ADHD Treatments For Adults

Many of the same therapies that work for children with adhd in adults symptoms and treatment also treat adults. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy), and life skills training. These treatments could consist of a combination.

Stimulant Medications

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

Stimulant Medications

Stimulants are drugs that speed up the body's systems and can cause higher mental alertness and more physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added in coffee and tea) nicotine, prescription drugs that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can create over-stimulation, which can cause anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as hypertension, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine receptors in the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of pleasure. Stimulants can be taken in pills, liquids, or patches that can be applied to the skin. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.

medications used to treat Adhd in this class are known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the quantity of certain chemicals in the brain which improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. They are the first line treatment for adults suffering from ADD or adhd treatment adults. These medicines are available in an all-day formula or a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.

The health care provider may also suggest psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medications over time. This can be an extremely difficult task.

Non-stimulant Medications

Around 15%-30% of children don't respond to stimulant drugs, and it's likely that this is true for adults too. Non-stimulant medications take longer to work and may take several weeks to feel any effects. But, they don't come with the same risk symptoms of untreated adhd side effects as stimulants and can be a better option in case you aren't able to take the effects of stimulants or are worried about addiction.