Medication For Autism and ADHD
Many adults and children with autism take psychotropic medication. Some of these drugs can help reduce the severity of disruptive or irritable behavior that is often caused by ADHD.
Medications for ADHD can dramatically improve the core symptoms of autism and decrease inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. They can also reduce aggressive behaviors such as self-injury and licking, picking, trichotillomania, and other obsessive compulsive signs.
Stimulants
Autism can be extremely challenging for both parents and children however, medication isn't always the answer. Certain medications can help treat conditions that often occur alongside autism and can improve the overall quality of life but they can't fix your child's autism or make them "normal."
Stimulants are commonly prescribed for ADHD. Children with autism are frequently diagnosed with ADHD. Research has proven that stimulants can improve the main symptoms of ADHD in children with ADHD, including hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. Methylphenidate also known as Ritalin, is the most common stimulant. It works by increasing the dopamine activity in the brain. medications for adhd uk is a neurotransmitter which helps control behavior, mood and reward systems.
Many parents are concerned about the consequences of psychotropic medications on their children. Critics call them chemical straitjackets, which make it easier for schools and parents to handle difficult behavior. Some argue that the drugs do not address the root issues that cause autistic children so much distress, such as social interactions, anxiety, and restricted, repetitive behavior.
If your child does have autism and ADHD, a study that was published in the journal Pediatrics found that stimulants -such as methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine -- are effective at reducing the core ADHD symptoms that may interfere with school, work, and family life. The medications also seem to decrease irritability in these children.
In the same study, it was found that atypical antipsychotics like Aripiprazole and Risperidone can aid in reducing irritability in some children suffering from ADHD and autism. But this finding is still in the early stages. Further research is required to confirm the results and determine if these drugs can help other types of irritability that can accompany autism, such as self-injury or aggression.
Another issue is that the current studies don't look at long-term use or other factors that are important, such as the possibility of abuse. Additionally, some studies aren't that large or use different methods than others, which makes it difficult to compare outcomes. If your child is diagnosed with ADHD and autism, it's worth a conversation with your doctor to determine what medication might be appropriate for him or her.
Medication is an instrument that is beneficial in managing symptoms and improving the quality of life in families with children who suffer from autism and ADHD, but it should not be used as a replacement for therapy or other treatments. Your doctor will work with you to determine which medication to use and the dosage most efficient for your child. Your child will benefit from medication that helps his or her focus, be more productive at school and home and fully participate in the therapies designed to treat autism. Your child will be able to make the biggest advancements possible.