ADHD Treatments For Adults

Many of the same therapies that are effective for children with adhd treatment for older Adults can also be used to treat adults. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. These treatments could include a combination.

Stimulant Medications

The drugs increase brain chemicals that regulate self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, sold as Ritalin and Concerta as well as stimulants belonging to the amphetamine family, like lisdexamphetamine. It is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.

Stimulant Medications

Stimulants are drugs that stimulate the body's systems and can adhd get worse if untreated cause higher mental alertness and increased physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added in coffee and tea) nicotine, as well as prescription medications used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can create over-stimulation, which can cause anxiety, heart palpitations, hypertension, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine receptors in the brain to malfunction and reduce feelings of pleasure. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches that go on the skin. Cocaine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines are stimulants that can be purchased illegally and abused.

The drugs in this class are also called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They function by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, reduce fatigue and increase alertness. They are the first line of treatment for adhd in adults for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. They can be a short-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 could also recommend psychosocial interventions like psychotherapy or education. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is crucial, and can be an extremely complex process.

Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants

About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant medications, and it's likely that this is the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant medications are slower where to get treated for adhd begin working, and it can take a few weeks before you feel the effects of untreated adhd in adults. They do not have the same side effects of untreated adhd in adults and are a better option when you are not able to take stimulants or are afraid of addiction.