ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same methods that work for children with ADHD also treat adults. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They can also involve a combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medications
These medications work by increasing brain chemicals that regulate self-regulation and attention. These include methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants belonging to the amphetamine group including lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants are drugs that boost the body's systems and may increase mental alertness and increased physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added to tea and coffee) and nicotine, and prescription medicines that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants they can trigger overstimulation which can cause anxiety, heart palpitations and high blood pressure. They may also cause aggression and anxiety and. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine system in the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of satisfaction. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches that go on the skin. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
The drugs in this class are known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They function by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the brain that improve concentration, decrease fatigue, and improve alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first by these drugs. These medications can be a short-acting formula used in the morning or a longer-acting medicine that remains active in the body for most of the day. Examples include the lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin).
The health care team can also recommend psychosocial interventions like psychotherapy or education. It is important to monitor the effectiveness of medicines over time. This is a difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
Around 15%-30% of children don't respond to stimulant drugs and it's possible that this is the case for adults too. Non-stimulant drugs take longer to take effect and it can take up to a few weeks for you feel any effects. how to treat adhd do not have the same negative side effects and are a better option if you cannot tolerate stimulants or fear of addiction.