Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has no cure, although there are various treatments that help reduce symptoms. The most common are cognitive-behavioral therapy and pharmacological treatment, the latter yielding good results in managing hyperactivity and impulsivity and improving the child’s ability to concentrate and learn.
Types of pharmacological treatment for ADHD
Currently There are two types of pharmacological treatment for ADHD: stimulant medications such as methylphenidate and non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine. Each of them follows a different mechanism of action but both act on the same neurotransmitters responsible for regulating impulsivity and controlling attention. Therefore, both non-stimulant drugs and stimulants (which actually have a calming effect) are very effective in reducing hyperactivity in school-age children, although they have also been used successfully in younger children.
Usually, ADHD medications can be found as pills, capsules, or skin patches. Some drugs come in short-acting, intermediate-release, or extended-release varieties. This means that although they may have the same active ingredient, it is released differently in the body. Thus, short-acting drugs need to be given for short periods of time to maintain their active effect, while long-acting drugs need to be given only once a day.
At this point it is It is important to note that although most of these medications are very effective for the treatment of ADHD, especially in the most severe cases, they should be used with caution because they often have side effects. strong> In fact, sometimes children under drug treatment for ADHD have trouble sleeping and have a loss of appetite, irritability and anxiety. In addition, cases of children with stomachaches or mild headaches have also been reported. Typically, these side effects are mild and tend to go away over time, but other times it is necessary to reduce the dose of the medication or change the drug.
Anyway,experts recommend always making a personalized evaluation of each case, in order to find the right medicate me nto most suitable and the right dose. Even so, you should keep in mind that drugs are often not enough and it is necessary to resort to complementary solutions.
In search of the best solution for treat ADHD
The most recent scientific evidence suggests that the best solution to treat ADHD is to combine pharmacological treatment and psychotherapeutic resources (such as cognitive behavioral therapy, neurofeedback relaxation techniques and psychotherapy). In this way, the child can receive comprehensive care, not only from the psychiatrist but also from the psychologist, teachers and parents.
It is no coincidence that scientific tests have shown that the use of methylphenidate , one of the most widely used stimulant psychopharmaceuticals in the treatment of ADHD, is more effective when combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy. In this way, it is not only possible to reduce hyperactivity and attention problems but also work on social difficulties and the child’s self-esteem.
Furthermore, the European Agency for Medicinal product and the Food and Drug Administration state that the combined use of psychotherapeutic resources with atomoxetine (a non-stimulant drug that inhibits noradrenergic reuptake) reduces the symptoms of ADHD, while stimulating children’s social skills and helps reduce anxiety levels.
Therefore, there is no doubt that although medications for ADHD are effective, it is necessary to resort to resources psychotherapeutic.
Important note: The information that you have been able to read in this article is indicative, so before using any type of medication you should always go to your doctor to be informed exactly depending on your particular case. This information should in no case be taken as medical advice.