ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same methods that work for children with ADHD also treat adults. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. These treatments can include a combination.
Stimulant Medications
The drugs increase brain chemicals that control attention and self regulation. These include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants in the amphetamine class like Lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants boost the body's metabolism and can lead to increased mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added in tea and coffee), nicotine, and prescription drugs that treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can result in over-stimulation and cause anxiety, heart palpitations, hypertension, aggression and paranoia. For some, long-term use of stimulants may damage the the dopamine system in the brain and reduce pleasure feelings. Stimulants are available in pill form, liquids or patches that can be applied to the skin. In the absence of legality, abused stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
These drugs are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They work by boosting certain brain chemicals which improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. They may be a quick-acting formula used in the morning or a longer-acting drug that is active in the body for most of the day such as Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin).
click through the next site may also recommend psychosocial interventions, like psychotherapy or education. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of medicines over time. This is challenging.
Non-stimulant Medications
About 15%-30% of kids do not respond to stimulants and it's possible that this is the case for adults too. Non-stimulant drugs take longer to take effect and it can take up to a few weeks for you notice any effects. However, they don't carry the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants, and could be a better choice in case you aren't able to take these medications or are concerned about addiction.