ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults can benefit from many of the same treatments as children. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy), and life skills training. They may also involve the combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medications
These drugs work by increasing the supply of certain brain chemicals that help control self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, sold as Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family such as lisdexamphetamine. This is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants are drugs that boost the body's systems and can increase mental alertness and more physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added in coffee and tea) nicotine, as well as prescription drugs used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD), 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 anxiety and anxiety and. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system in the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of pleasure. Ongoing are available as pills, liquids or patches. Methamphetamines, cocaine, and amphetamines are stimulants which can be obtained illegally and abused.
The drugs in this class are known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They work by increasing the quantity of certain brain chemicals that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and improve alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first by these medications. These medicines are available in the form of a morning-only formulation or longer-acting formulations that remain active throughout the day, such as the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team can also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy or education. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medication over time. Read the Full Write-up can be challenging.
Non-stimulant Medications
Around 15% to 30% of children don't respond to stimulant drugs and it's possible that this is the case for adults too. Non-stimulant medicines are slower to begin working, and can sometimes take several weeks before you notice the effects. But, they don't come with the same danger of having side effects as stimulants, and could be a better option for those who are unable to tolerate the effects of stimulants or are worried about addiction.