ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same therapies that work for children suffering from ADHD also treat adults. These treatments include medicine and counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They can also involve some combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medicines
These medications work by increasing the availability of certain brain chemicals that help control self-regulation and attention. They include the methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants belonging to the amphetamine group including lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are substances that stimulate 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) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may result in over-stimulation and cause anxiety heart palpitations, high blood pressure as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine receptors in the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of pleasure. Stimulants are available in pill form, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin. In the absence of legality, abused stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
Medications in this class are also known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They work by increasing the quantity of certain chemicals in the brain which improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and improve alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. These medicines may be a quick-acting formula taken in the morning or a longer-acting medicine that stays active throughout the duration of the day. Examples include Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin, Concerta).
The health care team could also recommend psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy or education. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of medication over time. treatment for add in adults can be challenging.
Non-stimulant Medications
Around 15% to 30% of children don't respond to stimulant drugs and it's likely that this is the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to start working, and may take a few weeks before you notice the effects. They don't come with the same negative side effects and are a better option when you are not able to take stimulants or fear of addiction.