ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same therapies that work for children suffering from ADHD can also be used to treat adults. These include medicine and counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They can also involve some combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing the supply of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling attention and self-regulation. These 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 result in increased mental alertness and physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to tea and coffee) and nicotine, and prescription medications used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants, they can trigger overstimulation which can cause anxiety, heart palpitations and high blood pressure. They can also trigger aggression and anxiety and. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine system in the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of satisfaction. The stimulants are available as liquids, patches or pills. In the absence of legality, abused stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
Medications in this class are also called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that boost concentration, reduce fatigue and increase alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first by these drugs. IamPsychiatry may be a quick-acting formula used 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 may also recommend psychosocial interventions like psychotherapy or education. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medication over time. This is challenging.
Non-stimulant medications
Around 15% to 30% of children don't respond to stimulant drugs and it's possible that this is true for adults too. Non-stimulant medications take longer to begin working, and it can take several weeks before you feel the effects. They don't have the same side effects and are a better option for those who are unable to tolerate stimulants or fear addiction.