ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults can benefit from many of the same treatments as children. These treatments include medicine and counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They can also involve the combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medications
The drugs increase the brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. They include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants belonging to the amphetamine group, such as Lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants increase the body's energy and can result in 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 medications used to 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. I Am Psychiatry can also trigger aggression and anxiety and. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of satisfaction. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches. In the absence of legality, abused stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
These medications are also called central nervous system stimulants. They function by increasing certain chemicals in the mind that boost concentration, decrease fatigue and improve alertness. They are the first line of treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. They may be a quick-acting formula that is taken in the morning, or a longer-acting drug that is active throughout the course of the day. Examples include the lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin, Concerta).
The health care provider may also recommend psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of medications over time. This is challenging.
Non-stimulant Medicines
Around 15% to 30% of children don't respond to stimulant medications and it's likely that this is true for adults too. The non-stimulant medications take longer time to work and could take as long as a few weeks for you feel any effects. However, they don't have the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants and may be a better option in case you aren't able to take them or are worried about addiction.