Treatment guidelines

• The ADDA's treatment guidelines include the following principles:
  
  ADD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) denote underlying problems with what the ADDA terms "executive functions" of the brain.
  
  Evaluate and treat the whole person.
  
  Don't assume a person has the disorder.
  
  ADD and ADHD can manifest and be diagnosed at any age.
  
  To obtain an accurate diagnosis, a full evaluation must be performed. This should be conducted by a trained professional only.
  
  Even if a patient responds well to medication, this should not be used alone to diagnose the disorder.
  
  The criteria for AD/HD outlined in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders should be used for diagnostic purposes.
  
  Parents and caregivers and those who know the patient best should be involved in the evaluation process.
  
  Treatment should encompass techniques that help the patient achieve a satisfying, happy life.
  
  Medication is the primary treatment of people with ADD.
  
  The ADDA also recommends that physicians and health care practitioners who treat the disorder stay current on research and treatments.
  
  

Common medications

• According to thehealthcenter.com, ADD has been treated with stimulant medications for almost 50 years. The most well-known brand-name medications for ADD and ADHD are Ritalin, Adderall, Straterra and Concerta. The most common medication, Ritalin (methylphenidate), is also known as Concerta and Metadate.
  
  

How do medications differ?

• Methylphenidates such as Ritalin and Concerta are stimulants that affect the central nervous system (CNS), much as amphetamines, methamphetamines and cocaine do. About 85% to 90% of all prescriptions for methylphenidates are written for ADHD. Methylphenidate can cause increases in blood pressure, heart rate and respiration body temperature; suppress appetite; and cause the desired effect of increased alertness. A decrease in weight and slower growth are typically associated with methylphenidate as well. Increased doses can produce increased CNS stimulation, euphoria, nervousness, irritability and agitation.
  
  A newer medication, Strattera, (atomoxetine) is not a stimulant. Rather than working on dopamine receptors, as the other stimulants do, Strattera works on the brain hormone norepinephrine. The most common side effects reported include stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea with or without vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, mood swings and decreased growth in children.
  
  

Warnings

• The drugs discussed above may cause suicidal behavior and thoughts and, in very rare cases, Straterra can cause liver damage. Physician supervision is absolutely required when taking any of these medications.