ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same therapies that are effective for children with ADHD also treat adults. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. These treatments may consist of a combination.
Stimulant Medications
The drugs increase the supply of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling attention and self-regulation. They include methylphenidate sold under the names Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family such as lisdexamphetamine. This is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants increase the body's energy and can lead to an increase in mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, and prescription drugs that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants, they can trigger overstimulation which can lead to anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They can also trigger aggression and anxiety and. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine receptors in the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches that can be applied to the skin. Methamphetamines, cocaine, and amphetamines are stimulants that can be obtained from a criminal and then used.
These drugs are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They function by increasing certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, decrease tiredness and increase alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first with these drugs. These medicines can be a short-acting formula used in the morning or a longer-acting drug that remains active throughout the duration of the day. Examples include the lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin).
The health care team might also recommend psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medicines over time. This can be challenging.
Non-stimulant Medications
Around 15% to 30% of children don't respond to stimulant drugs, and it's likely that this is true for adults too. The non-stimulant medications take longer time to work and can take up to several weeks to notice any effects. But, adhd symptoms and treatment don't come with the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants, and could be a better choice if you can't tolerate them or are worried about addiction.