ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Some people may have ADD instead without being hyperactive, but many physicians look at the two as one condition.
ADHD is more common in active males, and ADD is more common in quiet females.
Symptoms of ADHD include hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, poor time management skills, poor concentration, trouble multitasking, easy frustration, and more.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects individuals across all ages of life. Here are some statistics related to ADHD:
- Prevalence: ADHD is a prevalent disorder, affecting individuals worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of ADHD among children in the United States is estimated to be 9.4% (Danielson et al., 2021). However, ADHD can persist into adulthood, and the estimated prevalence of ADHD in adults is around 4.4% (Simon et al., 2021).
- Gender Differences: ADHD affects both males and females, but research suggests that males are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than females. According to a systematic review and meta-analysis, the worldwide prevalence of ADHD in males was 7.2%, compared to 2.4% in females (Polanczyk et al., 2014).
- Comorbidities: ADHD frequently occurs alongside other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. According to a study of adult patients with ADHD, 57% of participants had at least one comorbid condition (Kessler et al., 2006).
- Treatment: Effective treatments for ADHD include medication, behavioral therapy, and educational interventions. According to a study of children with ADHD, 62% received medication, and 47% received behavioral therapy (Danielson et al., 2021).
- Impact: ADHD can have a significant impact on individuals’ lives, including difficulties with academic and occupational performance, social relationships, and daily functioning. According to a study of adults with ADHD, 62% reported experiencing impairment in their social lives, and 55% reported experiencing impairment in their work lives (Biederman et al., 2006).
These statistics highlight the widespread impact of ADHD on individuals and their families and underscore the importance of early identification and effective treatment.
If you suspect you or a loved one is suffering from ADHD/ADD you may want to consider medications.
Let’s take a look at the list of medications for this condition.
Stimulants for ADHD
Stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed drug for this condition.
These medications work by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain
Amphetamines
Amphetamines come in dextroamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine forms. They come in immediate-release form and/or extended-release form.
Adderall XR is the most common medication you have probably heard about.
Other amphetamines include:
Dexedrine
Vyvanse
Dyanavel XR
There is also Methamphetamine known as Desoxyn.
Methylphenidates
Methylphenidates are stimulant medications commonly prescribed. They come in immediate release, controlled release, extended-release forms, and transdermal patches.
Ritalin
Concerta
Methylene
Focalin
Daytrana
CAUTION
May Come with Side Effects
Some side effects may include sleep problems, loss of appetite, weight loss, dizziness, irritability, mood changes, headaches, upset stomach, and more.
Let’s take a look at other medications.
Non-Stimulants for ADHD
These medications are also used and can be less addictive than stimulant medications.
They affect the brain rather differently than stimulants. These drugs help with symptoms such as concentration and focus, without increasing the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Non-stimulants include:
Strattera
Kapvay
Intuniv
CAUTION
May Come with Side Effects
Some side effects may still occur with these medications. These include upset stomach, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, mood swings, dizziness, and more.
Wellbutrin for ADHD
Wellbutrin is a medication that is used for depression, and sometimes ADHD. It works on the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. It is a mild dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake blocker.
CAUTION
May Come with Side Effects
Some side effects may occur when you start Wellbutrin. These include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, blurred vision, and more.
If you think your symptoms are dopamine and norepinephrine related. You might want to consult your physician about this medicine or visit mytelemedicine to consult with a specialist. They are online and available 24/7.
If you are unsure you can go to the Neurotransmitters section to find out more about how dopamine and norepinephrine affect mental health.
References:
Biederman, J., Monuteaux, M. C., Spencer, T., Wilens, T. E., & Faraone, S. V. (2006). A naturalistic 10-year prospective study of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 67(5), 626-638.
Danielson, M. L., Bitsko, R. H., Ghandour, R. M., Holbrook, J. R., Kogan, M. D., & Blumberg, S. J. (2021). Prevalence of parent-reported ADHD diagnosis and associated treatment among U.S. children and adolescents, 2016. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 1-12.
Kessler, R. C., Adler, L., Barkley, R., Biederman, J., Conners, C. K., Demler, O., … & Zaslavsky, A. M. (2006). The prevalence and correlates of adult ADHD in the United States: Results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. American Journal of Psychiatry, 163(4), 716-723.
Polanczyk, G. V., Willcutt, E. G., Salum, G. A., Kieling, C., & Rohde, L. A. (2014). ADHD prevalence estimates across three decades: An updated systematic review and meta-regression analysis. International Journal of Epidemiology, 43(2), 434-442.
Simon, V., Czobor, P., Bálint, S., Mészáros, Á., & Bitter, I. (2021). Prevalence and correlates of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
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