ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same methods that work for children suffering from ADHD also treat adults. These treatments include medication as well as counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They can also involve some combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medicines
The drugs increase the amount of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling attention and self-regulation. They include 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 cause an increase in mental alertness and physical activity. treatment for adhd adults include legal substances like caffeine (added in coffee and tea) nicotine, prescription drugs used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants, they can trigger overstimulation which can result in anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They may also cause aggression and anxiety and. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine receptors in the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of happiness. Stimulants can be taken in pills, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin. Methamphetamines, cocaine, and amphetamines are stimulants that can be purchased illegally and used to abuse.
Medications in this class are also called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that improve concentration, decrease fatigue, and improve alertness. They are the first line treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. They may be a quick-acting formula used in the morning or a longer-acting drug that remains active in the body for most of the day. Examples include the lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin, Concerta).
The health care provider may also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medications over time is crucial and can be an extremely difficult task.
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 drugs take longer to kick in and could take as long as a few weeks for you notice any effects. They don't come with the same negative side effects and are a better option when you are not able to take stimulants or fear addiction.