ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same methods that work for children suffering from ADHD are also effective for adults. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. treating adhd in adults can consist of a combination.
Stimulant Medications
The drugs increase the brain chemicals that control attention and self regulation. They include methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants belonging to the amphetamine group, such as the amphetamine lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants are medications that boost the body's systems and can increase 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 result in over-stimulation and cause anxiety, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, paranoia and aggression. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine receptors in the brain to malfunction and reduce feelings of pleasure. Stimulants are available in pill form, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin. Cocaine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines are stimulants that can be gotten illegally and used to abuse.
The drugs in this class are also known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the quantity of certain brain chemicals that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and improve alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. They can be a formula that acts quickly used in the morning or a more prolonged-acting medication that stays active throughout the course of the day, such as lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin).
The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is important and is a complex task.
Non-stimulant Medications
Around 15% to 30% of children do not respond to stimulants and it's likely that this is true for adults as well. treating adults with adhd -stimulant medications take longer to work and may take a few weeks for you notice any effects. They don't come with the same adverse effects, and are a better choice if you cannot tolerate stimulants or are afraid of addiction.