ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder of which the primary symptoms are inattention, impulsivity, and overactive behavior.
It is also the same condition as ADD with the H being added to reflect the possibility of hyperactivity/restlessness in those struggling with the disorder.
Whether this condition is abbreviated ADD or ADHD inattention must be present for a diagnosis.
For most of those struggling with ADHD finding an effective treatment to alleviate ADHD symptoms is at the top of their priority list.
If successful they will have taken a giant step in improving their overall quality of life, functioning more efficiently both at work and/or at school, and dealing with the demands of everyday life.
While our focus in this article will be on biological treatments for ADHD it is important to point out that the most effective treatment plans usually include more than one option.
Biological treatments for ADHD Biological treatments for ADHD work to change the way your brain functions through the manipulation of brain neurotransmitter chemicals, specifically norepinephrine and/or dopamine.
These treatments come in a variety of different forms and may employ slightly different approach to restore neurotransmitter balance in the brain.
*Stimulants: Stimulants are the go to biological treatment for ADHD.
This group includes such names as Ritalin, Adderall, Vyvanse, and Concerta and continue to the first line medications for ADHD both in children and adults.
They work by increasing the levels of dopamine, thus raising brain activity in those areas most responsible for focus and impulse control.
While generally considered effective they do come with a long list of side effect warnings including the possibility they may be a contributing factor later in life for long term drug abuse.
Stimulants medications for ADHD are also classified as a Schedule II drug by the DEA because of the potential for abuse.
*Non stimulants: This category can be summed up in one word Strattera.
Until 2003 non-stimulant medications were reserved mostly for those who for some reason or the other weren't able to take stimulant medications.
This was the year when Strattera hit the market.
Strattera is the only non-stimulant medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD and the first medication of its kind approved for the treatment of ADHD in adults.
Strattera works much like an antidepressant in that it is a reuptake inhibitor, but it targets norepinephrine and not the other neurotransmitters.
Some synapses in the prefrontal cortex contain both norepinephrine and dopamine receptors.
In those synapses, Strattera produces a positive effect on dopamine as well.
Strattera has fewer side effects, is not classified as a controlled Schedule II drug, and can be prescribed with refills, and over the phone.
On the downside most believe it not to be as effective as stimulant medications.
What else? For those struggling with ADHD finding an effective treatment option is an important first step.
As mentioned above the most common form of treatment currently are biological ADHD prescription medications such as Ritalin, Adderall, Strattera, and Vyvanse.
While effective, all biological ADHD medications come with a number of serious label warnings.
The risk of side effects, or perhaps lack of success with biological prescription treatments, has prompted many to investigate other options.
A couple examples of this are behavior modification therapy and/or natural remedies.
Natural remedies for ADHD are a side effect free way to address such problematic symptoms as inattention, distractibility, impulsivity, erratic behavior and hyperactivity and can be used both as a standalone treatment or as a compliment to other nonprescription alternatives.