ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults can benefit from the same treatments that children receive. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy), and life skills training. These treatments may consist of a combination.
Stimulant Medicines
The drugs increase the amount of certain brain chemicals that help control attention and self-regulation. They include methylphenidate, available under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family such as lisdexamphetamine, which is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants boost the body's metabolism and can lead to increased mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances such as caffeine (added in tea and coffee), nicotine, and prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can result in over-stimulation and cause anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as hypertension, aggression and paranoia. In some people, long-term use of stimulants can damage the functioning of the brain's dopamine system and dampen feelings of pleasure. treating adult adhd are available in pills, liquids, or patches that are applied to the skin. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
Medications in this class are also known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first by these drugs. They are available as the form of a morning-only formulation or longer-acting formulations that are active throughout the day, like the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.
The health care provider may also recommend psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medications over time is crucial and can be a complex task.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
About 15%-30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant medications and this is probably true for adults too. Non-stimulant medications take longer to start working, and may take some time before you begin to notice the effects. They do not have the same side effects and are a better option for those who are unable to tolerate stimulants or fear of addiction.