ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from the same treatments as children. These treatments include medicine and counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They can also involve a combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing the availability of certain brain chemicals that help control attention and self-regulation. They include methylphenidate, available under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family, such as lisdexamphetamine, which is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are substances that stimulate the body's systems and may cause higher mental alertness and more physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added to tea and coffee) and nicotine, as well as prescription medicines used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may create over-stimulation, which can cause anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as high blood pressure, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches that are applied to the skin. Methamphetamines, cocaine, and amphetamines are stimulants which can be purchased illegally and abused.
These medications are also called central nervous system stimulants. They function by increasing certain brain chemicals that boost concentration, decrease fatigue, and boost alertness. add treatment for adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. They are available as a morning-only formula or in longer-acting formulations that remain active throughout the day, like lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care team can also recommend psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy or education. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medications over time. This can be an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant medications
About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant medications, and it's likely that this is the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to start working, and it can take a few weeks before you begin to notice the effects. They don't come with the same adverse effects, and are a better choice for those who are unable to tolerate stimulants or are afraid of addiction.