ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same methods that work for children with ADHD can also be used to treat adults. These treatments include medicine and counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They may also involve a combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medications
The drugs increase the availability of certain brain chemicals that help control attention and self-regulation. These include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants in the amphetamine class like the amphetamine lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants boost the body's metabolism and can result in an increase in mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances such as caffeine (added in tea and coffee) nicotine, prescription medications used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can result in over-stimulation and cause anxiety heart palpitations, hypertension, aggression and paranoia. In some people long-term, usage of stimulants can harm the functioning of the dopamine system in the brain and dampen feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available in pill form, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin. Illegally obtained and abused stimulants include methamphetamines, copyright and amphetamines.
These drugs are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They function by increasing certain chemicals in the brain which improve concentration, reduce tiredness and increase alertness. They are the first line of treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. They may be a quick-acting formula that is taken in the morning, or a longer-acting drug that stays active throughout the duration of the day such as Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin).
The health care provider may also suggest psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is crucial and is an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
About 15%-30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant drugs This is also to be treating adhd and depression in adults the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to kick in and can take up to several weeks before you feel any effects. But, they don't come with the same danger of having side effects as stimulants and may be a better choice in case you aren't able to take them or are worried about addiction.