ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from the same treatments that children receive. These include medicine as well as counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments can include a combination.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate sold as Ritalin and Concerta as well as stimulants belonging to the amphetamine family such as lisdexamphetamine, which is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are drugs that speed up the body's systems and may result in greater mental alertness and increased physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, as well as prescription drugs that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants, they can trigger overstimulation which can cause anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They can also trigger aggression and paranoia. For some, long-term use of stimulants may damage the functioning of the brain's dopamine system and decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. Stimulants can be taken in pills, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
The drugs in this class are known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They function by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals which improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and improve alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. iampsychiatry.uk may be a quick-acting formula taken in the morning or a more prolonged-acting medication that remains active throughout the duration of the day. Examples include the lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin, Concerta).
The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medication over time. This can be challenging.
Non-stimulant Medicines
About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant drugs and it's likely that this is true for adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to begin working, and it can take some time before you begin to notice the effects. However, they don't have the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants and can be a better option for those who are unable to tolerate them or are worried about addiction.