ADHD Treatments For Adults

Many of the same treatments that work for children suffering from ADHD also treat adults. These alternative treatments for adhd include medication as well as counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments may consist of a combination.

Stimulant Medications

These drugs to treat adhd (telegra.ph) work by increasing the brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. These include methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants in the amphetamine class like Lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).

Stimulant Medicines

Stimulants increase the body's energy and can lead to increased alertness to the mind and physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, as well as prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and drugs to treat adhd hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may create over-stimulation, which can cause anxiety, heart palpitations, hypertension, aggression and paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine receptors in the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of happiness. Stimulants can be taken in pill form, liquids or patches that can be applied to the skin. Methamphetamines, cocaine, and amphetamines are stimulants which can be obtained illegally and abused.

The drugs in this class are known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals which improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. They are the first line of treatment for adults with ADD or adult adhd diagnosis and treatment. They are available as an all-day formula or a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, such as the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.

The health care team could also recommend psychosocial interventions, like psychotherapy or education. It is crucial to track the effectiveness signs of untreated adhd in adults medication over time. This is an extremely difficult task.

Non-stimulant Medications

About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant drugs and it's likely that this is the case for adults too. Non-stimulant medications take longer to take effect and it could take as long as several weeks before you feel any effects. They don't come with the same side effects and are a better choice when you are not able to take stimulants or fear of addiction.