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. These treatments may comprise a mix of.

Stimulant Medicines

The drugs increase the availability of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling self-regulation and attention. These include methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants in the amphetamine class, such as Lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).

I Am Psychiatry Links to an external site. increase the body's energy and can cause increased mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added to tea and coffee) and nicotine, and prescription medications used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as high blood pressure as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of satisfaction. 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 abused.

They are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They work by boosting certain chemicals in the brain which improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. They are the initial line of treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. These medications may be a quick-acting formula that is taken in the morning, or a more prolonged-acting medication that remains active in the body for most of the day. Examples include the lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin).


The health care team might also recommend psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of medications over time. This is a difficult task.

Non-stimulant medications

About 15%-30 percentage of children don't respond to stimulant medications This is also to be the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant medicines are slower to begin working, and it can take a few weeks before you notice the 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.