ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same treatments that work for children suffering from ADHD also treat adults. These treatments include medication and counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They can also involve some combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medicines
These medications work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling attention and self-regulation. They include methylphenidate, which is sold under the names Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family, such as lisdexamphetamine, which is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants are substances that stimulate the body's systems and may result in greater levels of alertness in the mind and greater physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, and prescription drugs that 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 can also trigger aggression and anxiety and. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of satisfaction. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches that can be applied to the skin. Cocaine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines are stimulants that can be obtained illegally and used to abuse.
These drugs are also known as central nervous system stimulants. treatment for add work by increasing certain chemicals in the mind which improve concentration, reduce tiredness and increase alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first with these drugs. These medicines are available in the form of a morning-only formulation or longer-acting formulations that are active throughout the day, for example methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team could also recommend psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy or educational. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of medication over time. This is an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
About 15% to 30 percentage of children don't respond to stimulant medication and this is probably to be the case for adults as well. The non-stimulant drugs are slower to begin working, and may take some time before you begin to notice the effects. They do not have the same negative side effects and are a better option if you cannot tolerate stimulants or are afraid of addiction.