ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same treatments that are effective for children with ADHD are also effective for adults. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. These treatments can include a combination.
Stimulant Medications
The drugs increase the amount of certain brain chemicals that help control self-regulation and attention. They include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants belonging to the amphetamine group, such as Lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are drugs that boost the body's systems and may cause higher mental alertness and more physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, and prescription medicines used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety, heart palpitations, hypertension, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine receptors in the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of satisfaction. The stimulants are available as pills, liquids or patches. Illegally obtained and abused stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
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. treating add in adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. These medicines can be a formula that acts quickly taken in the morning or a more prolonged-acting medication that stays active in the body for most of the day such as the lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin, Concerta).
The health care provider may also suggest psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medications over time is crucial and can be an extremely complex process.
Non-stimulant Medications
Around 15%-30% of children do not respond to stimulants, and it's likely that this is true for adults as well. treating adult add -stimulant drugs take longer to kick in and could take as long as a few weeks for you begin to notice any effects. They don't have the same adverse effects, and are a better choice if you cannot tolerate stimulants or are afraid of addiction.