ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same treatments that work for children with ADHD are also effective for adults. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments can include a combination.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing the supply of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling attention and self-regulation. They include the methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants in the amphetamine class, such as lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants increase the body's energy and can cause an increase in mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added in coffee and tea), nicotine, and prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may create over-stimulation, which can cause anxiety heart palpitations, hypertension, 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. Illegally obtained and abused stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
These drugs are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They work by increasing certain brain chemicals that boost concentration, decrease fatigue, and boost alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. These medicines may be a quick-acting formula that is taken in the morning, or a longer-acting drug that remains active throughout the duration of the day, such as Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin, Concerta).
The health care team might also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medications over time is vital and is an extremely complex process.
add and treatment -stimulant medications
About 15% to 30% of children do not respond to stimulant drugs, and this is likely applicable to adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to kick in and can take up to several weeks before you feel any effects. But, they don't come with the same risk of side effects as stimulants and can be a better choice for those who are unable to tolerate them or are worried about addiction.