ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from many of the same treatments that children receive. These treatments include medicine and counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments can comprise a mix of.
Stimulant Medications
These drugs work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that help control attention and self-regulation. They include methylphenidate available under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family like lisdexamphetamine. It is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants are substances that speed up the body's systems and may cause higher mental alertness and increased physical activity. They include legal substances like caffeine (added in coffee and tea) nicotine, as well as prescription drugs that treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In holistic treatment for adhd of stimulants they can trigger overstimulation which can lead to anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They may also cause aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine system in the brain to malfunction and reduce feelings of pleasure. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin. Cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines are stimulants that can be gotten illegally and used to abuse.
The medications in this class are also known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the quantity of certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. They are the initial line of treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. These medicines are available in an all-day formula or longer-acting formulations that are active throughout the day, like lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care provider may also suggest psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of medicines over time. This can be an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant medications
About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant drugs and it's possible that this is true for adults as well. Non-stimulant medicines take longer to start working, and it can take several weeks before you begin to notice the effects. They don't come with the same negative side effects and are a better choice when you are not able to take stimulants or fear addiction.