ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same methods that are effective for children with ADHD are also effective for adults. These include medicine as well as counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They can also involve the combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medicines
These medications work by increasing brain chemicals that control attention and self regulation. These include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants from the amphetamine group including the amphetamine lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants increase the body's energy and can cause increased alertness to the mind and physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to tea and coffee) and nicotine, and prescription medications that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants they can cause overstimulation which can result in anxiety, heart palpitations and high blood pressure. They may also cause anxiety and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of satisfaction. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches that can be applied to the skin. In the absence of legality, abused stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
Medications in this class are called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They work by increasing the quantity of certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. They are the initial line of treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. They are available as the form of a morning-only formulation or a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, like lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care provider may also recommend psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of medicines over time. adhd in adults treatment is an extremely 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. Non-stimulant medications take longer to begin working, and can sometimes take several weeks before you feel the effects. But, they don't come with the same risk of side effects as stimulants and may be a better choice for those who are unable to tolerate them or are worried about addiction.