ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults can benefit from the same treatments as children. These include medicine as well as counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They may also involve some combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medications
These drugs work by increasing brain chemicals that control attention and self regulation. treating add include methylphenidate 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 stimulate the body's system and may result in greater mental alertness and increased physical activity. They include legal substances like caffeine (added in tea and coffee) nicotine, as well as prescription medications used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants, they can trigger overstimulation which can result in anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They can also trigger aggression and paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of happiness. Stimulants can be taken in pill form, liquids or patches that go on the skin. In the absence of legality, abused stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
These drugs are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They work by increasing certain brain chemicals that improve concentration, decrease fatigue and improve alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first by these drugs. The medications are available in an all-day formula or longer-acting formulations that remain active throughout the day, such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medications over time is important and can be a complex task.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
Around 15% to 30% of children don't respond to stimulant drugs and it's likely that this is true for adults too. Non-stimulant medications take longer to kick in and may take several weeks before you begin to notice any effects. They don't come with the same negative side effects and are a better choice when you are not able to take stimulants or fear of addiction.