ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same therapies that work for children with ADHD can also be used to treat adults. These treatments include medication and counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments could include a combination.
Stimulant Medicines
These medications work by increasing the brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. They include the methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants from the amphetamine group including the amphetamine lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants speed up the body and can lead to increased alertness to the mind and physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added in coffee and tea) nicotine, as well as prescription medications used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may create over-stimulation, which can cause anxiety, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine receptors in the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin. Cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines are stimulants which can be purchased from a criminal and then used.
The medications in this class are called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the quantity of certain chemicals in the brain which improve 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 a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, for example lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care team may also suggest psychosocial interventions, like psychotherapy or education. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is crucial and can be an extremely complex process.
Non-stimulant Medications
About 15%-30 percentage of children don't respond to stimulant medication, and this is likely to be the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to begin working, and it can take a few weeks before you begin to notice the effects. add treatment for adults do not have the same adverse effects, and are a better option for those who are unable to tolerate stimulants or are afraid of addiction.