ADHD Treatments For Adults


Adults are able to benefit from the same treatments as children. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy), and life skills training. These treatments may consist of a combination.

Stimulant Medicines

These medications work by increasing brain chemicals that regulate attention and self regulation. They include methylphenidate available under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family such as lisdexamphetamine. This is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.

Stimulant Medications

Stimulants are substances that boost the body's systems and can increase levels of alertness in the mind and greater physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added in tea and coffee) nicotine, prescription medications used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can result in over-stimulation and cause anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as high blood pressure, aggression and paranoia. For some long-term use of stimulants may damage the functioning of the brain's dopamine system and reduce pleasure feelings. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches. Cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines are stimulants that can be obtained from a criminal and then used.

The medications 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 boost alertness. They are the first line of treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. They are available as a morning-only formula or in longer-acting formulations that remain active throughout the day, like the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.

The health care team might also recommend psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medicines over time. This can be an extremely difficult task.

Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants

About 15%-30% of kids do not respond to stimulants and it's possible that this is the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to start working, and may take some time before you begin to notice the effects. treatment adult adhd don't come with the same negative side effects and are a better option if you cannot tolerate stimulants or fear addiction.