ADHD Treatments For Adults


Many of the same therapies that work for children suffering from ADHD also treat adults. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy), and life skills training. They may also involve some combination of these therapies.

Stimulant Medicines

These drugs work by increasing the supply of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling attention and self-regulation. They include methylphenidate, sold under the names Ritalin and Concerta, and stimulants in the amphetamine family such as lisdexamphetamine. This is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.

Stimulant Medicines

Stimulants speed up the body and can cause an increase in 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), narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In adhd untreated in adults , stimulants can result in over-stimulation and cause anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as high blood pressure as well as paranoia and aggression. In some people, long-term use of stimulants can damage the the brain's dopamine system, which can dampen feelings of pleasure. Stimulants are available in pill form, liquids or patches that go on the skin. In the absence of legality, abused stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.

These drugs are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They work by increasing certain brain chemicals that boost concentration, decrease fatigue, and boost alertness. They are the first line of treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. These medicines can be a formula that acts quickly used in the morning or a longer-acting medicine that remains active throughout the course of the day. adult adhd treatments include lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin).

The health care provider may also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of medication over time. This can be an extremely difficult task.

Non-stimulant Medications

About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant medications and it's possible that this is the case for adults too. Non-stimulant medicines take longer to start working, and can sometimes take a few weeks before you begin to notice the effects. However, they don't carry the same risk of side effects as stimulants and may be a better option in case you aren't able to take these medications or are concerned about addiction.