treat adhd in adults For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from many of the same treatments as children. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments could 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, such as lisdexamphetamine, which is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are substances that speed up the body's systems and may result in greater mental alertness and increased physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added in coffee and tea) nicotine, prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as hypertension, paranoia and aggression. In some people long-term use of stimulants may damage the functioning of the dopamine system in the brain and reduce pleasure feelings. Stimulants are available in pill form, liquids or patches that go on the skin. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
The medications in this class are also known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that improve concentration, decrease fatigue, and boost alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first by these medications. These medicines are available in the form of a morning-only formulation or longer-acting formulations that remain active throughout the day, for example methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team might also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medication over time. This is a difficult task.
Non-stimulant medications
About 15%-30% of kids do not respond to stimulants, and it's likely that this is the case for adults too. The non-stimulant medications take longer time to work and can take up to several weeks to begin to notice any effects. However, they don't carry the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants, and could be a better choice for those who are unable to tolerate the effects of stimulants or are worried about addiction.