ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults can benefit from many of the same treatments as children. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. They could also include some combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medications
These medications work by increasing brain chemicals that control attention and self regulation. They include methylphenidate, sold under the names Ritalin and Concerta as well as stimulants belonging to the amphetamine family such as lisdexamphetamine, which is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants are drugs that boost the body's systems and can result in greater mental alertness and increased physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added in tea and coffee) nicotine, prescription drugs used to 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 may also cause aggression and paranoia. In add in adults treatment , long-term usage of stimulants can harm the the brain's dopamine system and reduce pleasure feelings. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches. Methamphetamines, cocaine, and amphetamines are stimulants which can be gotten from a criminal and then used.
The medications in this class are also known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They function by increasing the quantity of certain chemicals in the brain that improve concentration, decrease fatigue, and improve alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first with these drugs. They are available as a morning-only formula or in a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, like lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care team may also suggest psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medications over time is vital and can be a complex task.
Non-stimulant Medications
About 15%-30% of children do not respond to stimulant medication, and this is likely true for adults too. Non-stimulant medicines are slower to begin working, and can sometimes take several weeks before you feel the effects. They don't come with the same side effects and are a better option if you cannot tolerate stimulants or fear addiction.