ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same methods that work for children with ADHD can also be used to treat adults. These include medicine, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. treatment for adults with add can also involve some combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medications
The drugs increase the brain chemicals that control attention and self regulation. They include methylphenidate, which is sold as 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 boost the body's metabolism and can cause increased alertness to the mind and physical activity. They include legal substances like caffeine (added in coffee and tea) nicotine, prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants they can cause overstimulation which can result in anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They can also trigger aggression and paranoia. For some, long-term use of stimulants can damage the functioning of the dopamine system in the brain and decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches. Cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines are stimulants that can be gotten illegally and abused.
The medications in this class are called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the quantity of certain brain chemicals that improve concentration, decrease fatigue, and boost alertness. They are the first line treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. They can be a short-acting formula used in the morning or a longer-acting drug that stays active in the body for most of the day. Examples include Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin).
The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is crucial and is a complex task.
Non-stimulant Medications
Around 15% to 30% of children do not respond to stimulants and it's likely that this is true for adults as well. Non-stimulant drugs take longer to work and may take several weeks before you begin to notice any effects. They do not have the same adverse effects, and are a better option if you cannot tolerate stimulants or are afraid of addiction.