ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same therapies that work for children with ADHD also treat adults. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They can also involve the combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing brain chemicals that regulate attention and self regulation. They include methylphenidate available under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family, like lisdexamphetamine. It is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants increase the body's energy and can cause increased mental alertness and physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to tea and coffee) and nicotine, as well as prescription drugs that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as hypertension, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of satisfaction. The stimulants are available as pills, liquids or patches. Cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines are stimulants that can be purchased illegally and used to abuse.
These drugs are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They work by increasing certain brain chemicals which improve concentration, reduce fatigue and improve alertness. They are the first line of treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. These medications may be a quick-acting formula taken in the morning or a longer-acting medicine that is active throughout the duration of the day. adults adhd treatment include lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin).
The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy or educational. Monitoring the effectiveness of medications over time is crucial, and can be an extremely complex process.
Non-stimulant medications
Around 15%-30% of children do not respond to stimulants and it's likely that this is the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to kick in and can take up to a few weeks for you notice any effects. But, they don't come with the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants and may be a better option in case you aren't able to take these medications or are concerned about addiction.