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Exploring the Side Effects of ADHD Medication
Side Effects of ADHD Medication
Though the main treatment method for dealing with ADHD is to apply behavioral therapies but medications including stimulants and non stimulants are also used to reduce the anxiety, hyperactivity and depression of a patient. These medications are clinically approved and proving very helpful in controlling the symptoms of ADHD but in some cases patient has to suffer from side effects of taking these drugs. These side effects include disturbed appetite, weight loss, Insomnia, tics, behavioral changes and increased metabolism etc. These side effects of ADHD medications are discussed below.
1- Disturbed Diet Pattern and Stomach Problems
What are the Causes of ADHD?
Causes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
ADHD is a congenital mental problem which means that it has strong genetic reasons behind its development. But genetic factor is not the only reason for creating such abnormal state of mind there are some other factors as well which can contribute to this condition. Here we have discussed the factors causing ADHD in a child, an adult or a teen. Let’s have a look over them:
1- Genetic Factor
Firstly the inherited genetic pattern is considered the most important factor behind developmental irregularities of a child. In most of the cases ADHD is an outcome of genetic abnormalities. Long term research has proved that ADHD run in families which means that a patient of ADHD must already have another such patient in his family. Such family patient could be one of his parents, his brother, sister, grandparents, cousins, uncle and ants etc. If one of the parents is carrying the abnormal genetic pattern then the risk of developing ADHD in their child is much higher than other cases.
Treating ADHD in Teens
Treatment Options for Teens Suffering from ADHD
Though a combination of behavioral therapy and medication is considered helpful in reducing the symptoms of disorder and in improving the patient’s control over himself in case of treating ADHD in teens but all major mental health associations including American Academy of pediatrics, American Medical Association and American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry support behavioral therapy as the best treatment option for managing ADHD.
Medication for Teens with ADHD
Medication comes next after behavioral therapy to improve teen’s school performance and level of attentiveness to learn as much as possible, for this purpose both stimulants and nonstimulants drugs are used in various cases.
Stimulants Drugs for Treating ADHD
ADHD in Teens
Symptoms of ADHD in Teens
Teens suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder show different symptoms from those found in children suffering from same mental disability. Normally ADHD in teens is characterized by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, impulsivity, lack of concentration and insomnia. But some other symptoms are related to their specific teen age which cannot be seen in children. Those specific symptoms of ADHD found in teens are discussed below.
1- Hormonal Changes in Teen Age
Firstly teens with ADHD show more hyperactivity and lack of interest in routine life activities due to their hormonal change related to secondary sexual behavior. This thing increases their overactivity and makes them unmanageable at certain moments.
2- Poor Performance in Academic Field
Mental Disorders related to ADHD
ADHD and Related Mental Disorders
In some cases of hyperactivity it is not only ADHD which affect patient’s normal activity rather it is accompanied by some other mental disorders and disabilities. The mental problems occur along with ADHD are discussed below briefly. Let’s have a look over them.
1- Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities include difficulties in reading or learning new things which often results in dyslexia, a reading disorder. For such patient of ADHD which also have learning disabilities, specific academic testing and learning programs should be arranged as a part of his treatment pattern to help him getting control over his learning disabilities.
2- Tourette’s syndrome