adhd treatment for adults For Adults
Many of the same treatments that work for children suffering from ADHD also treat adults. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They may also involve a combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medications
These medications work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that help control self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, which is available under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta, and stimulants in the amphetamine family, such as lisdexamphetamine, which is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants are medications that boost the body's systems and may result in greater levels of alertness in the mind and greater physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to tea and coffee) and nicotine, and prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants they can cause overstimulation, which can lead to anxiety, heart palpitations and high blood pressure. They may also cause aggression and anxiety and. For some, long-term use of stimulants may damage the the brain's dopamine system, which can reduce pleasure feelings. The stimulants are available as pills, liquids or patches. Methamphetamines, cocaine, and amphetamines are stimulants which can be obtained illegally and abused.
They are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They work by boosting certain brain chemicals that boost concentration, decrease fatigue and improve alertness. They are the first line treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. These medicines can be a short-acting formula taken in the morning or a more prolonged-acting medication that stays active throughout the course of the day, such as Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin).
The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions, like psychotherapy or education. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is important, and can be a complex task.
Non-stimulant Medications
Around 15%-30% of children don't respond to stimulant drugs and it's likely that this is true for adults too. The non-stimulant drugs take longer to start working, and can sometimes take a few weeks before you feel the effects. They don't come with the same side effects and are a better option if you cannot tolerate stimulants or are afraid of addiction.