ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same treatments that work for children with ADHD can also be used to treat adults. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. Read the Full Guide may consist of a combination.
Stimulant Medications
These medications work by increasing the supply of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate sold under the names Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family, like lisdexamphetamine. It is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants are medications that boost the body's systems and may increase levels of alertness in the mind and greater physical activity. These include legal substances such as caffeine (added in coffee and tea), nicotine, and prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) and 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. In some people long-term usage of stimulants can harm the functioning of the brain's dopamine system and decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches. Cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines are stimulants that can be obtained illegally and used to abuse.
These drugs are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They work by increasing certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, decrease fatigue, and boost alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first by these drugs. They can be a short-acting formula used in the morning or a longer-acting medicine that is active throughout the duration of the day. Examples include the lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin).
The health care team might also suggest psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. It is important to monitor the effectiveness of medication over time. This can be an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medications
Around 15%-30% of children don't respond to stimulant drugs and it's possible that this is true for adults as well. Non-stimulant medicines are slower to begin working, and may take a few weeks before you begin to notice the effects. They don't come with the same adverse effects, and are a better choice if you cannot tolerate stimulants or fear of addiction.
