ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same therapies that work for children suffering from ADHD can also be used to treat adults. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. They may also involve a 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. These include methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants from the amphetamine group including the amphetamine lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants are medications that speed up the body's system and may increase mental alertness and more physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added in tea and coffee) nicotine, as well as prescription drugs that treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as high blood pressure, aggression and paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of happiness. The stimulants are available as liquids, patches or pills. Illegally obtained and abused stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
They are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They work by increasing certain chemicals in the mind that improve concentration, decrease fatigue, and boost alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. The medications are available in the form of a morning-only formulation or longer-acting formulations that remain active throughout the day, such as the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.
The health care provider may also recommend psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. adhd natural treatment is crucial to track the effectiveness of medication over time. This is an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medications
About 15%-30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant drugs and this is probably true for adults too. The non-stimulant medications take longer time to work and could take as long as several weeks before you begin to notice any effects. However, they don't have the same danger of having side effects as stimulants and can be a better choice for those who are unable to tolerate them or are worried about addiction.