ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same treatments that work for children suffering from ADHD are also effective for adults. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. They could also include a combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medications
These medications work by increasing brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate sold as Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family like lisdexamphetamine. It is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants are substances that speed up the body's systems and can increase levels of alertness in the mind and greater physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added in tea and coffee), nicotine, and prescription medications used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety, heart palpitations, hypertension as well as paranoia and aggression. For some long-term, use of stimulants can damage the the brain's dopamine system and decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. Stimulants are available in liquids, patches or pills. In the absence of legality, abused stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
The medications in this class are also called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They work by increasing the quantity of certain chemicals in the brain that improve concentration, decrease fatigue, and improve alertness. adhd treatments adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first with these drugs. They are available as the form of a morning-only formulation or a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, for example lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy or educational. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of medication over time. This is a difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medicines
Around 15% to 30% of children don't respond to stimulant medications, and it's likely that this is true for adults too. Non-stimulant medicines are slower to begin working, and may take several weeks before you feel the effects. They don't have the same negative side effects and are a better choice if you cannot tolerate stimulants or fear of addiction.