ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same methods that work for children suffering from ADHD can also be used to treat adults. These include medicine and counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments can comprise a mix of.
Stimulant Medications
The drugs increase brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. These include the methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants belonging to the amphetamine group including lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are medications that speed up the body's system and may result in greater mental alertness and increased physical activity. These include legal substances such as caffeine (added in tea and coffee) nicotine, prescription medications used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) and 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 pleasure. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches. Cocaine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines are stimulants which can be purchased illegally and abused.
The medications in this class are called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the quantity of certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, reduce fatigue and increase alertness. They are the first line treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. They are available as an all-day formula or longer-acting formulations that remain active throughout the day, like lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care team may also suggest psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy or education. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of medication over time. adhd adult treatment can be a difficult task.
Non-stimulant medications
About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant drugs, and it's likely that this is true for adults as well. The non-stimulant medications take longer time to kick in and could take as long as several weeks to begin to notice any effects. But, they don't come with the same danger of having side effects as stimulants, and could be a better option in case you aren't able to take the effects of stimulants or are worried about addiction.