ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from many of the same therapies as children. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. These treatments could include a combination.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing brain chemicals that regulate attention and self regulation. They include methylphenidate available under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family, like lisdexamphetamine. It is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are drugs that boost the body's system and may cause higher levels of alertness in the mind and greater physical activity. They include legal substances like caffeine (added in tea and coffee) nicotine, prescription drugs used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In about his , stimulants may result in over-stimulation and cause anxiety, heart palpitations, hypertension, aggression and paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system in the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available as pills, liquids or patches. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
They are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They work by increasing certain brain chemicals that boost concentration, decrease tiredness and increase alertness. They are the initial line of treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. These medications can be a formula that acts quickly taken in the morning or a more prolonged-acting medication that is active in the body for most of the day, such as lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin).
The health care team could also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy or education. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of medications over time. This can be an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medicines
Around 15%-30% of children do not respond to stimulant drugs and this is probably true for adults too. The non-stimulant medications take longer time to take effect and it can take up to several weeks before you notice any effects. But, they don't come with the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants and may be a better choice if you can't tolerate them or are worried about addiction.