ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from the same treatments that children receive. These treatments include medicine, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments can include a combination.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing the brain chemicals that control attention and self regulation. They include methylphenidate, sold as Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family like lisdexamphetamine. It is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are substances that speed up the body's systems and may 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 drugs that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, aggression and paranoia. treatments for adhd -term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine system in the brain to malfunction and reduce feelings of happiness. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
The medications in this class are known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They work by increasing the quantity of certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, reduce fatigue and increase alertness. They are the initial line of treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. They are available as the form of a morning-only formulation or a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, like the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team could also suggest psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy or educational. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of medicines over time. This is an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medicines
Around 15%-30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant medications, and this is likely true for adults too. Non-stimulant drugs take longer to kick in and may take a few weeks for you feel any effects. However, they don't have the same danger of having side effects as stimulants and may be a better option for those who are unable to tolerate these medications or are concerned about addiction.