ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from many of the same therapies as children. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy), and life skills training. adhd untreated in adults can also involve some combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medications
The drugs increase the brain chemicals that control attention and self regulation. They include methylphenidate, sold as Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family like lisdexamphetamine. It is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants speed up the body and can result in increased mental alertness and physical activity. They include legal substances like caffeine (added in tea and coffee), nicotine, and prescription drugs used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as high blood pressure as well as paranoia and aggression. In some people long-term, use of stimulants can damage the functioning of the dopamine system in the brain and decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches that can be applied to the skin. Illegally obtained and abused stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
The medications in this class are also called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that improve concentration, decrease fatigue and increase alertness. They are the first line of treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. These medicines can be a short-acting formula used in the morning or a longer-acting medicine that remains active throughout the duration of the day. Examples include the lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin).
The health care team can also suggest psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy or educational. It is important to monitor the effectiveness of medicines over time. This can be 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 too. The non-stimulant drugs are slower to begin working, and it can take several weeks before you begin to notice the effects. They do not have the same adverse effects, and are a better option when you are not able to take stimulants or are afraid of addiction.
