ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults can benefit from the same treatments that children receive. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. They can also involve a combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medicines
These medications work by increasing brain chemicals that control attention and self regulation. They include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants in the amphetamine class, such as Lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants are medications that boost the body's systems and can cause higher mental alertness and more physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, as well as prescription medicines that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), 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 anxiety and. For some long-term usage of stimulants can harm the the brain's dopamine system and reduce pleasure feelings. The stimulants are available in liquids, patches or pills. Methamphetamines, cocaine, and amphetamines are stimulants which can be purchased from a criminal and then used.
The medications in this class are also called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and improve alertness. They are the first line of treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. These medicines are available in an all-day formula or longer-acting formulations that remain active throughout the day, like the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team might also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is crucial, and can be a complex task.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
Around 15% to 30% of children do not respond to stimulants and it's possible that this is true for adults too. treatments for adhd -stimulant drugs take longer to take effect and it can take up to several weeks to begin to notice any effects. However, they don't carry the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants and may be a better choice in case you aren't able to take them or are worried about addiction.