ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from the same treatments that children receive. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments can include a combination.
Stimulant Medications
These drugs work by increasing the supply of certain brain chemicals that help control attention and self-regulation. They include methylphenidate, sold as Ritalin and Concerta, and stimulants in the amphetamine family like lisdexamphetamine. It is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants increase the body's energy and can lead to increased alertness to the mind and physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added in coffee and tea) nicotine, as well as prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as hypertension as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system in the brain to malfunction and reduce feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available as pills, liquids, or patches. Illegally obtained and abused stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
Medications in this class are also called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They work by increasing the quantity of certain brain chemicals which improve concentration, reduce fatigue and increase alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. These medicines are available in a morning-only formula or in a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, for example lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care team can also suggest psychosocial interventions, like psychotherapy or education. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is important, and can be a complex task.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
About 15% to 30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant medications, and this is likely to be the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to start working, and it can take several weeks before you notice the effects. treat adult adhd do not have the same negative side effects and are a better choice when you are not able to take stimulants or fear of addiction.