Why No One Cares About ADD Treatments For Adults ADHD Treatments For Adults

Many of the same treatments that work for children with ADHD are also effective for adults. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy), and life skills training. These treatments may comprise a mix of.

Stimulant Medications

The drugs increase the amount of certain brain chemicals that help control self-regulation and attention. treatment for adhd adults include methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants from the amphetamine group, such as Lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).


Stimulant Medications

Stimulants are medications that boost the body's systems and may increase mental alertness and increased physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to tea and coffee) and 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. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system in the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of happiness. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches that are applied to the skin. 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 function by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that improve concentration, decrease fatigue, and boost alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. These medicines may be a quick-acting formula that is taken in the morning, or a longer-acting drug that stays active throughout the course of the day, such as Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin).

The health care team might also recommend psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medications over time is important and is an extremely difficult task.

Non-stimulant Medications

About 15%-30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant medication, and this is likely to be the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to work and can take up to several weeks to begin to notice any effects. They don't come with the same side effects and are a better choice for those who are unable to tolerate stimulants or fear of addiction.