20 Truths About ADD Treatments For Adults: Busted ADHD Treatments For Adults

Many of the same treatments that work for children suffering from ADHD also treat adults. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. They can also involve some combination of these treatments.

Stimulant Medications

The drugs increase the amount of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling self-regulation and attention. These include methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants from the amphetamine group like Lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).

Stimulant Medicines

Stimulants are medications that speed up the body's system and may result in greater levels of alertness in the mind and greater physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, and prescription medications that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can result in over-stimulation and cause anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as hypertension as well as paranoia and aggression. For some long-term use of stimulants may damage the functioning of the brain's dopamine system and dampen feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches that are applied to the skin. Methamphetamines, cocaine, and amphetamines are stimulants which can be obtained illegally and abused.

www.iampsychiatry.uk are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They work by increasing certain chemicals in the mind which improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. They are the initial line of treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. They can be a short-acting formula taken in the morning or a longer-acting drug that is active throughout the duration of the day, such as lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin).


The health care provider may also recommend psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medication over time. This is challenging.

Non-stimulant medications

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 drugs take longer to take effect and it may take a few weeks for you begin to notice any effects. They don't have the same side effects and are a better option for those who are unable to tolerate stimulants or are afraid of addiction.