Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which means the condition can affect the growth and development of the brain. ADHD is most common in childhood, but symptoms can persist into adulthood. The main symptoms of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The symptoms you or your child are experiencing will determine which treatment option is best for you. If you or your child has recently been diagnosed with ADHD, you may be wondering about treatment options. There is no cure for ADHD, but the symptoms can be managed with the right treatment. The main goal of treatment is to reduce ADHD symptoms and improve your or your child's ability to better manage ADHD-related problems.
You or your child's health care provider (eg, primary care physician, pediatrician, or behavior specialist) can work with you to recommend appropriate treatment options. The most common treatments for ADHD include medication and various other therapies. Although you or your child can use this treatment alone, some people with ADHD choose to take medication and attend treatment together.
Drugs
Stimulants and non-stimulants are the two classifications (or varieties) of ADHD drugs that have been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These drugs lessen symptoms associated with ADHD and enhance general functioning.
Drugs that Stimulate
For school-age children with ADHD, central nervous system stimulants, or just stimulants, are the primary line of therapy. The brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which are crucial for thought and focus, are raised by stimulants. Consequently, ADHD stimulants enhance self-control, focus, and attention.
To treat the symptoms of ADHD, two stimulants are frequently utilized. These drugs are:
- Phenolphenidate
- Amphetamines
Both kinds of drugs come in patch, liquid solution, pill, and oral tablet form. Oral medicine is the preferred method for most individuals; however, you and your healthcare practitioner can determine which choice is best for you or your kid. Your symptoms will determine how much of these drugs you take, but in general, short-acting drugs should be taken one to three times a day, and long-term drugs once daily.
Your healthcare professional is available to assist guide your therapy; it may take some time to discover the dose that is best for you or your kid. Stimulants are a highly successful treatment for ADHD when you locate the proper drug.
When using stimulants or if the prescription is not taken as directed, you or your kid may have adverse effects, just as with other medication. Mild side effects usually disappear on their own. In any case, it's helpful to be aware of any negative effects. Among them are:
- Appetite decline
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Loss of weight
- A faster heartbeat or elevated blood pressure
- Headache
- Eliminating oneself from social interactions
- Being tense, agitated, or moody
- Stomach ache
There is a long history of safety with stimulants. Serious adverse effects, such as cardiac issues, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, or violent behavior, are uncommon but might happen to certain people. Get in touch with your healthcare professional right away for assistance and the next measures to take if you or your kid encounter any major issues.
Non-Stimulating Drugs
For ADHD, non-stimulant drugs are the second line of therapy. The FDA has authorized alpha-2 agonists and selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) as non-stimulant treatments for ADHD. Your doctor might suggest staying away from stimulants if:
- Neither you nor your child's ADHD symptoms were improved by stimulants.
- Stimulants caused unbearable negative effects for you or your child.
- You come from a family where prescription drug abuse is common.
- To effectively treat the symptoms of ADHD, a stimulant and a non-stimulant medicine should be used.
The two SNRIs used most frequently for ADHD are Qelbree (viloxazine) and Strattera (atomoxetine). The way that Qelbree and Strattera function is by raising norepinephrine levels in the brain. Your brain employs a natural hormone called norepinephrine to help regulate behavior. Among these drugs' typical adverse effects include, but are not restricted to:
- Appetite decline
- Tiredness or lack of vigor
- Emesis
- Throwing up
- Headache
In order to assist you or your kid in managing symptoms, your physician may also recommend an alpha-2 agonist. The two most often used medications are Kapvay (clonidine) and Intuniv (guanfacine). Although the precise mode of action of these ADHD drugs is unknown, researchers think that Intuniv and Kapvay can improve attention and impulsivity management in the brain.
The following are possible adverse effects of these medications:
- Mouth dryness
- Weary
- Deficiency
- Emesis
- Throwing up
- Constipation
Treatments
Thinking, acting, functioning at job or school, and interpersonal interactions are all impacted by ADHD. Including therapy in your treatment plan for ADHD will help you perform better and manage day-to-day issues. Upon receiving an ADHD diagnosis, it is advised that you begin therapy right away.
Improving good behaviors and getting rid of undesirable or troublesome behaviors are the two main objectives of therapy. Options for therapy include:
Training parents in behavior control:
Parents who want to support their kid in managing symptoms might gain skills and tactics from behavioral therapy training.
Behavior therapy in pediatrics:
assists kids in controlling their symptoms of ADHD so they may perform better at home, school, or in their community
Managing behavior in the classroom:
a teacher-led strategy that uses a daily report card and a rewards system to promote positive conduct
Training in organizational skills:
Adolescents and children acquire time management, planning, and organization abilities that can enhance their education and lessen environmental distractions.
Cognitive behavioral intervention:
A therapist assists you or your kid in accepting and becoming conscious of your ideas, which can enhance awareness when acting out actions and behaviors and increase focus.
Your physician could suggest behavior treatment before medication if your child is under six years old. A mix of behavioral therapy and pharmacological treatment may be most beneficial for children six years of age and up.
Managing and Coexisting with ADHD
A chronic mental health condition is ADHD. ADHD can persist throughout maturity, so behaviors in children and teenagers don't always go away. Untreated ADHD impairs everyday functioning, interpersonal connections, and performance at job or school. In addition, untreated ADHD raises the chance of mishaps, failing grades or dropping out of school, and losing one's job.
People with ADHD can manage their symptoms and lead productive lives if they receive the right care. Your healthcare provider may recommend the following strategies to treat ADHD symptoms in addition to medication and therapy:
- Regular exercise is especially important when you're restless or energetic.
- Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean, non-fatty proteins to stay healthy.
- Reduce the amount of time you spend using screens on phones, laptops, and televisions.
- Establish a timetable that you can stick to in order to provide consistency to your day.
- Prioritize time-sensitive chores and make notes of appointments and assignments to help you with time management and organizing.
- Make sure you attend treatment sessions on time and take meds as prescribed.
- Refrain from using tobacco, alcohol, or other narcotics.
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