ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same methods that are effective for children with ADHD can also be used to treat adults. These treatments include medication and counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments may include a combination.
Stimulant Medicines
The drugs increase brain chemicals that control attention and self regulation. They include the methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants from the amphetamine group like the amphetamine lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants increase the body's energy and can result in increased alertness to the mind and physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, and prescription medicines that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In treatment for adult add of stimulants, they can trigger overstimulation which can cause anxiety, heart palpitations and high blood pressure. They may also cause aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine receptors in the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of satisfaction. Stimulants can be taken in pill form, liquids or patches that go on the skin. In the absence of legality, abused stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
They are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They function by increasing certain brain chemicals that boost concentration, decrease fatigue and improve alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. These medications may be a quick-acting formula that is taken in the morning, or a longer-acting drug that stays active throughout the course of the day, such as Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin).
The health care team could also recommend psychosocial interventions like psychotherapy or education. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of medicines over time. This can be a difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant medications and it's possible that this is true for adults too. Non-stimulant medicines take longer to start working, and may take several weeks before you notice the effects. They do not have the same negative side effects and are a better choice when you are not able to take stimulants or fear addiction.