ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same methods that work for children suffering from ADHD are also effective for adults. These include medicine and counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments could include a combination.
Stimulant Medications
These drugs work by increasing the availability of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling attention and self-regulation. They include methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants in the amphetamine class including the amphetamine lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants boost the body's metabolism and can cause an increase in mental alertness and physical activity. They include legal substances like caffeine (added in coffee and tea), nicotine, and prescription drugs that treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants they can cause overstimulation which can result in anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They may also cause anxiety and paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine receptors in the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of satisfaction. Stimulants are available who can diagnose and treat adhd in pill form, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin. Illegally obtained and abused stimulants include methamphetamines, copyright and amphetamines.
Medications in this class are also called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and improve alertness. They are the first line of treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. They are available as the form of a morning-only formulation or longer-acting formulations that remain active throughout the day, for example lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care provider may also recommend psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medications over time is important and can be an extremely complex process.
Non-stimulant Medications
Around 15%-30 percentage of children don't respond to stimulant medications and this is probably applicable to adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to start working, and can sometimes take a few weeks before you notice the effects. They don't have the same negative side effects and are a better option if you cannot tolerate stimulants or fear of addiction.