ADHD Treatments For Adults

Adults can benefit from many of the same treatments as children. These treatments include medicine as well as counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments can include a combination.

Stimulant Medications

These drugs work by increasing the supply of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, sold as Ritalin and Concerta as well as stimulants belonging to the amphetamine family, such as lisdexamphetamine. This is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.

Stimulant Medications

Stimulants speed up the body and can result in increased alertness to the mind and physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to tea and coffee) and nicotine, as well as prescription medicines that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety, heart palpitations, hypertension as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of happiness. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include copyright, methamphetamines treatment for adhd in adults and amphetamines.

These drugs are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They work by increasing certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, decrease fatigue and improve alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first by these drugs. These medications can be a formula that acts quickly taken in the morning or a longer-acting drug that stays active throughout the duration of the day, such as the lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin).

The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medications over time is important, and can be an extremely difficult task.

Non-stimulant Medications

Around 15% to 30% of children do not respond to stimulants, and it's likely that this is true for adults as well. The non-stimulant drugs are slower to begin working, and can sometimes take some time before you begin to notice the effects. However, they don't carry the same risk of side effects as stimulants and can be a better choice if you can't tolerate the effects of stimulants or are worried about addiction.