ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from many of the same therapies as children. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. These treatments could include a combination.
Stimulant Medicines
These medications work by increasing the brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. They include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants belonging to the amphetamine group like the amphetamine lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants speed up the body and can lead to increased alertness to the mind and physical activity. They include legal substances like caffeine (added in tea and coffee), nicotine, and prescription drugs used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may result in over-stimulation and cause anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as high blood pressure, aggression and paranoia. For some, long-term usage of stimulants can harm the functioning of the dopamine system in the brain and reduce pleasure feelings. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches. Cocaine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines are stimulants that can be purchased illegally and abused.
Medications in this class are known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the quantity of certain brain chemicals that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and improve alertness. They are the first line treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. The medications are available in an all-day formula or longer-acting formulations that are active throughout the day, like lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care team could also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy or education. Monitoring the effectiveness of medications over time is important, and can be an extremely difficult task.
adhd treatment adults -stimulant Medications
About 15%-30% of kids do not respond to stimulants and it's likely that this is the case for adults as well. The non-stimulant medications take longer time to work and can take up to a few weeks for you notice any effects. They do not have the same negative side effects and are a better option when you are not able to take stimulants or are afraid of addiction.