ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same therapies that work for children suffering from ADHD are also effective for adults. These include medicine as well as counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments could consist of a combination.
Info increase the amount of certain brain chemicals that help control self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, which is sold under the names Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from 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 cause increased mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, as well as prescription medications that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants they can cause overstimulation, which can cause anxiety, heart palpitations and high blood pressure. They can also trigger aggression and paranoia. For some, long-term use of stimulants can damage the the dopamine system in the brain and decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. The stimulants are available as pills, liquids or patches. Illegally obtained and abused stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
These medications are also called central nervous system stimulants. They work by boosting certain brain chemicals that improve concentration, decrease tiredness and increase alertness. treatments for adhd with ADD and ADHD are treated first by these medications. The medications are available in a morning-only formula or in longer-acting formulations that are active throughout the day, like the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medications over time. This can be a difficult task.
Non-stimulant medications
Around 15% to 30% of children do not respond to stimulants, and it's likely that this is true for adults as well. The non-stimulant medications take longer time to work and could take as long as a few weeks for you notice any effects. They don't have the same side effects and are a better choice when you are not able to take stimulants or are afraid of addiction.