Five Killer Quora Answers On Medication For Autism And ADHD

Medication For Autism and ADHD

Many adults and children who can prescribe medication for adhd have autism take psychotropic medications. Certain of these medications can help reduce the irritability or severe disruptive behavior that is often caused by ADHD.

Medications for ADHD can significantly improve autism's core symptoms and reduce the severity of impulsivity, inattention, as well as hyperactivity. They can also help reduce problematic behaviors like aggression and self-injury, picking and licking or licking, trichotillomania, as well as obsessive symptoms.

Stimulants

Autism can be a difficult and challenging condition for parents as well as children. However medication isn't always the answer. Medicines can help manage certain conditions that can be associated with autism and improve overall functioning but they can't fix your child's autism or make them "normal."

Stimulants are commonly prescribed for ADHD. It's not uncommon for children with autism to suffer from adult adhd medication uk, and studies show that stimulants can improve the core ADHD symptoms in these children that include hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Methylphenidate, or Ritalin, is the most commonly used stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases the amount of dopamine in the brain. This neurotransmitter is used to regulate the mood, behavior, and reward systems.

Many parents are concerned about the consequences of psychotropic drugs on their children. Critics call them chemical straitjackets, which make it easier for parents and schools to manage difficult behavior. And some people say that the medications don't address the root causes that cause autistic children much distress, such as social interactions anxiety, as well as restricted, repetitive behavior.

But if your child has autism and add adhd medications, a study published in the journal Pediatrics found that stimulants -which include methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine -- work at reducing the core ADHD symptoms that can cause problems with school, work and family life. The stimulants also are believed to reduce the irritability of these children.

The same study revealed that antipsychotics with atypical properties, such as Aripiprazole and Risperidone (Abilify) may help with irritability in some kids with autism and ADHD. But this finding is still preliminary. Further study is needed to confirm the results and determine whether these drugs can help other types of irritability that are common to autism, such as self-injury or aggression.

A second concern is that the current studies don't analyze long-term use or other factors that are important, such as the potential for abuse. Certain studies are insignificant or employ different methods than others. This makes it difficult to compare results. If your child suffers from both ADHD and autism it is important to talk with your doctor about the best medication for your child.

Medication is an instrument that is helpful in managing symptoms and improving the quality of life in families affected by autism or ADHD however, it should not be used as a replacement for therapy or other treatments. Your doctor will assist you in determining the most effective dosage and medication to minimize the effects of side effects and ensure that it's helping your child. Your child may benefit from medication to help him or her concentrate and perform better at home and at school and fully participate in the therapies meant to treat autism. That way your child will be able to make the most significant strides possible.