ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same treatments that work for children with ADHD also treat adults. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. adult adhd treatments could also include the combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medications
These drugs work by increasing brain chemicals that control attention and self regulation. They include the methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants belonging to the amphetamine group, such as the amphetamine lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants boost the body's metabolism and can cause an increase in mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added in coffee and tea) nicotine, prescription drugs that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as high blood pressure as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine receptors in the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of pleasure. Stimulants can be taken in pill form, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
The medications in this class are also called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They function by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. The medications are available in the form of a morning-only formulation or longer-acting formulations that remain active throughout the day, such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team might also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medicines over time. This can be challenging.
Non-stimulant Medications
About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant drugs and it's likely that this is true for adults as well. The non-stimulant drugs are slower to begin working, and can sometimes take a few weeks before you feel the effects. However, they don't have the same risk of side effects as stimulants and can be a better choice if you can't tolerate the effects of stimulants or are worried about addiction.