ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same methods that work for children with ADHD are also effective for adults. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They may also involve some combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medications
These drugs work by increasing the supply of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling attention and self-regulation. These include methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants belonging to the amphetamine group like lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants increase the body's energy and can cause an increase in mental alertness and physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, as well as prescription medicines used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), 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 the dopamine system in the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches. Illegally obtained and abused stimulants include copyright, methamphetamines 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 boost alertness. They are the initial line of treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. These medications can be a short-acting formula that is taken in the morning, or a more prolonged-acting medication that is active in the body for most of the day such as lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin, Concerta).
The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy treat adhd or education. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medication over time. This can be a difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
About 15% to 30 percentage of children don't respond to stimulant drugs and this is probably applicable to adults as well. Non-stimulant medicines take longer to start working, and it can take a few weeks before you begin to notice the effects. However, they don't have the same risk of side effects as stimulants and can be a better option if you can't tolerate the effects of stimulants or are worried about addiction.