ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same treatments that work for children with ADHD also treat adults. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. They could also include the combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medications
These drugs work by increasing the availability of certain brain chemicals that help control self-regulation and attention. They include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants from the amphetamine group like lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants increase the body's energy and can result in increased alertness to the mind and physical activity. click through the next site include legal substances such as caffeine (added in coffee and tea), nicotine, and prescription drugs that treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) as well as 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, use of stimulants may damage the functioning of the brain's dopamine system and decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches that are applied to the skin. Cocaine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines are stimulants that can be gotten illegally and used to abuse.
The drugs in this class are also called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They function by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals which improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and improve alertness. They are the initial line of treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. They are available as a morning-only formula or in longer-acting formulations that remain active throughout the day, such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team can also recommend psychosocial interventions like psychotherapy or education. Monitoring the effectiveness of medications over time is crucial, and can be a complex task.
Non-stimulant Medications
Around 15%-30% of children don't respond to stimulant medications, and it's likely that this is the case for adults as well. The non-stimulant medications take longer time to take effect and it may take a few weeks for you notice any effects. They do not have the same side effects and are a better option if you cannot tolerate stimulants or fear addiction.