ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same therapies that work for children with ADHD are also effective for adults. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments can comprise a mix of.
Stimulant Medications
The drugs increase brain chemicals that control attention and self regulation. They include the methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants from the amphetamine group including the amphetamine lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are medications that boost the body's system and may result in greater mental alertness and more physical activity. These include legal substances such as caffeine (added in tea and coffee) nicotine, prescription medications used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants they can cause overstimulation, which can lead to anxiety, heart palpitations and high blood pressure. They can also trigger aggression and paranoia. For some long-term use of stimulants can damage the the brain's dopamine system and decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
Medications in this class are called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They function by increasing the quantity of certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, reduce fatigue and increase alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. They can be a short-acting formula that is taken in the morning, or a longer-acting medicine that stays active in the body for most of the day, such as lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin, Concerta).
The health care team could also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy or educational. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is vital and is a complex task.
Non-stimulant Medications
Around 15% to 30% of children do not respond to stimulants and it's possible that this is the case for adults as well. treatment for adult adhd -stimulant medications take longer to start working, and may take several weeks before you notice the effects. However, they don't carry the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants and may be a better option if you can't tolerate the effects of stimulants or are worried about addiction.