ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from many of the same treatments as children. These include medicine, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. Iam Psychiatry could also include some combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing brain chemicals that control attention and self regulation. They include the methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants belonging to the amphetamine group like Lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants speed up the body and can result in an increase in mental alertness and physical activity. They include legal substances like caffeine (added in coffee and tea) nicotine, 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 cause anxiety, heart palpitations and high blood pressure. They may also cause anxiety and anxiety and. For some, long-term usage of stimulants can harm the the dopamine system in the brain and decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches that can be applied to the skin. Cocaine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines are stimulants which can be purchased illegally and abused.
The medications in this class are also called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work 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. They are available as a morning-only formula or in longer-acting formulations that remain active throughout the day, such as lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is crucial, and can be an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
About 15% to 30 percentage of children don't respond to stimulant medications, and this is likely to be the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to work and may take several weeks to notice any effects. But, they don't come with the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants, and could be a better option for those who are unable to tolerate them or are worried about addiction.