Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. It is related to the brain’s function and the neurological system.
Psychiatrists and other professionals in mental health employ the American Psychiatric association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-5) for the purpose of confirm the diagnosis of ADHD.
Based on the DSM-5, ADHD has three main symptoms. They include:
Inattention
Impulsivity
Hyperactivity
Base on which of the three signs is the most common and which one is the most prevalent. One of three forms of ADHD will be recognize. If a person has several of these symptoms (not be able to fit into a specific class) it is possible that they are diagnos with more than one form of ADHD.
People with ADHD might be hyperactive and may have issues with impulsive behavior. They may have difficulty to focus to instructions, stay on track or even organize and complete their tasks.
ADHD symptoms may appear differently for adults and children. The symptoms of hyperactivity could manifest in a child by getting squirming or waking up even though they should not. Children may play or climb up on objects or create excessive noises while playing.
Adults with the same hyperactive impulses may be expressed in different ways such as:
A feeling of inner agitation or frustration.
You’re uncomfortable sitting for an extended time? Maybe standing up, pacing about the area, even walking away.
Are you feeling uncomfortable or fidgety while having to sit through meals that are long and meetings with colleagues that last for a long time, or even activities for leisure like music or movies.
Avoiding situations or activities which require patience.
Interrupting conversations or completing sentences of others, or speaking too much.
A tendency to accept jobs that are constantly changing or who are very active.
A tendency to engage in reckless behavior and alcohol abuse.
Do People Outgrow ADHD?
It was previously believed that children with ADHD were likely to outgrow the disorder. However, more recent research it suggests that something is different.
When the symptoms of ADHD start to appear in the beginning of childhood, they typically persist through adulthood. Although there can be occasional periods of remission, the majority of children suffering from ADHD remain suffering from manifestations of ADHD even as adults. 4
It’s important to remember that having ADHD and the brain-related issues that go along with it, doesn’t mean that a person isn’t smart. However, these differences in neurological functioning can make it harder for brain regions to communicate with one another. Therefore, those with ADHD are faced with unique challenges in cognitive functions like working memory, impulse control as well as reaction times.
adhd drugs are create to alleviate these symptoms by alter the way that the brain functions. And improve cognitive performance.
ADHD Medication
ADHD medication treats the main symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: hyperactivity, inattention. And impulsivity. Although it might take time to locate the appropriate type of ADHD medication and once it is found you, you will likely see noticeable improvements in their symptoms.
Similar to how the act of putting on glasses helps focus your vision and wearing a hearing aid can help to focus sound and sounds, using ADHD medication aids in focusing on. While these drugs don’t solve ADHD however they do allow an individual to function effectively and efficiently.
Types of ADHD Medications
The majority of prescribed ADHD medication are available in capsule, tablet, or liquid forms that people take through the mouth. The medications can be classified into two major categories:
Stimulants
Non-Stimulants
The two kinds of ADHD drugs influence the brain in slightly different ways. Certain people react better to one than to the other. Therefore, those with ADHD are likely to switch when the other type of medication isn’t working.
Stimulants
Of the two kinds of ADHD drugs of which stimulants are the more frequently prescribed and have been in use for longer (since in the early 1960s) as opposed to non-stimulants. The stimulant ADHD medication is generally the most effective choice for children. Studies have found that 70% to 80 percent of children who suffer from ADHD are less prone to symptoms after determining the proper dose and medication for stimulants. 5
Stimulant ADHD drugs work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) within the brain. Neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine are essential to an individual’s ability to remain focus and motivated. Dopamine is involved in enhancing rewarding behavior. Norepinephrine influences the blood vessel, blood pressure, your heart’s rhythm, blood sugar levels and breathing.
The most common brand names for stimulants ADHD medication are:
Ritalin
Focalin
Adderall
ProCentra
Concerta
Stimulant ADHD drugs can be identified based on the rate at which the medication gets into the bloodstream and the speed at which it begins to take to take effect:
Immediate-Release
The quick-acting drugs are released instantly and last for a minimum of four hours.
Extended-Release
For both long-acting as well as short-acting stimulants ADHD drugs there are two subtypes of chemical. Each subtype are created from a distinct kind of stimulant
Methylphenidate-Based Medications
These medicines include Ritalin, Methylin, Concerta, Metadate, and the Daytrana Patch.
Dextroamphetamine-Based Medications
Different people react differently to different types of stimulants ADHD medications and also to different formulas of release (the rate that they are absorbed into the bloodstream). Therefore, if there are undesirable negative side effects, it’s usually possible to locate a different kind of ADHD medication that’s more effective and at ease.
Non-Stimulants
Non-stimulants are an emerging kind of ADHD medication. A very popular non-stimulant medicines is Atomoxetine (brand brand name: Strattera) which has been prescribed for treatment of ADHD since 2002. Non-stimulant ADHD medicines increase the neurotransmitter/hormone norepinephrine levels in the brain.
Non-stimulants require longer time to begin functioning than stimulants. It can take between three and four weeks of continuous use before their effects can be visible. These medications, which are stimulants, can help someone suffering from ADHD increase their concentration, focus and their impulsivity.
There aren’t as many non-stimulant drugs available to treat ADHD as stimulants. Examples of brand-name, non-stimulant ADHD medicines include:
Strattera
Qelbree
Kapvay
Intuniv
A mental health professional can prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication in situations where:
These medications aren’t as effective.
There have been some unpleasant negative side effects caused by stimulants.
The combination of it with stimulants could enhance the efficiency.
Additionally, although non-stimulant ADHD medication is a prescription however they aren’t controlled substances as stimulants are. This means that an individual has a lower chance of be dependent on the non-stimulant medicines.
