ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from the same therapies as children. These treatments include medicine as well as counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments could include a combination.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing brain chemicals that control attention and self regulation. These include methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants in the amphetamine class, such as the amphetamine lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants boost the body's metabolism and can lead to increased alertness to the mind and physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added to tea and coffee) and nicotine, and prescription medicines used to 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 in the brain to malfunction and reduce feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available in liquids, patches or pills. Cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines are stimulants that can be gotten from a criminal and then used.
The drugs in this class are also known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They function by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. They are the first line treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. These medicines are available in an all-day formula or longer-acting formulations that are active throughout the day, like the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team might also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medications over time is vital and is an extremely complex process.
adhd in adults treatment -stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
Around 15%-30% of children do not respond to stimulants and it's likely that this is true for adults too. Non-stimulant medicines take longer to begin working, and it can take some time before you notice the effects. However, they don't carry the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants, and could be a better option for those who are unable to tolerate them or are worried about addiction.