ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same therapies that work for children with ADHD can also be used to treat adults. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) and life skills training. treat adult adhd may also involve some combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medicines
These medications work by increasing the availability of certain brain chemicals that help control attention and self-regulation. They include methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants belonging to the amphetamine group like lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants are substances that speed up the body's system and may cause higher mental alertness and more physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added in coffee and tea) nicotine, as well as prescription medications used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety heart palpitations, hypertension, aggression and paranoia. In some people long-term, use of stimulants may damage the the brain's dopamine system and reduce pleasure feelings. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin. Cocaine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines are stimulants which can be obtained illegally and abused.
These medications are also called central nervous system stimulants. They work by increasing certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, decrease tiredness and increase alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first by these drugs. These medications may be a quick-acting formula that is taken in the morning, or a longer-acting drug that stays active throughout the duration of the day such as lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin).
The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy or education. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medications over time. This can be challenging.
Non-stimulant Medicines
Around 15%-30 percentage of children don't respond to stimulant medications, and this is likely true for adults too. The non-stimulant drugs take longer to begin working, and can sometimes take a few weeks before you notice the effects. treat adult adhd don't come with the same negative side effects and are a better choice when you are not able to take stimulants or fear of addiction.