ADHD Treatments For Adults

Adults can benefit from the same therapies as children. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy), and life skills training. They can also involve the combination of these therapies.

iampsychiatry-logo-wide.pngStimulant Medications

These medications work by increasing brain chemicals that regulate attention and self regulation. They include methylphenidate, which is sold as Ritalin and Concerta, and stimulants in the amphetamine family, such as lisdexamphetamine. This is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.

Stimulant Medicines

Stimulants boost the body's metabolism and can lead to an increase in mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances such as caffeine (added in tea and coffee) nicotine, prescription medications used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may create over-stimulation, which can cause anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as high blood pressure as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of happiness. The stimulants are available in pill form, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin. Methamphetamines, cocaine, and amphetamines are stimulants that can be purchased illegally and abused.

The drugs in this class are called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the quantity of certain brain chemicals which improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. They are the first line natural treatment for adhd for adults with ADD or untreated adhd and anxiety [fenger-lehman.hubstack.Net]. They are available as an all-day formula or longer-acting formulations that are active throughout the day, for example the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.

The health care provider may also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of medication over time. This is a difficult task.

Non-stimulant medications

Around 15% to 30% of children do not respond to stimulants and it's likely that this is true for adults as well. Non-stimulant drugs take longer to work and can take up to several weeks to begin to notice any effects. However, they don't carry the same danger of having side effects as stimulants, and could be a better choice in case you aren't able to take these medications or are concerned about addiction.