Notes by venhausen: Social anxiety is a term used to describe an experience of anxiety (emotional discomfort, fear, apprehension or worry) regarding social situations and being evaluated by other people.
Notes by addadhd1: This factsheet describes what stimulant medications are, and the benefits and pitfalls of using them for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and
Notes by addadhd1: Stimulants are usually used as medication to treat ADHD. In general, stimulant medications improve symptoms in about 70% of people who have ADHD.
Most often, stimulant medications are used to treat ADHD. These
medications are effective for people of all ages, although more
research is needed on how adults respond. In general, stimulant
medications improve symptoms in about 70% of people who have
ADHD.7 There are
often quick and dramatic improvements in behavior.
Other types of medications may be used to treat ADHD.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant medication for
ADHD.
Antihypertensives, designed to treat high blood pressure, can
also help control aggressive and impulsive behaviors in some
people.
Antidepressants may be needed if psychostimulants do not
improve symptoms.
Medication may be needed to treat other mental health
conditions, such as anxiety disorders, that
often occur along with ADHD.
If you are giving your child medication for ADHD, it is
important to make sure it is taken consistently. In addition, you
will need to regularly monitor the effects of the medication and
communicate closely with your child's health professional.
The following medications are used to treat attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD):
Stimulants, such as
Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate CD, Focalin, Dexedrine, Adderall, and
Daytrana
Atomoxetine
(Strattera), an approved nonstimulant medication for children,
teens, and adults with ADHD
The following medications are sometimes tried if symptoms
persist after initial treatment with one of the above medications.
These medications are usually not used in younger children.
Antihypertensives,
such as Catapres and Tenex, which may be used to treat aggression
and impulsivity not controlled by ADHD medications
Antidepressants, such as bupropion (for example,
Wellbutrin)
FDA Advisories. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) has issued:
An advisory on
Strattera. It suggests parents and other caregivers closely watch
for warning signs of
suicide in children and teens taking this medicine.14
An advisory on
antidepressants to closely monitor adults, teens, and children
taking this medicine for warning signs of suicide.
The FDA does not recommend that people stop using these
medicines, but to watch for warning signs of suicide in those using
them.
What To Think About
All of a child's behavior problems may not be controlled by
medication for ADHD. The child may still have a higher level of
some behavior problems than other children the same age. In
addition, it has not been established that medication improves the
long-term educational, occupational, and social functioning of a
person who has ADHD.
New longer-acting medications allow many people to take one pill
a day for their ADHD symptoms, avoiding the multiple dosages that
were once standard.
Although short-term studies have shown stimulant medications are
safe, long-term effects have not been studied. In a recent 2-year
study, children who took stimulant medication grew almost 0.5 in.
per year slower than those children not on medication. The study
followed 540 youngsters with ADHD who were ages 7 to 9 at the
outset of the study. More studies are needed to determine whether
growth is affected at other ages (younger than age 7, older than
age 9) or whether children taking these medications might catch up
over a period of time.9 As with any
medication, parents should balance the benefits their child might
receive from these medications with any potential risks.
This information is not intended to
replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability
for the decisions you make based on this information.
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