ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from many of the same treatments that children receive. These include medicine as well as counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They can also involve some combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling attention and self-regulation. They include methylphenidate sold under the names Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family such as lisdexamphetamine. This is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants speed up the body and can result in an increase in mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added in tea and coffee) nicotine, prescription drugs used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can result in over-stimulation and cause anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as high blood pressure, paranoia and aggression. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available as pills, liquids, or patches. Illegally obtained and abused stimulants include copyright, treating adhd and depression in adults methamphetamines and amphetamines.
The medications in this class are called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the quantity of certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, reduce fatigue and increase alertness. They are the first line of treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. The medications are available in the form of a morning-only formulation or longer-acting formulations that remain active throughout the day, for example methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team could also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy or education. Monitoring the effectiveness of medications over time is vital, and can be an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
About 15%-30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant medications, and this is likely true for adults too. The non-stimulant drugs take longer to start working, and it can take some time before you notice the effects. However, they don't carry the same danger of having side effects as stimulants and may be a better choice for those who are unable to tolerate them or are worried about addiction.