ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same therapies that are effective for children with ADHD are also effective for adults. These treatments include medicine as well as counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They may also involve some combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. These 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 cause an increase in mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances such as caffeine (added in coffee and tea) nicotine, as well as prescription drugs that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may create over-stimulation, which can cause anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as high blood pressure, paranoia and aggression. In some people long-term, use of stimulants may damage the the dopamine system in the brain and dampen feelings of pleasure. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches. treat adhd in adults used and illegally obtained stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
These medications are also called central nervous system stimulants. They work by increasing certain chemicals in the mind that boost concentration, decrease fatigue, and boost alertness. They are the first line treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. They are available as a morning-only formula or in longer-acting formulations that are active throughout the day, like the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team could also recommend psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy or educational. Monitoring the effectiveness of medications over time is crucial, and can be an extremely complex process.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
Around 15% to 30% of children don't respond to stimulant drugs, and it's likely that this is the case for adults too. Non-stimulant medicines take longer to start working, and may take several weeks before you feel the effects. However, they don't have the same danger of having side effects as stimulants and can be a better option if you can't tolerate them or are worried about addiction.