ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same methods that work for children suffering from ADHD can also be used to treat adults. These include medicine, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments can include a combination.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing brain chemicals that regulate self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, 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 are substances that boost 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 tea and coffee) and nicotine, and prescription medicines used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may create over-stimulation, which can cause anxiety heart palpitations, hypertension, paranoia and aggression. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system in the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of satisfaction. The stimulants are available as pills, liquids or patches. In the absence of legality, abused stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
The drugs in this class are also known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the quantity of certain brain chemicals that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and improve alertness. treating adults with adhd are the first line of treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. These medicines are available in the form of a morning-only formulation or longer-acting formulations that are active throughout the day, such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
The health care provider may also recommend psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is important and can be a complex task.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant drugs and it's likely that this is the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant drugs take longer to work and may take several weeks to notice any effects. However, they don't have the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants, and could be a better option if you can't tolerate these medications or are concerned about addiction.