adhd Symptoms and Treatment Treatments For Adults
Many of the same treatments that work for children with ADHD also treat adults. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They can also involve some combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing the supply of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling attention and self-regulation. They include methylphenidate, available under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family such as lisdexamphetamine. This is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants increase the body’s energy and can lead to increased mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances such as caffeine (added in coffee and tea) nicotine, as well as prescription drugs used to 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 as well as paranoia and aggression. In some people long-term, use of stimulants can damage the the brain’s dopamine system and decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches. In the absence of legality, abused stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
The drugs in this class are also called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They work by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and improve alertness. They are the initial first line treatment for adhd in adults of treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. The medications are available in an all-day formula or longer-acting formulations that are active throughout the day, like the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team might also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. It is important to monitor the effectiveness of medication over time. This is a difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medications
Around 15% to 30% of children don’t respond to stimulant drugs, and it’s likely that this is true for adults too. Non-stimulant medicines are slower to begin working, and may take several weeks before you begin to notice the effects. They don’t have the same adverse effects, and are a better option if you cannot tolerate stimulants or fear addiction.
