ADHD Treatments For Adults

Many of the same treatments that work for children suffering from adhd treatments adults are also effective for adults. These treatments include medication as well as counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They may also involve some combination of these therapies.

Stimulant Medications

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

Stimulant Medicines

Stimulants speed up the body and can lead to increased alertness to the mind and physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, and prescription medications used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may result in over-stimulation and cause anxiety heart palpitations, high blood pressure as well as paranoia and aggression. For some long-term, use of stimulants can damage the the dopamine system in the brain and decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. Stimulants can be taken in pill form, liquids or patches that go on the skin. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.

The medications in this class are known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the quantity of certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and add treatments For Adults boost alertness. They are the first line treatment for adults with add treatments for adults or adhd treatment adults. The medications are available in a morning-only formula or in longer-acting formulations that are active throughout the day, such as the methylphenidate and 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 an extremely difficult task.

Non-stimulant Medicines

Around 15% to 30% of children don't respond to stimulant medications and it's likely that this is the case for adults too. Non-stimulant medications take longer to begin working, and add treatments for adults may take some time before you begin to notice the effects. They do not have the same side effects and are a better option when you are not able to take stimulants or fear of addiction.