ADHD Treatments For Adults

Adults can benefit from many of the same therapies as children. These treatments include medicine, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments can consist of a combination.

Stimulant Medications

These drugs work by increasing the supply of certain brain chemicals that help control attention and self-regulation. They include methylphenidate sold as Ritalin and Concerta, and stimulants in the amphetamine family like lisdexamphetamine. It is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.

Stimulant Medications

Stimulants are medications that stimulate the body's systems and may result in greater levels of alertness in the mind and greater physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added in tea and coffee), nicotine, and prescription drugs that treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can create over-stimulation, which can cause anxiety heart palpitations, hypertension, paranoia and aggression. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of satisfaction. Stimulants are available in pill form, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin. Cocaine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines are stimulants doctors that treat adhd in adults can be gotten illegally and abused.

These medications are also called central nervous system stimulants. They work by increasing certain chemicals in the mind which improve concentration, reduce tiredness and increase alertness. They are the first line treatment for adhd in Adults line of treatment for inattentive adhd for adults with ADD or adhd symptoms treatment. These medications can be a short-acting formula that is taken in the morning, or a longer-acting medicine that is active throughout the duration of the day. Examples include lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin, Concerta).

The health care provider may also recommend psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is vital and is an extremely complex process.

Non-stimulant medications

Around 15%-30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant medication This is also to be the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to begin working, and can sometimes take a few weeks before you feel the effects. But, they don't come with the same risk of side effects as stimulants and can be a better option for those who are unable to tolerate the effects of stimulants or are worried about addiction.