Are Prescribed ADHD Treatments Helping or Hurting our Kids?

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In the world of medicine, medical practitioners weigh the pros and cons of a particular drug on the human body. The general rule of thumb is to prescribe the best possible medication with the least side effects on the body. The most frequently asked questions are about the risk of taking medications, most people want to know if they do more harm than good especially ADHA treatments.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHA) is a neurological disorder that affects people of different age groups namely children, teens, or adults, the signs and symptoms depend on the age group of the patient concerned. The children suffering from attention deficit hyperactive disorder have a problem focusing in school or dedicated attention for an event or project. However, In adults, they experience more severe symptoms such as having difficulty organizing their thoughts or focusing on a specific goal. There are numerous ways of treating attention deficit hyperactive do order (AHDA). Most adults also have a problem with low self-esteem, relationship problems, and the problem with addictions.

What Causes ADHD?

 

There are numerous myths about how diet or excessive sugary intake can cause attention deficit – hyperactivity disorder. Scientists and medical experts revealed that genetics and family history are the greatest risk factors for ADHD. There are no specific tests to diagnose ADHD, the medical practitioner diagnoses these diseases by asking questions, observing, and monitoring mood changes or specific signs and symptoms in the patient.

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Children

 

There are numerous signs and symptoms of ADHD in children, but these signs and symptoms are classified into 3 basic categories: Lack of attention, Hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

The signs and symptoms classified as due to lack of attention include when children do or exhibit any of the following:

 

  • Reduced attention to the task
  • Reduced listening ability
  • Inability to organize basic daily task
  • Frequent daydreaming
  • Make careless Mistakes
  • Easily loose things
  • Avoid tasks that involve patience or sitting in one spot
  • Don’t follow directions or finish any specific tasks
  • They forget daily tasks and instructions

The signs and symptoms classified as hyperactivity include:

 

  • Restlessness
  • Talkativeness
  • They can’t sit or play quietly
  • Fidgeting
  • Bouncing when sitting
  • They always want to move and perform physical activities at every time.

The signs and symptoms classified as impulsivity in children include:

 

  • Burping
  • Interrupting others when they are talking
  • They are impatient and can’t wait for their turn in a line

Signs and symptoms of ADHD in Adults

 

There are many signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults which often worsen as they grow older. The common signs and symptoms include:

  • Frequent Anxiety and procrastination
  • Unexplained Depression
  • Impulsiveness
  • Uncontrolled anger and forgetfulness
  • Addiction
  • Constant boredom and dislike for things they previously loved
  • Mood swings, irritability and problems focusing
  • Depression

 

 Risk Factors for ADHD

 

There are a lot of risk factors that can cause ADHD. It takes combination of majority of these risk factors to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the most common risk factors includes:

  • Genetics
  • Family history
  • Prolonged lead exposure when you are younger
  • Gestational drug abuse
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Low birth weight
  • Premature birth ( less than 37 weeks)

Treatment and Therapy of ADHA

 

Currently, there is no known cure for anxiety disorder hyperactivity disorder. The main aim of treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is to alleviate the symptoms and improve quality of life. It can be treated conservatively with drugs, psychotherapy, or educating the patient about the disease. The common Treatment includes:

  • Medications: There are 2 types of medications prescribed to patients suffering from attention –deficit hyperactivity disorder namely: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants are medications that help to increase the neurotransmitters in the brain called dopamine and norepinephrine which helps in attention and thinking. Moreover, it is advisable to take these medications under doctor’s prescription and right dosage because of overdose side effects such as tachycardia and hypertension. Examples of stimulants include Dexmethylphenidate, Ritalin, and concert.

Nonstimulants medications are often prescribed for patients that do not respond to stimulants medications. Anti-depressants and medications rich in omega3 fatty acids are also suitable for treating Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

  • Psychotherapy: This involves the use of various behavioral and psychotherapeutically techniques to help the patients cope with their medical conditions. It also helps loved ones and family members to understand them better and know how to help them.
  • Education: It is advisable to teach the patients and their loved ones about coping mechanisms for this disease. The concerned individuals can join different support groups.

What are the Negative Side Effects of Using Medication for the Treatment of ADHD?

 

There are numerous side effects of medication used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, especially when abused or overdosed. The most common side effects include:

  • Anorexia
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Anxiousness
  • Headache
  • TICS
  • Personality changes

What are the Side Effects of ADHD Medication in Children?

 

There are many side effects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. The most common side effects include:

  • Altered sleep pattern
  • Sudden loss of appetite
  • Stomach
  • Headache
  • Tick
  • Emotional imbalance
  • Irritability
  • Constipation
  • Xerostomia
  • Blurred vision

 

What are the Effects of ADHD Medication on the Brain Long Term?

 

This is one of the most debated topics in the psychiatry niche. There is a lot of scientific research to support the safety of ADHD medications on the brain, especially when used for a short period. Moreover, there has been some latest link between ADHD medications and brain damage. Some stimulants used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder destroy the nucleus accumbens of the brain leading to lack of motivation and enthusiasm.

|Some medications used in treating attention deficit hyperactive disorder cause neurochemical imprinting. This is described as prolonged effects of medications on the brain despite the stoppage or withdrawal of the drug. Some stimulants causes’ neuronal imprinting is leading to prolonged blood flow to the brain after stopping the medication. This can cause brain damage after an extended period.

Are There Benefits in Using ADHD Drugs?

 

There are a lot of benefits associated with using attention deficit hyperactivity drugs because they are short-acting and effective. The most significant concern is about its risk if the benefits of these drugs are worth the risk.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that affects people of different age groups. It can be treated with medication, psychotherapy, and educational consult.

 

NEED HELP WITH DRUG ADDICTION?

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References

B, V. (2018). Long-term effects of stimulant medications on the brain: possible relevance to the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. – PubMed – NCBI. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11322742

Company. (2018). A.D.H.D. Drugs Have Long-Term Risks – NYTimes.com. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2012/06/09/fewer-prescriptions-for-adhd-less-drug-abuse/adhd-drugs-have-long-term-risks

Even After Stopping ADHD Medications, Children’s Brains Show Differences. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-medications-may-cause-long-term-brain-changes/