ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults can benefit from many of the same therapies as children. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. These treatments may consist of a combination.
Stimulant Medications
These drugs work by increasing the availability of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, which is sold as Ritalin and Concerta as well as stimulants belonging to the amphetamine family, like lisdexamphetamine. It is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
treatment for add in adults are substances that boost the body's systems and may result in greater levels of alertness in the mind and greater physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, as well as prescription medicines used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants they can cause overstimulation, which can result in anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They may also cause aggression and paranoia. For some long-term use of stimulants may damage the functioning of the brain's dopamine system and decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches. Illegally obtained and abused stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
These medications are also called central nervous system stimulants. They work by increasing certain brain chemicals that boost concentration, decrease tiredness and increase alertness. They are the first line of treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. They may be a quick-acting formula used in the morning or a longer-acting medicine that remains active in the body for most of the day, such as Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin, Concerta).
The health care provider may also recommend psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is crucial and is a complex task.
Non-stimulant Medications
About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant medications and it's possible that this is the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant drugs take longer to take effect and it may take several weeks before you feel any effects. However, they don't have the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants, and could be a better choice if you can't tolerate them or are worried about addiction.