ADHD Treatments 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 could also include some combination of these treatments.
treatment for adult adhd increase the amount of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling attention and self-regulation. They include methylphenidate, which is sold as Ritalin and Concerta as well as stimulants belonging to the amphetamine family, such as lisdexamphetamine. This is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants boost the body's metabolism and can cause increased alertness to the mind and physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, as well as prescription medications that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may result in over-stimulation and cause anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as high blood pressure as well as paranoia and aggression. For some long-term, use of stimulants can damage the functioning of the dopamine system in the brain and dampen feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches. Cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines are stimulants that can be gotten illegally and used to abuse.
Medications in this class are also known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the quantity of certain brain chemicals that boost concentration, reduce fatigue and increase alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first by these medications. The medications are available in an all-day formula or a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, such as lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions, like psychotherapy or education. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is vital, and can be an extremely complex process.
Non-stimulant Medications
Around 15%-30 percentage of children don't respond to stimulant medication and this is probably true for adults too. Non-stimulant drugs take longer to work and can take up to several weeks to notice any effects. However, they don't have the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants and may be a better option for those who are unable to tolerate them or are worried about addiction.