ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults can benefit from many of the same treatments as children. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They may also involve some combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medications
These drugs work by increasing brain chemicals that regulate self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, which is sold under the names Ritalin and Concerta as well as stimulants belonging to the amphetamine family, such as lisdexamphetamine. This is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants are medications that boost the body's systems and may result in greater levels of alertness in the mind and greater physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added in coffee and tea) nicotine, as well as prescription medications used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can result in over-stimulation and cause anxiety heart palpitations, hypertension as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches that go on the skin. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
These medications are also called central nervous system stimulants. natural add treatment work by boosting certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, decrease tiredness and increase alertness. They are the first line treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. These medications may be a quick-acting formula taken in the morning or a longer-acting medicine that remains active throughout the course of the day. Examples include lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin).
The health care team could also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy or education. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of medications over time. This is a difficult task.
Non-stimulant medications
About 15% to 30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant drugs This is also to be the case for adults as well. The non-stimulant medications take longer time to work and may take a few weeks for you begin to notice any effects. They don't have the same adverse effects, and are a better option for those who are unable to tolerate stimulants or are afraid of addiction.