ADHD Treatments For Adults

Many of the same methods that work for children suffering from Adhd symptoms and Treatment are also effective for adults. These include medicine, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They may also involve some combination of these therapies.

Stimulant medications used to treat adhd

The drugs increase the brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate sold as Ritalin and Concerta, and stimulants in the amphetamine family like lisdexamphetamine. It is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.

Stimulant Medicines

Stimulants are medications that boost the body's systems and may cause higher mental alertness and increased physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to tea and coffee) and nicotine, as well as prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety, heart palpitations, hypertension, paranoia and aggression. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction and reduce feelings of happiness. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches. Methamphetamines, cocaine, and amphetamines are stimulants which can be obtained from a criminal and then used.

These drugs are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They work by increasing certain brain chemicals which improve concentration, reduce tiredness and increase alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. They can be a short-acting formula used in the morning or a more prolonged-acting medication that remains active in the body for most of the day such as lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin, Concerta).

The health care team could also recommend psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy or educational. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is important, and can be a complex task.

Non-stimulant Medications

Around 15%-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 can sometimes take several weeks before you notice the effects. They do not have the same negative side effects and are a better choice when you are not able to take stimulants or fear addiction.