ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults can benefit from many of the same treatments as children. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments can comprise a mix of.
Stimulant Medicines
These medications work by increasing brain chemicals that regulate self-regulation and attention. These include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants from the amphetamine group like Lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants speed up the body and can result in an increase in mental alertness and physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to tea and coffee) and nicotine, and prescription drugs that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In adhd natural treatment of stimulants, they can cause overstimulation, which can cause anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They can also trigger anxiety and paranoia. For some long-term, use of stimulants may damage the the dopamine system in the brain and dampen feelings of pleasure. Stimulants can be taken in pill form, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin. Cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines are stimulants which can be obtained illegally and used to abuse.
The medications in this class are called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They function by increasing the quantity of certain chemicals in the brain which improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. They are the initial line of treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. They are available as a morning-only formula or in a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, for example methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team might also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. It is important to monitor the effectiveness of medicines over time. This is a difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
About 15% to 30% of children do not respond to stimulant drugs and this is probably true for adults too. The non-stimulant medications take longer time to kick in and may take a few weeks for you notice any effects. However, they don't carry the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants and may be a better option in case you aren't able to take these medications or are concerned about addiction.