ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same therapies that are effective for children with ADHD are also effective for adults. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. These treatments could consist of a combination.
Stimulant Medications
These drugs work by increasing the availability of certain brain chemicals that help control attention and self-regulation. They include methylphenidate sold as Ritalin and Concerta, and stimulants in the amphetamine family, such as lisdexamphetamine, which is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants increase the body's energy and can result in increased alertness to the mind and physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added in coffee and tea) nicotine, prescription drugs that 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. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine system in the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of happiness. how to treat adhd can be taken in pills, liquids or patches that can be applied to the skin. Illegally obtained and abused stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
They are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They work by increasing certain chemicals in the mind that boost concentration, decrease tiredness and increase alertness. They are the initial 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, such as lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care team might also recommend psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. It is important to monitor the effectiveness of medications over time. This is a difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medicines
Around 15%-30% of children do not respond to stimulant medication and this is probably applicable to adults as well. Non-stimulant medicines take longer to start working, and may take several weeks before you notice the effects. However, they don't have the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants, and could be a better option for those who are unable to tolerate them or are worried about addiction.