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As far as treatment for add is concerned certain drugs are routinely prescribed. These include stimulants, non-stimulants, and antidepressants. Of all the drugs used in the treatment of this disorder the stimulant varieties are the most commonly prescribed and we will take a closer look at these. Stimulants used in the treatment for add Of all the types of medication used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder stimulants are by far the most common. The reason for this is because they have a long track record for treating the disorder and there has been extensive research done on them to back up their efficacy. Drugs that fall into the category of stimulant medications include: - Ritalin - Adderall - Dexedrine The reason why this class of medication is believed to be effective and to help the child or adult with ADD is because they increase the levels of dopamine in the brain. As a neurotransmitter dopamine is what controls motivation, pleasure, attention, and movement. For those who have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD these types of medications are able to help boost their levels of concentration and focus. Not only does it boost these levels it also reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity which is necessary for those with Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder. As with all medications there are side-effects that need to be considered and some people might find them to be intolerable. Usually the mental health expert will try the patient on more than one of the drugs or a combination of drugs until a suitable dosage is determined. The most common side-effects associated with the above mentioned drugs and those that fall in the stimulant category that patients experience are: - Feeling jittery - Feeling restless - Weight loss caused through the loss of appetite - Sleep disturbances - Headaches and stomach aches as well as nausea - Mood swings including depression, anxiety, and irritability - Dizziness - Tachycardia (elevated heartbeat) - Tics that are more pronounced - Personality changes - Withdrawal - Obsessive-compulsive behavior - High blood pressure - Suicidal thoughts and tendencies What are the warning Signs to be aware of if your child is on any of these medications as part of the treatment of add? If your child is on one or more of the above mentioned drugs and you notice any of the following symptoms you need to seek medical attention without delay: - Pains in the chest - Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing normally - Losing consciousness - Perceiving things that are not real such as hearing sounds or seeing things that do not exist - Feeling paranoid or suspicious Aside from the side-effects that we have already looked at there are additional safety issues that one cannot ignore when it comes to stimulant medications. For instance it is not yet known what the long-term impact of these drugs will be on developing brains. There are a number of experts that are concerned that using drugs such as Ritalin could well interfere negatively with normal brain development in both children and teenagers. It has been proven that stimulant medications can cause sudden death in children and adults who have existing heart issues. In fact the AHA (American Heart Association) is of the opinion that before anyone starts taking one of these medications they should first undergo a complete cardiac evaluation. There is also reason to believe that these medications can both cause or intensify certain psychiatric problems such as hostility, aggression, anxiety, etc. Anyone with a family history of depression, suicide, bipolar disorder, etc. needs to be considered as a high risk and should be thoroughly and carefully monitored if they are placed on stimulant drugs. Stimulant medications also carry the risk of being abused and in fact this has become more of a problem among those prescribed these drugs. Very often they are used by students away at college because they are beneficial in helping them cram for exams and staying awake all night long. Others take the drugs because they also suppress the appetite and so aid in losing weight. Because they are in demand for these and other reasons some kids actually resort to sharing or selling their medication in order to make some extra pocket money so adult supervision is essential. If you want to know more about treatment for add that does not involve the use of dangerous medications please take the time to visit my website at http://www.adhd-treatment-info.com/. You will discover an excellent and very effective natural homeopathic remedy that is sure to help you address all the issues associated with ADD/ADHD without putting your child at risk. By V K Rajagopalan, a strong supporter of nothing less than Natural Healthy Living.
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