ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same methods that are effective for children with ADHD can also be used to treat adults. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. They may also involve a combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medications
These medications work by increasing the supply of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling attention and self-regulation. They include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants belonging to the amphetamine group like the amphetamine lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
treating adult add
Stimulants speed up the body and can lead to increased mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added to tea and coffee) and nicotine, as well as 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 can also trigger anxiety and paranoia. For some, long-term usage of stimulants can harm the functioning of the brain's dopamine system and decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. Stimulants are available in liquids, patches or pills. Cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines are stimulants which can be purchased illegally and used to abuse.
The medications in this class are also called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and improve alertness. They are the first line of treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. The medications are available in the form of a morning-only formulation or longer-acting formulations that remain active throughout the day, like methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team may also suggest psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy or educational. Monitoring the effectiveness of medications over time is vital, and can be an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medicines
About 15%-30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant medications This is also applicable to adults as well. The non-stimulant drugs are slower to begin working, and can sometimes take several weeks before you begin to notice the effects. But, they don't come with the same risk of side effects as stimulants and may be a better choice if you can't tolerate the effects of stimulants or are worried about addiction.