Are You Getting The Most Value Of Your Medication For Autism And ADHD?

Medication For Autism and ADHD

Many adults and children with autism use psychotropic medication. Some of these drugs can reduce the irritability or severe disruptive behavior that is often associated with ADHD.

Treatments for ADHD can dramatically improve autism's primary symptoms and reduce impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity. They can also reduce problematic behaviors like aggression, self-injury and licking, picking, trichotillomania, and other obsessive compulsive behaviors.

Stimulants

Autism can be extremely difficult for both children and parents, but medication is not always the answer. Certain medications can help treat conditions that can be associated with autism and can improve general functioning but they can't fix your child's autism or make them "normal."

Stimulants are often prescribed for ADHD. Children with autism are often diagnosed with ADHD. Studies have shown that stimulants can improve the main symptoms of ADHD in children, including inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.  medication for adhd in adults , or Ritalin is the most well-known stimulant. It improves the amount of dopamine in the brain. This neurotransmitter helps control mood, behavior, and reward systems.

Many parents are concerned about the effects of psychotropic drugs on their children. They are described by critics as chemical straitjackets, which help schools and parents to manage difficult behavior. Some argue that the drugs do not tackle the underlying issues that cause autistic kids so much distress. They include social interactions difficulties, anxiety and repetitive, recurrent behavior that is restricted.

A study published in Pediatrics discovered that stimulants, including methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine, are effective for reduction of the core ADHD symptoms that can cause problems with family, school and work. The stimulants also are believed to reduce the irritability of these children.

In the same study, it was discovered that atypical Antipsychotics like Risperidone and Aripiprazole may reduce irritability in children with ADHD and autism. This is a preliminary finding. Further study is needed to confirm the results and determine whether these drugs could help with other forms of irritability that can accompany autism, like aggression or self-injury.

Another issue is that the current studies don't examine long-term usage or other factors that are important, such as the potential for abuse. And some studies are small or use different methods than others, which makes it difficult to compare outcomes. If your child is diagnosed with ADHD and autism, it's a good idea to have a discussion with your doctor to determine what medication might be appropriate for your child.

Medication is an instrument that can be useful for managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for families affected by autism and ADHD however, it shouldn't be used as an alternative to therapy or other treatments. Your doctor will assist you in determining the most effective dosage and medication to reduce the risk of side effects and ensure it's working for your child. Your child can benefit from medication to improve him or her concentrate and be more productive at home and at school and fully engage in the therapies meant to combat autism. That way your child will be able to make the most significant strides possible.