ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same therapies that are effective for children with ADHD also treat adults. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They can also involve some combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medicines
The drugs increase the supply of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, sold as Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family, like lisdexamphetamine. It is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are drugs that boost the body's systems and can result in greater mental alertness and more physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added in coffee and tea) nicotine, as well as prescription drugs that treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants they can cause overstimulation which can result in anxiety, heart palpitations and high blood pressure. They may also cause aggression and anxiety and. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine system in the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of pleasure. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
The medications in this class are known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the quantity of certain brain chemicals that improve concentration, decrease fatigue, and boost alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first by these drugs. They can be a formula that acts quickly used in the morning or a longer-acting drug that remains active in the body for most of the day. Examples include Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin).
adult add treatments could also recommend psychosocial interventions, like psychotherapy or education. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medication over time. This is a difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medications
About 15%-30% of kids do not respond to stimulants and it's possible that this is true for adults as well. Non-stimulant medicines take longer to start working, and can sometimes take a few weeks before you feel the effects. However, they don't carry the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants and can be a better choice for those who are unable to tolerate them or are worried about addiction.