What Freud Can Teach Us About ADHD Anxiety Medication
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms However, they can cause side effects such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in children and adolescents. In addition, some individuals find their anxiety worsens when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants can be used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. They are also popular among recreational drug users as stimulants and performance-enhancing substances because of their ability to increase energy, alertness and focus. You can find them in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They can also be found in brown or white dust. The use of large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects like heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing the amount of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine which are typically lower in those with ADHD. This improves the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that regulate executive and attention functions. This results in an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen as early as the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the effect was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the type medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which of the conditions is more detrimental to the quality of life of an individual. For instance, someone might be prone to frequent anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis while they rush to schedule appointments or to keep track of work or school. These can be distressing and can cause anxiety more frequently than the symptoms of panic attacks or anxiety.
In these situations, it might be best to address the anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs that have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are taken orally and can take a long time to begin working. The most common choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are especially effective for patients who have an elevated or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this class is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also able to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more versatile than the earlier generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and less dangerous adverse effects.
The SSRIs block serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would normally. This can increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. It can also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein production.
SSRIs also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease anxiety for those with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they first begin.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also impact anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can help reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. They also can enhance the mood of people suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. SNRIs can cause blood pressure to rise in certain individuals, so those who suffer from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should avoid taking these medications.
In addition to medication in addition, there are a variety of behavioral treatments that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in reducing anxiety and stress as can yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping certain body points or techniques for emotional freedom can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, since it can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
While stimulants are very effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively, they are not always the best choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant drugs are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase the heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in treating anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and decrease anxiety symptoms. It is generally recommended to treat anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will typically make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is common for children with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
The IamPsychiatry final decision of the right medication for you will be decided by your doctor. Before recommending a medication, they will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health conditions. It is crucial to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are other treatments that could be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping, sleep and nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to experience symptoms of ADHD Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both conditions simultaneously. He usually prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD before turning to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.