ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults can benefit from the same therapies as children. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy), and life skills training. These treatments can include a combination.
Stimulant Medications
These drugs work by increasing the brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, which is sold under the names Ritalin and Concerta as well as stimulants belonging to the amphetamine family such as lisdexamphetamine, which is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants boost the body's metabolism and can cause increased alertness to the mind and physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to tea and coffee) and nicotine, as well as prescription medications that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can create over-stimulation, which can cause anxiety heart palpitations, high blood pressure, paranoia and aggression. For some, long-term use of stimulants can damage the functioning of the dopamine system in the brain and decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches. treating adults with adhd used and illegally obtained stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
These medications are also called central nervous system stimulants. They work by boosting certain chemicals in the brain which improve concentration, reduce tiredness and increase alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first by these medications. The medications are available in a morning-only formula or in a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, for example the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team could also recommend psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy or education. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of medication over time. This can be an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medications
Around 15%-30% of children don't respond to stimulant medications and it's likely that this is true for adults too. Non-stimulant medicines take longer to start working, and it can take several weeks before you notice the effects. They don't come with the same side effects and are a better choice when you are not able to take stimulants or fear of addiction.