Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that afflicts children and adults. Treatment for this disorder can be highly affective and generally includes the use of medications and psychotherapy. ADHD was previously labeled attention-deficit disorder or ADD. The name of the disorder has since been changed to ADHD so that the name of the disorder is reflective of the different manifestations the disorder can take.
Basics
A person with ADHD may have difficulty concentrating, following directions, listening to what was said and remaining still for any length of time. These problems may make it more difficult for a person with ADHD to function effectively in academic settings and in traditional workplaces. Specific ADHD medications are often prescribed to reduce the problem behaviors so often associated with ADHD.
Considerations
It is important to remember that when medications are used to treat ADHD the symptoms of the mental health issue will only be reduced while the person is taking the medication regularly, notes the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, or AACAP. Unlike psychotherapy, ADHD medications do not teach a person how to change her behaviors, and once the medication is reduced the symptoms will return. Therefore, it is important for a person with ADHD to be receiving some form of psychotherapy in addition to medication.
Types
Two types of medications are generally used to treat ADHD; they are stimulant and non-stimulant medications, reports the AACAP. According to HelpGuide.org, stimulant medications are thought to cause the dopamine levels in person's brain to increase; dopamine is a chemical that effects motivation, pleasure, attention and movement. Some stimulant medications include Ritalin, Adderall and Dexedrine. Non-stimulant medications, such as Strattera, increase the levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine; they are generally used when stimulant medications have not been effective, according to Help Guide, a website dedicated to mental health support.
Risks
While medication can be an effective treatment option for ADHD there are a number of risks. Potential risks associated with stimulant medications include sudden death in those with undiagnosed heart conditions, unknown effects on a child or teen's developing brain can trigger underlying mood disorders, aggression and paranoia, according to Help Guide, which further states that stimulant medications have been known to increase a child's risk of suicidal thoughts, induce insomnia and decrease appetite.
Significance
The effectiveness of ADHD medications at treating and reducing the symptoms is significant and should not be dismissed. Stimulant medications reduce the main symptoms of ADHD, inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity; in some people the symptoms go away almost entirely, according to the Mayo Clinic. Non-stimulant medications are useful at treating a person who has ADHD and another mental health disorder such as anxiety or depression. Therefore, medications can reduce ADHD symptoms to the point that the person can function and be successful within an academic or work setting.
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