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ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from many of the same therapies as children. These treatments include medication and counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. iampsychiatry may also involve a combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medications
These drugs work by increasing brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. These include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants in the amphetamine class including lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants boost the body's metabolism and can lead to increased mental alertness and physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to tea and coffee) and nicotine, and prescription medications used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as 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 anxiety and paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine receptors in the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of happiness. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches that can be applied to the skin. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
These medications are also called central nervous system stimulants. They function by increasing certain chemicals in the brain which improve concentration, reduce fatigue and improve alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. These medicines can be a formula that acts quickly used in the morning or a longer-acting drug that stays active throughout the course of the day. Examples include Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin, Concerta).
The health care team may also suggest psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is important and is an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medications
Around 15%-30% of children do not respond to stimulants and it's possible that this is the case for adults too. The non-stimulant drugs take longer to begin working, and it can take a few weeks before you notice the effects. They don't come with the same negative side effects and are a better option for those who are unable to tolerate stimulants or fear of addiction.