ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults can benefit from many of the same treatments that children receive. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy), and life skills training. They could also include the combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing brain chemicals that regulate attention and self regulation. They include methylphenidate, which is available under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta as well as stimulants belonging to the amphetamine family such as lisdexamphetamine, which is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants are drugs that stimulate the body's systems and can increase mental alertness and increased physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added in tea and coffee) nicotine, as well as prescription drugs used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as hypertension, paranoia and aggression. In some people long-term, use of stimulants may damage the functioning of the dopamine system in the brain and reduce pleasure feelings. The stimulants are available as pills, liquids or patches. Methamphetamines, cocaine, and amphetamines are stimulants that can be purchased illegally and abused.
They are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They work by boosting certain brain chemicals that boost concentration, decrease tiredness and increase alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first by these drugs. These medicines are available in a morning-only formula or in longer-acting formulations that are active throughout the day, such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team may also suggest psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy or education. treat adult adhd is crucial to track the effectiveness of medication over time. This is a difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medications
About 15% to 30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant medication and this is probably true for adults too. The non-stimulant drugs take longer to begin working, and can sometimes take a few weeks before you begin to notice the effects. They don't come with the same adverse effects, and are a better choice when you are not able to take stimulants or fear addiction.