ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from the same treatments as children. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. They may also involve some combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medications
These medications work by increasing brain chemicals that control attention and self regulation. They include methylphenidate, which is sold as Ritalin and Concerta as well as stimulants belonging to the amphetamine family such as lisdexamphetamine. This is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants boost the body's metabolism and can result in increased alertness to the mind and physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, and prescription medications that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants, they can trigger overstimulation which can lead to anxiety, heart palpitations and high blood pressure. They can also trigger aggression and paranoia. For some, long-term use of stimulants can damage the the brain's dopamine system and dampen feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available in pill form, liquids or patches that go on the skin. Cocaine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines are stimulants which can be obtained from a criminal and then used.
The drugs in this class are called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the quantity of certain brain chemicals that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first with these drugs. These medicines can be a short-acting formula used in the morning or a more prolonged-acting medication that stays active in the body for most of the day. Examples include the lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin, Concerta).
The health care team may also suggest psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medication over time. This is an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant medications
Around 15%-30 percentage of children don't respond to stimulant medication, and this is likely applicable to adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to work and could take as long as several weeks before you begin to notice any effects. additional reading do not have the same side effects and are a better choice when you are not able to take stimulants or fear of addiction.