ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same treatments that work for children suffering from ADHD also treat adults. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy), and life skills training. They can also involve a combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medications
These drugs work by increasing the availability of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling self-regulation and attention. They include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants from the amphetamine group including lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are medications that stimulate the body's systems and may result in greater mental alertness and increased physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, as well as 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 can also trigger anxiety and paranoia. For add treatment for adults , long-term use of stimulants may damage the the dopamine system in the brain and dampen feelings of pleasure. Stimulants are available in liquids, patches or pills. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
These medications are also called central nervous system stimulants. They function by increasing certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, decrease tiredness and increase alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first with these drugs. These medicines are available in an all-day formula or longer-acting formulations that remain active throughout the day, such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy or educational. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is crucial, and can be an extremely complex process.
Non-stimulant Medicines
About 15% to 30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant drugs, and this is likely true for adults too. Non-stimulant medications take longer to take effect and it could take as long as a few weeks for you notice any effects. However, they don't carry the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants and may be a better option in case you aren't able to take the effects of stimulants or are worried about addiction.