Types of ADHD medication
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or otherwise called ADHD is an attention and behavioral disorder that affects children and some times, adults too. This disorder is extremely difficult to diagnose because most of the symptomatic traits that indicate the disorder are also typical behaviors that most people display at some point or the other. The only difference is that these traits are longer lasting in kinds afflicted with this disorder than the others. Only professionally trained experts can help determine the existence of ADHD. This disorder cannot be cured but with proper ADHD medications and allied treatment, kids can limit the disorder and learn to cope with it.
ADHD medications is always accompanied by behavioral therapy. Every therapy and medication regimen is individualized and can only be determined by professionals. Behavioral therapy will include exercises to inculcate discipline. Instructional exercises to increase and develop attention span, organizational therapy to help develop good habits and also to make them understand good and bad behavior, etc. The behavioral therapy needs supervision from the parents and also from professional therapists. Long term results can be expected through these therapies and as time progresses, kids get used to the regimen, which gradually becomes a way of life.
ADHD medications needs to be determined and prescribed by qualified physicians and even then there is no standard guideline because different children respond differently to the medications. The eventual ADHD medicationsand the dosage will have to be found out by trial and error method by the physician but would generally involve the following three types of treatments:
Anti depressants: Of late, many physicians have begun to stay away from prescribing antidepressants as ADHD medications because of a perceived threat of increase in suicide amongst children but then again, the physician is the best judge and it is best left to them to make the judgment based on the requirement. But, the fact is that antidepressants are very effective as ADHD medication.
Stimulants: ADHD medication can also include stimulants that are given in small but many dosages per day. They help in increasing attention span and can help children in performing tasks better. They can also cause side effects like decreased appetite, stomachache and insomnia<.p>
Non stimulants: This type of ADHD medications is given to children to reduce their hyperactivity. Hyperactivity can lead to uncontrolled behavior and regulated doses of this medication can help them to control their behavior. These medications cause fewer side effects and are considered relative safe for usage.
An Overview of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the diagnosis for people who are not able to focus or pay attention to instructions and tasks; they are often observed to have the inability to sit in one corner for a few seconds or minutes and most of the time they just do things without allowing their brain to think about the task that they are about to perform. This condition has been noted to start from childhood and can be carried until a person reaches adulthood especially if ADHD medications are not given. Furthermore, in untreated cases, there are various relationship problems that can arise in different areas of a person’s life.
The cause of this condition is still unclear until today; but it was found that ADHD cases are often hereditary in nature.
Once a child or an adult is diagnosed with ADHD through various screening tests like physical exams to rule out other possibilities like the existence of anxiety disorders, depression, as well as learning disabilities. The diagnosis is then based on a set of regulations initiated by the American Psychiatric Association in the United States.
Up until today, there is no known cure for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, rather an ADHD medications list is being used as a basis for the treatment, in order to alleviate or control the existing symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. But you should take note that like other drugs, the medicines found on the ADHD medications list also have their own side effects like sleeping problems, head and stomachaches, or twitches.
ADHD medications for children and those for adults are the same including the stimulant medicines, the differences lie in the dosage of the drug and sometimes even the effectiveness. Not all the drugs found on the ADHD medications list are used for all patients, the type is based on the diagnosis reveled by the doctor.
Under the ADHD medications list, the following medicine choices have been found to be used in treating ADHD: stimulants, atomoxetine which is an approved ADHD medication for children, antihypertensives which are used as a back-up medicine for aggression in cases when other ADHD drugs do not work, and antidepressants.
Aside from the medication, home treatments are also very important for people suffering with this condition. If you have a child or a relative living with you undergoing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, it is very important that you understand that as you help yourself cope with this disorder you are also already extending a helping hand to the person with ADHD. In addition, it will also help a child especially, if you equip with yourself with enough knowledge needed in caring for your child. You should also be the source of strength of your child in order for him/ her to build his/her self-esteem in order to function well in any aspect most importantly when he/she is in school. Having ADHD or knowing someone with this disorder doesn’t mean that you have to suffer with it, you should learn and understand how to work with what you already have.
Recommended ADHD medications for children
Although ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder seems to be difficult in diagnosing, it is a very common childhood disorder. It is characterized by a child who has difficulty in paying attention, they are overly active and they have problems in terms or controlling their behavior at home and in public. According to studies, most boys are likely to have this disorder than girls. This disorder is carried through their teenage years and even adulthood. Because of that, it is a must when taking ADHD medications for children to help them act appropriately.
When a child has ADHD, he or she has symptoms like difficulty in paying attention and does not complete the tasks asked. Sometimes, the child may do the task but after a few minutes, the child gets bored and skips into doing another thing. Following instructions seems to be a difficult thing to fathom and he or she likes to play around, gets overly active and the child finds it difficult to finish the food on the table. These things may present as normal in toddlers but the symptoms of a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder presents for a long time. Taking ADHD medications for children help in keeping the child from being to hyperactive and eventually help them finish their tasks.
One of the most common ADHD medications for children is Ritalin, which is a methylphenidate drug. This is probably the most prescribed drug amongst the many ADHD medication lists. This was discovered in the 1940’s and was named after the chemist’s loved one named RITA. This drug’s main action is to help the child or the patient focus, pay attention and even give the child motivation on what they are doing. The drug acts on norepinephrine and dopamine in the child’s body. This is the most popular ADHD medications for children because they are benefiting from it. About 70% of the people with ADHD are happy with the results. What pleased them most is that new Ritalin release provides convenience and acts for 12 hours unlike the ones before wherein it only lasts for 3-6 hours. There is no need to take the drug more often.
Another popular ADHD medication is the Adderrall. This is a type of amphetamine. This is another essential in treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It acts like that of Ritalin or any methylphenidate drug. ADHD medications for children also include Vyvanse. Many may know this as a diet pill but it is proven to be effective for treating ADHD. Its action could last up to 12 hours and is at par with the benefits it gives like Ritalin and Adderall.
There are still other, less popular ADHD medications for children which parents and adults can use from. What is more important is taking these drugs on time to avoid lapses. It is best to consult the doctor whenever parents want to try another ADHD medication and when there are undesired effects it is always best to notify the doctor so that they can do the necessary adjustments or stop the drug and changed it into another one.