medication for inattentive adhd For ADHD and Anxiety
The same medications that treat ADHD can be used to treat anxiety. Drugs like amphetamine or methylphenidate increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters within the brain. Nonstimulants like atomoxetine or antidepressants could also be helpful.
In some instances, stimulant medications can cause anxiety to worsen. If this is the case, your doctor may recommend a different medication or switch to another.
Stimulants
People with ADHD and anxiety are frequently prescribed stimulants. These medications are believed to aid both ADHD and anxiety as they increase brain's production of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps to improve concentration and decreases the impulsivity. It also supports memory and motivation.
The stimulant drugs like amphetamines and methylphenidate block reuptake norepinephrine, which keeps dopamine and norepinephrine at high levels in your brain. This improves concentration and decreases the tendency to be impulsive making it easier to manage anger and other emotions that could cause anxiety.
They can also cause unintended effects, for instance, they can sometimes increase anxiety symptoms. Your child or you may also be struggling to get enough sleep. They can also cause a decrease in appetite, which can interfere in eating enough food to ensure healthy growth. Certain people also experience tics which are sudden movements or sounds like eye blinking and throat clearing. Although these symptoms are common, they can be reduced or eliminated by some simple strategies.
It is important to keep in mind that every person reacts differently to stimulants or non-stimulant ADHD medication. It might take a bit of trial and error to discover the best combination of medications dosages, schedules, and dosages for your child or yourself.
When determining a treatment plan, your doctor will take into account your specific symptoms and life style. They'll likely recommend a therapy to reduce anxiety and track the response of your medication to determine which treatment options are most suitable for you.
Some ADHD medications may interact with medication used to treat anxiety. Adderall, for example can cause anxiety in children with both ADHD and anxiety. Psychostimulants can alter the way the brain processes information about potential threats from both the external and internal environment.
This does not mean that ADHD and anxiety cannot be treated in conjunction. It's also possible that improving ADHD symptoms can help reduce anxiety, too, as they may reduce the amount of anxiety-provoking situations and conflicts that children suffering from untreated ADHD confront.
Psychostimulants have proven to be effective in treating both ADHD and anxiety, according to several studies. They are generally more effective in treating both disorders than traditional antianxiety medications. It's possible that the reduction in anxiety seen with psychostimulants is the direct result of the improvement of ADHD symptoms, and not an actual interaction with the drug.
