Patients with attention deficit disorder have the predominantly inattentive subtype of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. The National Institute of Mental Health explains that patients with attention deficit disorder have six or more inattentive symptoms, such as difficulty organizing and making careless mistakes. Some patients may benefit from medicines that help them manage their symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that as of 2003, 56 percent of children aged 4 to 17 with an ADHD diagnosis received medication.
Guidelines
MedlinePlus points out that the American Academy of Pediatrics has specific guidelines for the diagnosis of attention deficit disorder. For example, besides having six or more inattentive symptoms, patients must have symptoms that last for six months or more. Some symptoms may start before age 7. These symptoms must appear in two or more settings, such as at home and at school. In addition, these symptoms must be significant enough to cause problems at home or school. If a child fulfills these requirements, she may benefit from medicines for the condition.
Common Medicines
The Mayo Clinic explains that common medicines for attention deficit disorder include stimulants and nonstimulants. Examples of stimulants include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine and dextroamphetamine-amphetamine. These drugs work by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain, which improves attention. Another option is a nonstimulant, such as atomoxetine. Nonstimulants affect another neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, which also helps increase attention.
Other Medicines
A doctor may prescribe another medicine for attention deficit disorder. For example, if a patient experiences side effects such as insomnia or tics, his doctor may prescribe a high-blood-pressure medication, such as guanfacine or clonidine. Another off-label group of medicines that can help with attention deficit disorder is antidepressants, such as imipramine. The Mayo Clinic points out that antidepressants can treat attention deficit disorder symptoms in patients who do not respond to stimulants or nonstimulants. Antidepressants can alter levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine or a combination of these neurotransmitters. Antidepressants can especially help patients who also have a mood disorder, such as depression.
Side Effects
Medicines for attention deficit disorder do have some side effects. For example, stimulants may cause a decreased appetite, insomnia or tics, which are repetitive movements, in some patients. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that some people who take nonstimulants may have suicidal thoughts. Other side effects of nonstimulants include reduced appetite and jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin.
Warning
The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning on stimulants. These medicines may cause cardiovascular or psychiatric problems. For example, the National Institute of Mental Health notes that people taking a stimulant have a 1 in 1,000 risk of hearing voices, having delusions or hallucinations, or becoming manic, in which their mood becomes abnormally high. Stimulant users also have a slightly higher risk of a heart attack, stroke or sudden death.
References
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: ADHD: Data and Statistics
- Mayo Clinic: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children: Treatments and Drugs
- National Institute of Mental Health: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
