ADHD and Medication<br /><br />The use of medication can help those with ADHD focus, manage hyperactivity and impulsive behavior, and finish tasks. They can also decrease depression and anxiety.<br /><br />Stimulants are among the medications that are most commonly prescribed to children and teens with ADHD. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin and Focalin are among the most commonly prescribed stimulants. There's a possibility of addiction, so doctors monitor children closely for signs of problems.<br /><br />Stimulants<br /><br /><br /><br />The most frequently prescribed medication by doctors to treat ADHD is stimulants. They are thought to improve the activity in the parts of the brain responsible for attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate, the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD, is also available in amphetamines and a newer medication known as quebrachine (brand name: Quelbree). Doctors may recommend extended release or prolonged-acting formulations of these drugs so that the drugs build slowly within the body and then wear off more slowly. This will help reduce side effects and reduce the chance of experiencing an abrupt "rebound" effect as the drug wears off.<br /><br />Researchers believe that stimulants help people with ADHD by increasing levels of a neurotransmitter known as dopamine in the brain. Dopamine helps improve concentration and focus as well as reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity. Dopamine can also increase the activity of neurons that transmit signals to the nucleus accumbens which is involved in motivation, pleasure and reward.<br /><br />Research suggests that people suffering from ADHD have lower levels of dopamine than normal in the frontal cortex, an area of the brain that controls these "executive" functions like organizing and planning. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.com/adult-adhd-medication">I Am Psychiatry</a> can cause difficulties with time management, completing tasks, and reducing emotions. Research also suggests that stimulant drugs could aid in improving the functioning of the frontal cortex for those suffering from ADHD by preventing the reuptake process of dopamine and norepinephrine.<br /><br />Certain people with ADHD aren't helped by stimulant medication, or do not take them well. This could be due to the potential for addiction and abuse and intolerance to certain side effects such as insomnia or jitteriness. In these cases, other medication options may be considered, including atypical antidepressants such as Wellbutrin and tricyclic antidepressants. These medications are often prescribed for ADHD "off-label" because they are believed to increase attention and are associated with the lowest risk of addiction or abuse.<br /><br />Psychoeducation can be given in some cases to help children, teenagers and adults comprehend their condition and manage their symptoms. Therapists may also utilize behavioral therapy, which is helping people learn to modify their behaviors and habits.<br /><br />There's plenty of debate over whether ADHD exists and, if so, what its causes are. Some people advocate stricter diagnostic criteria and an end to prescribing stimulants to any person who does not meet them. Others advocate non-stimulant therapy which is equally efficient and has fewer negative side negative effects. There is also a growing movement to promote more behavior modification, which is more effective than medication in the long term. This can involve a variety of psychological strategies such as cognitive behavior therapy and problem solving skills training. It could also include parenting skills that can help to reduce distraction and impulsiveness within the home environment. Other methods of influencing behavior that focus on reward-based training and family counseling, can also be beneficial.<br /><br />