Real-World Benefits of ADHD Drugs Decline as Prescriptions Rise
However, the strength of this real-world benefit has been weakening over time as prescription rates have increased, prompting the authors to call for ongoing research to better understand how ADHD medications affect different groups of patients and to support informed treatment decisions.
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Time Business News
7 hours ago
- Time Business News
Expert Tips on ADHD and Anxiety Medication Combos
Managing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) alongside anxiety can be complex. While each condition requires its own approach, many individuals experience both simultaneously. In fact, studies suggest that up to 50% of adults with ADHD also have an anxiety disorder. Treating these co-occurring conditions often involves a combination of medications. However, choosing the right combo can be tricky. Here are expert tips to help navigate best adhd medication for adults with anxiety combinations effectively. When considering treatment for depression or anxiety, selecting the right medication is crucial. Two commonly prescribed options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), each offering distinct benefits. One may work better depending on individual brain chemistry, side effects, and how the body responds. It's important to consult a healthcare provider to determine which fits your symptoms and lifestyle best. When comparing Zoloft vs Lexapro, factors like onset of action, potential weight changes, and interactions with other medications can influence the decision. Ultimately, the right choice depends on personalized care and monitoring by a medical professional. Before diving into treatment strategies, it's essential to understand how ADHD and anxiety interact. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects focus, impulse control, and organization. Anxiety, on the other hand, involves excessive worry, fear, and physical symptoms like restlessness and tension. The two conditions can feed into each other—untreated ADHD may increase anxiety levels, while chronic anxiety can worsen attention and concentration. Misdiagnosis is common when ADHD and anxiety coexist. Sometimes anxiety symptoms may mask ADHD, or vice versa. For instance, someone with untreated ADHD may feel anxious due to the constant struggle to stay organized or meet deadlines. Conversely, anxiety disorders can lead to distractibility and difficulty focusing, mimicking ADHD. That's why it's critical to undergo a thorough assessment by a mental health professional or psychiatrist before starting any treatment plan. One common expert strategy is to treat the most impairing condition first. If anxiety is severe and paralyzing, it may be addressed before starting ADHD medication. Alternatively, if ADHD is the primary concern and driving anxiety (e.g., due to constant forgetfulness or missed responsibilities), treating ADHD first might provide significant relief. In some cases, managing one condition also helps reduce symptoms of the other. Stimulants like Adderall, Ritalin, or Vyvanse are typically first-line treatments for ADHD because of their effectiveness in improving focus and reducing impulsivity. However, stimulants can sometimes exacerbate anxiety symptoms, especially when dosed improperly. Common side effects include jitteriness, elevated heart rate, and sleep disturbances—all of which can mimic or worsen anxiety. Experts recommend starting with a low dose and gradually increasing as tolerated. Regular monitoring is key. When anxiety is a significant factor, non-stimulant ADHD medications may be preferred. Atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv), and clonidine (Kapvay) are FDA-approved non-stimulant treatments for ADHD. These medications generally have a lower risk of increasing anxiety and may offer a smoother balance for people with both disorders. Atomoxetine, in particular, is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that may have anxiety-reducing effects in some individuals. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), and escitalopram (Lexapro), are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. SSRIs can be safely combined with many ADHD medications under a healthcare provider's supervision. This combo allows treatment of both conditions simultaneously. However, it may take several weeks for SSRIs to take effect, so patience and proper follow-up are essential. Combining medications always comes with a risk of interactions or side effects. Some common concerns include increased blood pressure, appetite suppression, and sleep problems. Your provider may need to adjust dosages or switch medications to find the right balance. Communication is crucial—always report new or worsening symptoms promptly. Pharmacogenetic testing, which analyzes how your genes affect drug response, may also help personalize treatment. Medication is only part of a successful treatment plan. Incorporating lifestyle strategies can enhance the effectiveness of ADHD and anxiety medications. Exercise, sleep hygiene, mindfulness practices, and time-management techniques all play a significant role in stabilizing symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for anxiety and can complement pharmacological treatment. Some therapists even specialize in ADHD coaching to support better organization and focus. What works at the beginning of treatment may not always be effective long-term. ADHD and anxiety symptoms can change over time, especially with life transitions, stressors, or age. Regular check-ins with a healthcare provider are essential to monitor effectiveness, adjust medications, and ensure both conditions remain under control. It's also helpful to track symptoms with journals or apps, making it easier to identify patterns and triggers. Finding the right ADHD and anxiety medication combo is often a journey, not a quick fix. Each person responds differently to treatment, and adjustments may take time. Patience, open communication with healthcare providers, and self-advocacy are all important. While the process may require trial and error, the goal is to create a balanced, effective plan that improves daily functioning and overall quality of life. Managing ADHD and anxiety together can feel overwhelming, but effective treatment is possible. With the right combination of medications, therapy, and lifestyle strategies, many individuals find significant relief. Collaborating closely with a qualified professional ensures a tailored approach that addresses both conditions safely and effectively. The key is a thoughtful, individualized plan—because when it comes to mental health, one size doesn't fit all. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Indian Express
9 hours ago
- Indian Express
Paranthu Po movie review: Ram makes up for Peranbu, offering warm hugs to young parents and kids
Paranthu Po movie review: Is it just me, or has there suddenly been a surge, at least on screen, of annoying kids whose only aim seems to be making the lives of the adults around them miserable? It appears filmmakers have all at once developed an affinity for these children who simply don't know how or when to pipe down, and the only reason they aren't put in their place is because they're little. Don't get me wrong; I'm not referring to someone like Sarkeet's Jeffron (Orhan), who is portrayed to have severe attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Nor am I implying or suggesting even remotely that kids need to be physically dealt with. But let's be honest… had his parents and relatives been somewhat responsible — and as good at parenting as they were at reproduction — Nilan (Prageeth Sivan) in Maaman might have turned out at least a tad less annoying. Although Anbu (Mithul Ryan) in Ram's musical slice-of-life road comedy Paranthu Po (Fly Away) isn't as grating as Nilan, there are quite a few moments in the film that could easily encourage, albeit indirectly, anyone considering having kids to reconsider. But where Ram succeeds is in his ability to not overtly glorify or look down on anything, and offer instead an unbiased depiction of the limitations and struggles of modern-day parenting, and how ill-equipped and unprepared many couples are to raise children, with all that they have being the desire to become parents. For eight-year-old Anbu, life comprises the few hours he spends in a high-end school and the remaining hours within the walls of his small apartment in Chennai. With no friends, his only moments of happiness come when he sees his crush Jenna (Jess Sweejan) on screen during their online classes. A kid with a golden retriever soul, Anbu's zoomies are mostly confined to his home, as both his parents, Gokul (Shiva) and Glory (Grace Antony), are employed and often have to leave for work, locking their little boy inside the apartment. Though he has enough toys, including his favourite skateboard and a laptop to keep him occupied, Anbu wishes to spend more time outside and in the company of his parents, something they are unable to offer consistently, owing to their relentless efforts to make ends meet. But what makes the equation endearing is that both Gokul and Glory are aware of this and never try to justify their absence. Instead, they often feel guilty that they aren't there for Anbu more, and frequently attempt to make up for the moments they've missed. But from a kid's POV, it's simply not enough, and you can't blame them for that. On a random day, when Glory is away in Coimbatore for work, Anbu and Gokul venture out, which ultimately turns into an impromptu road trip. The remainder of the movie follows the father-son duo as the silly tensions and differences of opinion between them lead them to unexpected places, where they meet some joyful souls, and learn life lessons that touch them all, including Glory, who is always just a call away from her husband and child. In a way, it can be said that Paranthu Po is Ram's gift to us to compensate for making us cry our eyes out watching Peranbu (2019). It's almost like his attempt to rub ointment into the many wounds and scars the Mammootty-starrer left behind. Not only is there no dull moment in Paranthu Po, but even the instances when the characters get emotional are handled with such sensitivity and care that the film never veers into dramatic territory. To ensure this warm, gentle vibe, Ram sprinkles songs, crafted by Santhosh Dhayanithi and penned by Madhan Karky, throughout the movie that reminds one of nursery rhymes such as 'Jack and Jill', 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star', 'Baa Baa Black Sheep' or 'Johny Johny Yes Papa'. Even as the movie progresses, Ram ensures he doesn't shift gears unnecessarily, maintaining the pace he established early on and letting the narrative unfold organically. Paranthu Po also demonstrates clearly that the writer-director, despite this being his sixth filmmaking venture, hasn't lost connection with the grassroots. Instead of resorting to templated moments typical of slice-of-life films, he picks more mundane and far more relatable instances from the real lives of such middle-class families, which keeps the movie grounded. Even the interactions between characters are stripped of unnecessary cinematic or dramatic flourishes, and he adheres to the unique tone of Paranthu Po throughout without slipping. However, while this is indeed the movie's strength, it also becomes its weakness at certain points, as the conflicts — predominantly stemming from Anbu's adamant and restless nature — start to feel repetitive. For example, at the beginning itself, we see his tendency to run away and venture into the massive outside world to enjoy real-life experiences. It also shows that he doesn't listen to his parents much and has a strong inclination to follow only his instincts. While this is cute at first, the repeated use of the same tropes becomes tiresome after a point, and one can't help but feel sad and sorry for Gokul, who is forced to run around with his weak knee, chasing Anbu. Although Ram manages to pull the narrative out of this somewhat monotony by bringing in Gokul's old classmate from school, Vanitha (an extraordinarily brilliant Anjali), who was also his crush, along with her husband Gunasekaran (an impressive Aju Varghese) and their child, with whom Anbu forms a deep bond very quickly, such moments are scattered across the film. As a result, we are mostly just watching Gokul and Anbu, and a bit more effort from the filmmaker to eke out something more or venture into fresher territories would indeed have benefited Paranthu Po. As mentioned before, since the movie is filled with nursery rhyme-like songs such as 'BTS', 'Yaarunu Theriyudha', 'Daddy Baddy', 'Daddy Romba Paavam', 'Anboda Serupa Kaanom', and 'Dino', Ram could even have allowed Gokul and Anbu to break into silly, adorable dances once or twice, which would have worked greatly in the film's favour. However, his overt attempts to stick to realism have cost him to some extent here. Nonetheless, the movie is more or less like a gentle, warm hug to all young parents who are still figuring out their new roles, and to the kids of this era who are waiting for chances to fly away. In that regard, Paranthu Po works beautifully, thanks in part to exceptional performances by Grace Antony, Shiva and Mithul Ryan. Grace knocks it out of the park as Glory, brilliantly portraying her joys, sorrows, anguish and grief over her family's resentment since she married a man of another religion. Cinema has time and again shown us that actors who excel at comedy will be equally talented in serious roles, and Shiva demonstrates this well. Although Gokul isn't a very serious character, Shiva never allows his knack for exaggerated comedy to seep in. Instead, he uses his ability to deliver spontaneous humour with a straight face to great effect. Ram also deserves credit for not just entrusting Shiva with such a role, but for extracting the best from him as both an actor and a comedian. Considering that Anbu is a tricky character, where even a step overboard in terms of cuteness or annoying behaviour could have made him insufferable, Mithul also does a brilliant job, doing justice to the role. NK Ekhambram's cinematography and Mathi VS' editing also contribute significantly to Paranthu Po's overall quality. Although the songs are in tune with the tone of the movie, I personally felt that Ram could have toned them down a notch, as both the tracks and the background score often felt forced. Had he embraced ambient and atmospheric sounds a bit more, Paranthu Po could have been even more enjoyable. But that's just me. Paranthu Po movie cast: Shiva, Grace Antony, Mithul Ryan, Anjali, Aju Varghese, Vijay Yesudas Paranthu Po movie director: Ram Paranthu Po movie rating: 3 stars Anandu Suresh is a Senior sub-editor at Indian Express Online. He specialises in Malayalam cinema, but doesn't limit himself to it and explores various aspects of the art form. He also pens a column titled Cinema Anatomy, where he delves extensively into the diverse layers and dimensions of cinema, aiming to uncover deeper meanings and foster continuous discourse. Anandu previously worked with The New Indian Express' news desk in Hyderabad, Telangana. You can follow him on Twitter @anandu_suresh_ and write (or send movie recommendations) to him at ... Read More
Irish Examiner
11 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Only 10% of people with ADHD have been assessed or treated, says charity
As little as 10% of people with ADHD in Ireland are prescribed with medication, despite a surge in demand. Ken Kilbride, the chief executive of ADHD Ireland, acknowledged an increase in prescribing but cautioned that it is from a very low base. A total of 25,715 patients were prescribed medication for ADHD on the medical card, or other public health schemes last year, compared to 10,327 in 2020, information released under the Freedom of Information Act showed. However, this needs to be compared with an estimated 5% prevalence rate for ADHD in Ireland, Mr Kilbride cautioned. 'There's probably about 250,000 people in Ireland that do have ADHD, so 25,000 taking medication is only 10%,' he said. 'We've gone from few thousand people up to 10% but there's still 90% that haven't been assessed or treated. Good start, more to do.' Non-medical management is usually the first step, he explained, and then medication in parallel with this, if necessary. There are private psychiatrists also supporting ADHD patients, but he said: 'There's only a handful to be honest.' Dublin South East had the most patients receiving reimbursements for ADHD medicines under the drug payment scheme at 1,261. 'They would have opened up a clinic there in the last couple of years, and the clinic got overwhelmed in terms of the number of people coming through it,' he said. 'They're not taking new referrals, and that clinic might be part of the Local Health Offices in Dublin South East.' In contrast, the data showed just 79 prescriptions on medical cards last year in West Cork, the lowest nationally. While there is a clinic in Cork City, he said: 'People living in West Cork are that little bit further out, so they're likely not getting into see them.' He added the figure of 79 is 'absolutely not' reflective of the likely true number there. Camhs He also raised concerns about waiting times for Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (Camhs) in Cork and Kerry, also released under the Freedom of Information Act. It is accepted many of these children are waiting for ADHD assessment. 'At the top of the list children waiting 15 to 18 months make up about 70% to 80%, so people aren't getting seen quickly,' he warned. 'Why are people waiting this long? It is an indication of the lack of staffing in the service. The HSE will say we have moved this up the priority list.' He added: 'They have reduced the waiting lists but there's still more people on it now than two years ago because there's more people coming into the system.' Read More Cork and Kerry mental health services have fewer staff now than during staffing crisis two years ago
