ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from the same treatments that children receive. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. They could also include the combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medications
These medications work by increasing the availability of certain brain chemicals that help control attention and self-regulation. They include methylphenidate, which is sold under the names Ritalin and Concerta as well as stimulants belonging to the amphetamine family, like lisdexamphetamine. It is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants speed up the body and can lead to increased mental alertness and physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, and prescription medications used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may create over-stimulation, which can cause anxiety, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, paranoia and aggression. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine receptors in the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of happiness. The stimulants are available in liquids, patches or pills. In the absence of legality, abused stimulants include methamphetamines, copyright and amphetamines.
The drugs in this class are also known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the quantity of certain brain chemicals that improve concentration, decrease fatigue and increase alertness. They are the first line of treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. They may be a quick-acting formula taken in the morning or a more prolonged-acting medication that stays active in the body for most of the day. Examples include lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin).
The health care team may also psychological treatment for adhd in adults recommend psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy or education. It is important to monitor the effectiveness of medications over time. This is challenging.
Non-stimulant medications
Around 15%-30% of children don't respond to stimulant medications and it's possible that this is true for adults too. The non-stimulant drugs are slower to begin working, and it can take a few weeks before you feel the effects. They don't come with the same adverse effects, and are a better choice if you cannot tolerate stimulants or are afraid of addiction.