Medications For ADHD and Anxiety
The same medications used to treat ADHD can also be used to treat anxiety. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine can boost the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Antidepressants as well as nonstimulants like atomoxetine can also aid.
In relevant resource site , stimulant medications can worsen anxiety symptoms. If this is the case, then your doctor may recommend a different medication or switch medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are typically the treatment of choice for those with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety. They are believed to help with both ADHD and anxiety because they boost the brain's production of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which promotes concentration and decreases impulsivity. It also aids in memory and motivation.
Stimulant drugs such as amphetamines and methylphenidate block process of reuptake, which keeps dopamine and norepinephrine at higher levels in your brain. This improves concentration and decreases impulsive behaviors, making it easier to control anger and other emotions which can make anxiety worse.
They can also cause unintended effects which is that they can sometimes cause anxiety-related symptoms to increase. They can also trigger sleep problems, so you or your child might struggle to get enough restful sleep. They can also cause a decrease in appetite, which could hinder in eating enough to maintain healthy growth. Some people also experience tics, which are sudden movements or sound, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. These side effects, although frequent, can be lowered or eliminated using a few simple techniques.
It is important to keep in mind that each person responds differently to stimulants and non-stimulant ADHD medications. It could take some trial and error with various dosages, medications and schedules to find a combination that works for you or your child.
When creating a treatment plan, your physician will take into account your specific health issues and lifestyle. They may suggest an approach to lessen anxiety and track your response to medications to determine the most effective treatment options for you.
Treatments for anxiety may interact with some ADHD medications. For relevant resource site , Adderall can make anxiety worse in some children with comorbid ADHD and anxiety. This is because psychostimulants alter the way that the brain processes information about possible threats in the internal and external environments, and it's possible that they can interfere with this normal process.
However, this doesn't mean that ADHD and anxiety aren't treated in tandem. It's also possible that treating ADHD symptoms can help reduce anxiety, too, since they could reduce the number of anxiety-inducing situations and conflicts that children suffering from untreated ADHD confront.
Psychostimulants are generally effective in treating both ADHD and anxiety, based on several studies. They are usually more effective for both disorders than traditional antianxiety medication. It's possible that the improvement of anxiety associated with psychostimulants is a result of the improved ADHD symptoms rather than the drug itself.