ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from the same treatments that children receive. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They may also involve a combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medications
These drugs work by increasing the availability of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling attention and self-regulation. They include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants in the amphetamine class like the amphetamine lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants are substances that stimulate the body's systems and may result in greater mental alertness and more physical activity. treatment for adult add include legal substances like 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 can result in over-stimulation and cause anxiety, heart palpitations, hypertension, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction and reduce feelings of satisfaction. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches. Illegally obtained and abused stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
They are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They function by increasing certain chemicals in the brain that improve concentration, decrease fatigue, and boost alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. They may be a quick-acting formula taken in the morning or a longer-acting medicine that is active throughout the course of the day. Examples include Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin).
The health care provider may also recommend psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. It is important to monitor the effectiveness of medicines over time. This is an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medicines
Around 15% to 30% of children do not respond to stimulants, and it's likely that this is true for adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to begin working, and may take some time before you feel the effects. However, they don't carry the same risk of side effects as stimulants and may be a better option in case you aren't able to take the effects of stimulants or are worried about addiction.