ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults can benefit from many of the same treatments that children receive. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments may include a combination.
Stimulant Medications
The drugs increase the supply of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling attention and self-regulation. https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adhd-treatment-for-adults/ include methylphenidate, sold under the names Ritalin and Concerta, and stimulants in the amphetamine family like lisdexamphetamine. It is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants increase the body's energy and can lead to increased mental alertness and physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to tea and coffee) and nicotine, as well as prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may create over-stimulation, which can cause anxiety, heart palpitations, high blood pressure as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches that go on the skin. Cocaine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines are stimulants that can be obtained illegally and used to abuse.
The drugs in this class are also known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They function by increasing the quantity of certain brain chemicals that improve concentration, decrease fatigue, and boost alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. They are available as the form of a morning-only formulation or a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, for example lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care team might also suggest psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. It is important to monitor the effectiveness of medicines over time. This is challenging.
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Non-stimulant medications
About 15%-30% of kids do not respond to stimulants and it's likely that this is the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to take effect and it can take up to several weeks to begin to notice any effects. They don't come with the same negative side effects and are a better choice if you cannot tolerate stimulants or are afraid of addiction.
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