ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from many of the same treatments that children receive. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments can include a combination.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing the availability of certain brain chemicals that help control attention and self-regulation. They include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants in the amphetamine class, such as the amphetamine lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants speed up the body and can result in increased mental alertness and physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added in coffee and tea), nicotine, and prescription drugs that 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 aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine receptors in the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of satisfaction. Stimulants are available in pill form, liquids or patches that can be applied to the skin. In treating adhd in adults of legality, abused stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
The medications in this class are called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They function by increasing the quantity of certain chemicals in the brain that improve concentration, decrease fatigue, and improve alertness. They are the first line of treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. The medications are available in an all-day formula or a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, like lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy or educational. It is important to monitor the effectiveness of medication over time. This can be a difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medications
About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant medications, and it's likely that this is true for adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to take effect and it may take several weeks before you notice any effects. However, they don't carry the same risk of side effects as stimulants, and could be a better option if you can't tolerate these medications or are concerned about addiction.