ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same treatments that work for children suffering from ADHD can also be used to treat adults. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They may also involve some combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medications
The drugs increase brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, sold under the names Ritalin and Concerta, and stimulants in the amphetamine family, like lisdexamphetamine. It is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants increase the body's energy and can lead to increased alertness to the mind and physical activity. They include legal substances like caffeine (added in tea and coffee) nicotine, as well as prescription drugs used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants, they can cause overstimulation which can result in anxiety, heart palpitations and high blood pressure. They can also trigger anxiety and paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine receptors in the brain to malfunction and reduce feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
The medications in this class are known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They work by increasing the quantity of certain brain chemicals that improve concentration, decrease fatigue, and boost alertness. They are the initial line of treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. The medications are available in the form of a morning-only formulation or a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, such as lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care team can also recommend psychosocial interventions like psychotherapy or education. adult adhd treatment is crucial to track the effectiveness of medication over time. This is challenging.
Non-stimulant Medicines
About 15% to 30 percentage of children don't respond to stimulant medication This is also applicable to adults as well. Non-stimulant drugs take longer to kick in and could take as long as several weeks before you feel any 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 of addiction.