ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same methods that work for children suffering from ADHD can also be used to treat adults. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy), and life skills training. They can also involve the combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing the availability of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate available under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family such as lisdexamphetamine, which is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants speed up the body and can lead to an increase in mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, and prescription medications that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can result in over-stimulation and cause anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as hypertension, paranoia and aggression. In some people long-term, use of stimulants can damage the the brain's dopamine system and dampen feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available in pill form, liquids or patches that go on the skin. Illegally obtained and abused stimulants include methamphetamines, copyright and amphetamines.
They are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They function by increasing certain chemicals in the mind that boost concentration, decrease fatigue, and boost alertness. They are the first line of treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. The medications treating adhd and depression in adults are available in the form of a morning-only formulation or longer-acting formulations that are active throughout the day, such as lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care team might also recommend psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medications over time. This is challenging.
Non-stimulant Medications
About 15%-30 percentage of children don't respond to stimulant medication, and this is likely true for adults too. The non-stimulant drugs take longer to begin working, and it can take several weeks before you begin to notice the 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 these medications or are concerned about addiction.