ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults can benefit from many of the same treatments as children. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They can also involve a combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medications
The drugs increase the availability of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling self-regulation and attention. They include the methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants from the amphetamine group, such as lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants speed up the body and can cause increased alertness to the mind and physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added in tea and coffee) nicotine, as well as prescription drugs 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 may also cause anxiety and paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine receptors in the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of happiness. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches. adhd adults treatment , methamphetamines and amphetamines are stimulants which can be purchased illegally and abused.
These medications are also called central nervous system stimulants. They work by boosting certain chemicals in the brain which improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first with these drugs. These medications may be a quick-acting formula that is taken in the morning, or a more prolonged-acting medication that is active throughout the course of the day such as lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin, Concerta).
The health care team may also suggest psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy or education. It is important to monitor the effectiveness of medication over time. This can be a difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
About 15%-30% of kids do not respond to stimulants and it's likely that this is true for adults too. Non-stimulant medicines take longer to begin working, and may take several weeks before you begin to notice the effects. However, they don't have the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants, and could be a better option in case you aren't able to take them or are worried about addiction.