ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from many of the same therapies as children. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy), and life skills training. They can also involve the combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing the brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, which is available under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family, such as lisdexamphetamine, which is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants are drugs that speed up the body's systems and can result in greater mental alertness and more physical activity. These include legal substances such as caffeine (added in tea and coffee) nicotine, as well as prescription drugs used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants, they can cause overstimulation which can lead to anxiety, heart palpitations and high blood pressure. They may also cause anxiety and paranoia. For some long-term, use of stimulants can damage the functioning of the brain's dopamine system, which can dampen feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches. Methamphetamines, cocaine, and amphetamines are stimulants that can be purchased from a criminal and then used.
add and treatment in this class are also known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They work by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the brain which improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first by these medications. These medicines are available in an all-day formula or longer-acting formulations that remain active throughout the day, for example the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team may also suggest psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medication over time. This can be a difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medications
Around 15% to 30% of children don't respond to stimulant drugs and it's likely that this is true for adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to kick in and can take up to several weeks before you feel any effects. However, they don't carry the same risk of side effects as stimulants and may be a better option if you can't tolerate these medications or are concerned about addiction.