ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same treatments that work for children suffering from ADHD can also be used to treat adults. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy), and life skills training. They could also include some combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medicines
The drugs increase the availability of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling attention and self-regulation. These include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants in the amphetamine class including the amphetamine lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants speed up the body and can lead to increased alertness to the mind and physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, as well as prescription drugs that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can create over-stimulation, which can cause anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as hypertension as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term stimulant use can cause here the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of satisfaction. Stimulants are available in pill form, liquids or patches that go on the skin. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include methamphetamines, copyright and amphetamines.
They are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They work by increasing certain chemicals in the mind which improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. The medications are available in an all-day formula or a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, such as lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care team might also recommend psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medication over time. This is challenging.
Non-stimulant Medications
About 15%-30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant medication, and this is likely true for adults too. Non-stimulant drugs take longer to take effect and it can take up to several weeks before you feel any effects. They do not have the same adverse effects, and are a better choice if you cannot tolerate stimulants or fear addiction.