ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from the same therapies as children. These include medicine, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They may also involve the combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, available under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta as well as stimulants belonging to the amphetamine family, such as lisdexamphetamine. This is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants boost the body's metabolism and can lead to an increase in mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added in coffee and tea), nicotine, and prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety, heart palpitations, hypertension, paranoia and aggression. For some long-term use of stimulants may damage the functioning of the brain's dopamine system, which can decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches. Methamphetamines, cocaine, and amphetamines are stimulants which can be obtained illegally and abused.
Iam Psychiatry are also called central nervous system stimulants. They function by increasing certain chemicals in the mind that boost concentration, decrease fatigue and improve alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first by these drugs. They are available as an all-day formula or longer-acting formulations that remain active throughout the day, like lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medication over time. This is a difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
About 15%-30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant medication, and this is likely true for adults too. Non-stimulant medicines take longer to begin working, and may take several weeks before you feel the effects. But, they don't come with the same danger of having side effects as stimulants, and could be a better option in case you aren't able to take the effects of stimulants or are worried about addiction.