ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from many of the same treatments that children receive. These treatments include medicine as well as counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments may comprise a mix of.
Stimulant Medications
The drugs increase the supply of certain brain chemicals that help control self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, available under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family, like lisdexamphetamine. It is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants speed up the body and can cause increased mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, as well as prescription medicines that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants they can cause overstimulation, which can cause anxiety, heart palpitations and high blood pressure. They can also trigger anxiety and paranoia. For add treatment for adults -term use of stimulants may damage the the brain's dopamine system, which can decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches that are applied to the skin. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
The drugs in this class are also known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the brain which improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. find out here with ADD and ADHD are treated first by these drugs. The medications are available in an all-day formula or a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medications over time. This can be a difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medications
About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant medications, and it's likely that this is true for adults as well. The non-stimulant medications take longer time to work and could take as long as several weeks before you feel any effects. However, they don't carry the same risk of side effects as stimulants, and could be a better choice if you can't tolerate them or are worried about addiction.