Medication For Autism and ADHD
Many people, both adults and children with autism take psychotropic medications. Certain of these medications can help to reduce the severity of disruptive or irritable behaviors that are sometimes associated with ADHD.
The medication for ADHD can improve core symptoms of Autism and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also reduce problematic behaviors like aggression, self-injury, licking, picking, trichotillomania, and other obsessive compulsive symptoms.
Stimulants
Autism can be a very difficult and challenging condition for parents as well as children. However, medication is not always the answer. Medications can help manage certain 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 commonly prescribed for ADHD. Children with autism are typically diagnosed with ADHD. Studies have shown that stimulants can help improve the primary symptoms of ADHD in children with ADHD, including hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsiveness. Methylphenidate also known as Ritalin is the most commonly used stimulant. It improves the amount of dopamine in the brain. This neurotransmitter helps control the mood, behavior, and reward systems.
Many parents are concerned about the consequences of psychotropic medications on their children. Critics call them chemical straitjackets that make it easier for parents and schools to deal with difficult behavior. Some claim that the drugs don't address the underlying issues that cause autistic kids so much distress, such as social interactions anxiety, as well as restricted, repetitive behavior.
If your child is suffering from autism and ADHD, a study published in the journal Pediatrics discovered that stimulantssuch as methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine -- are effective in reducing the primary ADHD symptoms that may interfere with school, work and family life. These medications also seem to decrease anger.
The same study revealed that antipsychotics with atypical properties, such as aripiprazole and risperidone (Abilify), may aid in reducing irritability in kids with autism and ADHD. However, this research is in the early stages. Further study is needed to confirm the findings and determine whether these drugs can help other types of irritability that are common to autism, like self-injury or aggression.
Another concern is that studies currently conducted don't consider the long-term effects of using drugs or other aspects, such as the possibility for addiction. And some studies are small or use different methods than others, which makes it difficult to compare outcomes. But if your child has ADHD and autism, it's worth a discussion with your physician 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 with children who suffer from autism and ADHD, but it is not an alternative to therapy or other treatments. Your doctor will work with you to find the most effective dosage and medication to reduce the risk of side effects and ensure that it's helping your child. iampsychiatry.uk can help your child focus and perform better at school and at home, and participate fully in the treatments meant to treat autism. Your child will be in a position to make the greatest advancements possible.