ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from many of the same therapies as children. treat adhd include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They may also involve the combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medicines
The drugs increase brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, sold as Ritalin and Concerta, and stimulants in the amphetamine family such as lisdexamphetamine, which is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants are drugs that speed up the body's systems and can result in greater mental alertness and more 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) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as high blood pressure, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine receptors in the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of happiness. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches. Cocaine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines are stimulants that can be gotten illegally and abused.
Medications in this class are also called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They work by increasing the quantity of certain chemicals in the brain that improve concentration, decrease fatigue, and improve alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. The medications are available in an all-day formula or a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, like the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. It is important to monitor the effectiveness of medications over time. add treatment for adults can be an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medications
About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant drugs and it's possible that this is the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant medications are slower to begin working, and it can take a few weeks before you notice the effects. They don't have the same side effects and are a better option for those who are unable to tolerate stimulants or fear of addiction.