ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults can benefit from many of the same therapies as children. These treatments include medication and counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They may also involve a combination of these therapies.
treating adult adhd work by increasing the brain chemicals that 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 Medications
Stimulants are drugs that boost the body's system and may result in greater mental alertness and more physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, and prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may create over-stimulation, which can cause anxiety, heart palpitations, hypertension as well as paranoia and aggression. For treating adult adhd , long-term use of stimulants can damage the the dopamine system in the brain and reduce pleasure feelings. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches that can be applied to the skin. Cocaine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines are stimulants that can be gotten illegally and used to abuse.
The drugs in this class are also known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the brain which improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. Adults 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 remain active throughout the day, for example methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy or education. Monitoring the effectiveness of medications over time is crucial and can be an extremely complex process.
Non-stimulant medications
About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant drugs, and it's likely that this is the case for adults too. Non-stimulant medications take longer to kick in and can take up to several weeks to notice any effects. However, they don't carry the same risk of side effects as stimulants and can be a better option if you can't tolerate them or are worried about addiction.