ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same treatments that work for children with ADHD are also effective for adults. These treatments include medicine, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. treatment for adults with add may also involve a combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medicines
These medications work by increasing the availability of certain brain chemicals that help control self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, sold as Ritalin and Concerta, and stimulants in the amphetamine family such as lisdexamphetamine, which is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants are substances that speed up the body's systems and can increase levels of alertness in the mind and greater physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, and prescription medications used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In treatment for adult add , stimulants may create over-stimulation, which can cause anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as high blood pressure as well as paranoia and aggression. For some long-term, use of stimulants may damage the the dopamine system in the brain and dampen feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available as pills, liquids, or patches. Cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines are stimulants which can be purchased illegally and abused.
They are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They work by boosting certain chemicals in the mind that improve concentration, decrease fatigue, and boost alertness. They are the first line treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. They are available as the form of a morning-only formulation or longer-acting formulations that remain active throughout the day, for example the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.
The health care provider may also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is vital and is an extremely complex process.
Non-stimulant medications
Around 15% to 30% of children don't respond to stimulant medications and it's possible that this is true for adults too. Non-stimulant medications take longer to kick in and could take as long as several weeks before you feel any effects. However, they don't have the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants and may be a better option if you can't tolerate them or are worried about addiction.