ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults can benefit from many of the same treatments as children. These include medicine, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments may consist of a combination.
Stimulant Medicines
The drugs increase the amount of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling attention and self-regulation. They include the methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants from the amphetamine group, such as lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants are medications that speed up the body's systems and can cause higher mental alertness and more physical activity. These include legal substances such as caffeine (added in coffee and tea), nicotine, and prescription drugs that treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants they can trigger overstimulation which can lead to anxiety, heart palpitations and high blood pressure. They can also trigger aggression and paranoia. For some long-term use of stimulants may damage the the brain's dopamine system, which can reduce pleasure feelings. treatment of add are available in pills, liquids, or patches that can be applied to the skin. Cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines are stimulants which can be purchased illegally and abused.
They are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They function by increasing certain chemicals in the mind that improve concentration, decrease tiredness and increase alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first with these drugs. These medicines can be a short-acting formula used in the morning or a longer-acting medicine that remains active throughout the course of the day such as lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin).
The health care provider may also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medication over time. This can be challenging.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
Around 15%-30% of children don't respond to stimulant drugs and it's likely that this is the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant medicines are slower to begin working, and can sometimes take several weeks before you begin to notice the effects. They do not have the same side effects and are a better option when you are not able to take stimulants or fear of addiction.