ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from many of the same treatments that children receive. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments could consist of a combination.
Stimulant Medicines
These medications work by increasing the brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants in the amphetamine class including lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
treatments for adhd
Stimulants speed up the body and can result in increased alertness to the mind and physical activity. They include legal substances like caffeine (added in coffee and tea), nicotine, and prescription drugs used to 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 anxiety and. For some, long-term use of stimulants may damage the functioning of the dopamine system in the brain and reduce pleasure feelings. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin. Methamphetamines, cocaine, and amphetamines are stimulants that can be gotten illegally and abused.
Medications in this class are also called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the quantity of certain brain chemicals that improve concentration, decrease fatigue and increase alertness. They are the initial line of treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. They are available as an all-day formula or a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, such as lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. It is important to monitor the effectiveness of medications over time. This is challenging.
Non-stimulant Medications
About 15%-30% of children do not respond to stimulant medications This is also applicable to adults as well. Non-stimulant medications are slower to begin working, and may take several weeks before you begin to notice the effects. They do not have the same negative side effects and are a better choice if you cannot tolerate stimulants or fear of addiction.