treating add in adults For Adults
Many of the same treatments that work for children with ADHD also treat adults. These treatments include medicine, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments may include a combination.
Stimulant Medications
These drugs work by increasing the availability 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 the amphetamine lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are medications that stimulate the body's systems and may cause higher mental alertness and more physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added in coffee and tea), nicotine, and prescription drugs that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants, they can cause overstimulation, which can cause anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They may also cause aggression and anxiety and. 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 pill form, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin. Cocaine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines are stimulants which can be obtained illegally and abused.
Medications in this class are called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They function by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and improve alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first with these drugs. These medicines can be a short-acting formula that is taken in the morning, or a more prolonged-acting medication that remains active throughout the duration of the day, such as Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin).
The health care team might also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of medication over time. This is challenging.
Non-stimulant medications
Around 15%-30% of children do not respond to stimulants and it's likely that this is the case for adults too. Non-stimulant medications take longer to begin working, and it can take a few weeks before you feel the effects. But, they don't come with the same risk of side effects as stimulants, and could be a better option if you can't tolerate them or are worried about addiction.
