ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same methods that are effective for children with ADHD are also effective for adults. These treatments include medicine as well as counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments could consist of a combination.
Stimulant Medications
The drugs increase brain chemicals that regulate attention and self regulation. They include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants from the amphetamine group including lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are medications that stimulate the body's system and may cause higher levels of alertness in the mind and greater physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added in tea and coffee), nicotine, and prescription drugs that treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and 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 system of the brain to malfunction and reduce feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches that go on the skin. In the absence of legality, abused stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
The drugs in this class are known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the quantity of certain brain chemicals that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and improve alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first by these drugs. add adult treatment are available as 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 provider may also suggest psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is important, and can be an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medications
Around 15%-30% of children don't respond to stimulant medications, and it's likely that this is the case for adults too. The non-stimulant drugs take longer to begin working, and may take a few weeks before you begin to notice the effects. They do not have the same negative side effects and are a better choice for those who are unable to tolerate stimulants or fear addiction.