ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults can benefit from many of the same treatments as children. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. They could also include the combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medicines
The drugs increase the supply of certain brain chemicals that help control attention and self-regulation. They include the methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants from the amphetamine group including Lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants increase the body's energy and can cause increased alertness to the mind and physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added in tea and coffee) nicotine, as well as prescription drugs that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can create over-stimulation, which can cause anxiety heart palpitations, high blood pressure as well as paranoia and aggression. I Am Psychiatry -term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine receptors in the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available in liquids, patches or pills. Methamphetamines, cocaine, and amphetamines are stimulants which can be obtained 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 quantity of certain chemicals in the brain which improve concentration, reduce fatigue and increase alertness. They are the initial line of treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. These medicines can be a formula that acts quickly used in the morning or a more prolonged-acting medication that remains active in the body for most of the day. Examples include Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin).
The health care team might also recommend psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of medication over time. This can be an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medications
About 15% to 30% of children do not respond to stimulant medications, and this is likely applicable to adults as well. Non-stimulant medicines take longer to begin working, and it can take a few weeks before you begin to notice the effects. However, they don't have the same danger of having side effects as stimulants, and could be a better option if you can't tolerate these medications or are concerned about addiction.