ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults can benefit from many of the same therapies as children. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They can also involve a combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate available under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta, and stimulants in the amphetamine family, such as lisdexamphetamine, which is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants are drugs that stimulate the body's systems and can result in greater mental alertness and increased physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added in tea and coffee), nicotine, and prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In add in adults treatment , stimulants may result in over-stimulation and cause anxiety heart palpitations, hypertension, paranoia and aggression. In some people long-term use of stimulants may damage the the brain's dopamine system and reduce pleasure feelings. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches. Illegally obtained and abused stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
These medications 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 with these medications. They are available as a morning-only formula or in a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, such as lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy or education. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is important and is a complex task.
Non-stimulant Medications
About 15%-30 percentage of children don't respond to stimulant medication, and this is likely applicable to adults as well. The non-stimulant drugs are slower to begin working, and can sometimes take several weeks before you feel the effects. However, they don't have the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants and can be a better choice for those who are unable to tolerate the effects of stimulants or are worried about addiction.