Medications For ADHD and Anxiety
The same medications used to treat ADHD can be used to treat anxiety. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain. Antidepressants as well as nonstimulants like atomoxetine could also be helpful.
In some cases stimulant medications may cause an increase in anxiety symptoms. If this is the case, your doctor may prescribe another medication or switch medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are typically the treatment of choice for those with ADHD who also have anxiety. These medications are thought to aid in the treatment of ADHD and anxiety by enhancing the brain's natural production of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that helps in concentration, reduces impulsivity, and helps with motivation and memory.
The stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate and amphetamines work by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, thereby keeping their levels higher in the brain. This improves focus and reduces impulse-driven behavior, making it easier to manage anger and other emotions that could cause anxiety.
They can also cause unintended side effects, which is that they can sometimes increase anxiety symptoms. They can also cause sleep problems, meaning that you or your child may be having trouble getting enough sleep. In addition, they could decrease appetite, which could hinder eating enough to support healthy growth. Some people also experience tics, which are sudden movements or sounds, such as eye blinks and throat clearing. Although these side effects are common, they can be reduced or eliminated with a few simple techniques.
It is important to keep in mind that every person reacts differently to stimulants and non-stimulant ADHD medications. uk adhd medication could take a bit of trial and error to discover the right combination of medications, dosages, and schedules for you or your children.
Your doctor will take into account your specific symptoms and lifestyle when developing the treatment plan. They'll likely recommend a treatment to manage anxiety and observe your response to medications to determine which options are the best for you.
Medications used to treat anxiety can interact with certain ADHD medications. For example, Adderall can make anxiety worse for children who have comorbid ADHD and anxiety. This is because psychostimulants alter the way that the brain processes information about potential threats in the internal and external environments, and it's possible that they may affect the normal process of processing.
This doesn't mean that ADHD and anxiety cannot be treated in conjunction. It's possible that treating ADHD symptoms can also reduce anxiety. This is because they can reduce the number and intensity of anxiety-inducing situations children with ADHD confront.
Psychostimulants are generally found to be effective in reducing both ADHD and anxiety in several studies. They tend to be more effective in treating both disorders than traditional antianxiety medication. It's also possible that the improvement in anxiety that psychostimulants provide is a direct result of the improvement of ADHD symptoms, rather than an actual interaction with the drug.