ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults can benefit from many of the same treatments that children receive. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They can also involve some combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing brain chemicals that regulate self-regulation and attention. These include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants in the amphetamine class including the amphetamine lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants boost the body's metabolism and can lead to increased alertness to the mind and physical activity. They include legal substances like caffeine (added in coffee and tea), nicotine, and prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants, they can trigger overstimulation which can lead to anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They may also cause aggression and paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system website of the brain to malfunction and reduce feelings of pleasure. Stimulants can be taken in pills, liquids, or patches that are applied to the skin. In the absence of legality, abused stimulants include copyright, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
They are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They work by boosting certain chemicals in the mind which improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. They are the first line of treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. These medicines are available in a morning-only formula or in a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, such as lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions, like psychotherapy or education. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is crucial and can be an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant medications
Around 15%-30% of children do not respond to stimulants, and it's likely that this is true for adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to kick in and could take as long as several weeks to notice any effects. They don't have the same negative side effects and are a better choice for those who are unable to tolerate stimulants or are afraid of addiction.