teach skills to cope with symptoms and break bad habits. Some people find cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), in which an experienced professional attempts to alter the way that a patient views situations that trigger symptoms, helpful.
CBT can be conducted as individual sessions or group therapy. There are also apps that allow you to do CBT at your own home. CBT is something that anyone who are interested in it should discuss with their physician.
There are other types of psychotherapy that may be beneficial to people suffering from ADHD, including interpersonal and dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing and family-focused therapy. But these therapies haven't been proved to be as effective as stimulants.
Non-stimulant medications
Some doctors prefer prescribing non-stimulant medications to treat ADHD, because they have an lower chance of addiction and abuse. However, they aren't as effective as stimulants, and it could be difficult to find the right dose for each individual.
These drugs aren't sold over-the-counter, and you shouldn't attempt to purchase them without a doctor's prescription. Certain vitamins and supplements claim to treat ADHD however the evidence is not strong. In fact, a few of them can interact with stimulant medicines.
