treating adult adhd For Adults
Many of the same therapies that work for children with ADHD also treat adults. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy), and life skills training. These treatments may consist of a combination.
Stimulant Medicines
The drugs increase the availability of certain brain chemicals that help control self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, sold under the names Ritalin and Concerta as well as stimulants belonging to the amphetamine family, such as lisdexamphetamine. This is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants speed up the body and can cause an increase in mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances such as caffeine (added in coffee and tea) nicotine, as well as prescription medications used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants they can trigger overstimulation which can cause anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They can also trigger anxiety and paranoia. For some long-term, use of stimulants can damage the the brain's dopamine system and reduce pleasure feelings. Stimulants are available in pill form, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin. In the absence of legality, abused stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
They are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They work by increasing certain chemicals in the mind that improve concentration, decrease tiredness and increase alertness. They are the first line treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. These medicines can be a short-acting formula used in the morning or a more prolonged-acting medication that is active throughout the duration of the day, such as the lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin).
The health care team might also recommend psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of medicines over time. This can be challenging.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
Around 15%-30% of children do not respond to stimulant drugs, and this is likely to be the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to start working, and it can take several weeks before you begin to notice the effects. They don't have the same side effects and are a better choice if you cannot tolerate stimulants or fear of addiction.