What is ADHD?
One of the most common neurobehavioral disorders in children, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects five to eight percent of kids. About 4% of cases, or 60% of cases, can continue into adulthood; most cases are first identified in childhood. Attention Deficit Disorder is another term for it (ADD). The main difference between adult and pediatric ADHD is the type of symptoms. Some symptoms, like hyperactivity and restlessness, are less common, while others, such ongoing disorganization and difficulty setting priorities, have a tendency to worsen. One of the primary indicators of adult ADHD is the inability to self-regulate. Children with ADHD find it difficult to focus, control their excessive activity, and rein in impulsive behavior—they may behave without thinking.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
Dream a lot; misplace or forget things often; writhe excessively or become agitated
Talking too much, making careless mistakes, or taking unnecessary risks
Having trouble resisting temptation and being unable to take turns
find it difficult to get along with others
Although there isn't a single test to diagnose ADHD, there are a number of signs and symptoms that when combined may suggest that a child may be affected. Children with ADHD never fully recover from their symptoms, which might begin to interfere with everyday tasks and academic performance.
Treatment options for ADHD
Methods of Behavioral Intervention for ADHD Parents' instruction and guidance
What are the different types of ADHD medications?
When used as prescribed, drugs can reduce the symptoms of ADHD but cannot cure it. Many medications can be used to treat ADHD in patients. Medication, both stimulant and non-stimulant, either directly or indirectly decreases the transmission of nerve signals via dopamine and norepinephrine. Certain depressive medications may be used off-label to treat ADHD.
Stimulants
The most widely used and common medicines are stimulants, which work well for about 70–80% of children. Common stimulant medications include methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate, Focalin) and mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall, Adderall XR).
Combining dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat) with lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
Both short (4 hours) and long (6–8 hours or 10–12 hours) half-lives are available for amphetamine, methylphenidate, and combined amphetamine salt formulations. Methamphetamine hydrochloride (Desoxyn) is another stimulant, although it is only administered under specific circumstances owing to abuse.
Some of the adverse effects of stimulant medications for ADHD include weight gain, headaches, insomnia, increased blood pressure, upset stomach, and decreased appetite. It has apparently been demonstrated that stimulants impede physical growth. Heart attack, stroke, and sudden death are severe but uncommon side effects associated with stimulants.
Non-stimulants
In 2003, non-stimulants were licensed for the treatment of ADHD and were found to have less side effects than stimulants. They might go on for the entire day. Non-stimulants are used in place of stimulants when they are contraindicated, ineffective, have undesired side effects, or are preferred by the person or parent.
Without stimulants Atomoxetine (Strattera), which acts on the brain's norepinephrine pathway to lessen hyperactivity and inattention, is one medication used to treat ADHD. Clonidine (Catapres or Kapvay) and guanfacine (Tenex or Intuniv) are two off-label therapies for ADHD. Antidepressants that affect the dopamine and adrenaline messenger systems in the brain, such as venlafaxine (Effexor) and bupropion (Wellbutrin), are used off-label to treat ADHD.
One of the negative effects of strattera is drowsiness, which might lead to thoughts of suicide. Possible adverse effects of strattera include elevated blood pressure, dry mouth, insomnia, constipation, decreased libido, dizziness, and sweating.
Certain medications, including Tenex and Catapres, which don't stimulate the heart, can cause drowsiness, vertigo, and palpitations. They may also cause irritation, dry mouth, nausea, upset stomachs, headaches, and constipation.
What are the differences between ADHD drugs?
The chemical makeup, modes of action, and half-lives of many ADHD medications vary. The half-lives of Ritalin, Adderall or Dexedrine, Concerta and Focalin-XR, and Vyvanse are respectively two to four, six, ten, and thirteen hours.
In 2012, the FDA approved Methylin liquid and Quillivant-XR (methylphenidate), two innovative liquid formulations, for the treatment of ADHD. Furthermore, topical patches are offered to people who have difficulty swallowing. Patch versions of Catapres (clonidine) and Daytrana (methylphenidate) are available.
Abuse and misuse of stimulants
The abuse of stimulant ADHD medications is on the rise, especially among college students. Stimulants can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, but they can also decrease hunger and sleep quality. Mistreatment of them might result in undernourishment and adverse health consequences. Addiction to stimulants has the potential to be quite dangerous.
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