Stimulants are the most widely used medications for managing ADHD symptoms. These medications “stimulate” networks of nerve cells in the brain to work more effectively with each other, mainly by stimulating the dopamine system. They are effective in decreasing ADHD symptoms for most children with ADHD.
Full Answer
How can medication help my child with ADHD?
Medication can help children manage their ADHD symptoms in their everyday life and can help them control the behaviors that cause difficulties with family, friends, and at school. Stimulants are the best-known and most widely used ADHD medications.
What is stimulant therapy for ADHD?
Stimulant therapy is the most commonly used treatment for Attention-Deficit Disorder/ Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD. Stimulants are an effective way of managing ADHD symptoms such as short attention span, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. They may be used alone or in combination with behavior therapy.
How effective are ADHD drugs for adults?
These drugs ease ADHD symptoms in about 70% of adults and 70% to 80% of children. They tend to cut down on hyperactivity, interrupting, and fidgeting. They can also help a person finish tasks and improve relationships.
What are the long-term effects of ADHD medications on young children?
Young children have more side effects from ADHD medications than older children. The long-term effects of ADHD medications on young children have not been well-studied. For children ages 6 years and older, AAP recommends combining medication treatment with behavior therapy. Several types of behavior therapies are effective, including:
What is the role of the teacher if a student in the class is on medication for ADHD?
ADHD Treatment: Coordinating With the School Your child's teacher will be important in carrying out the behavioral part of a treatment plan and in communicating about the effectiveness of medications.
What is the goal of treatment for ADHD?
The primary goal of treatment is to minimize the impact of ADHD symptoms on patient function while maximizing the patient's ability to compensate or cope with any remaining difficulties.
Why are children with ADHD treated with stimulants?
Stimulants regulate impulsive behavior and improve attention span and focus by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, primarily dopamine, which transmit signals between nerves.
Does ADHD medication improve learning?
BERKELEY — Pediatricians and educators have long known that psycho-stimulant medications can help children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) concentrate on learning for short periods of time.
What is a goal for a child with ADHD?
Examples of target outcomes for children with ADHD: Improved relationships with parents, siblings, teachers, and friends (e.g., fewer arguments with brothers or sisters or being invited more frequently to friends' houses or parties) Better schoolwork (e.g., completing class work or homework assignments)
What are some interventions for ADHD?
Adult ADHD may be treated with one or more of the following: Individual cognitive and behavioral therapy to change negative thought patterns and enhance self-esteem. Relaxation training and stress management to reduce anxiety and stress. Behavioral coaching to teach strategies for organizing home and work activities.
What are some side effects from the use of stimulants to treat ADHD?
Side effects of ADHD stimulant medicationSleep problems.Decreased appetite.Weight loss.Increased blood pressure.Dizziness.Headaches and stomachaches.Rebound (irritability when the medication wears off)Moodiness and irritability.More items...
Does ADHD medication change your personality?
ADHD medications should not change a child's personality. If a child taking a stimulant seems sedated or zombie-like, or tearful and irritable, it usually means that the dose is too high and the clinician needs to adjust the prescription to find the right dose.
How does ADHD medication make you feel?
Improved Mood. With optimized ADHD medication, people typically report an improved overall mood. They're less stressed, with less anxiety — usually resulting from higher productivity and fewer social challenges.
Does ADHD medication affect school performance?
Most studies examined only the short-term effects of medication on school performance. In these, ADHD medications have been observed to improve some aspects of school performance, with the largest impact on measures of academic performance such as seatwork productivity and on-task performance.
Does Adderall improve academic performance?
The attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drug Adderall does not improve reading comprehension or fluency in college students without the disorder, and may impair memory, a new study suggests. Many college students believe ADHD drugs will improve their study skills, Science Daily reports.
Does Adderall help with learning disabilities?
Adderall does improve performance in normal, learning-disabled, and ADHD/ADD students, as measured by short-term improvements in tests and grades. The improvement comes as a result of more efficient test-taking and studying, in the form of more focus, deliberation, efficient methodology, and decreased fatigue.