ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from many of the same therapies as children. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. They may also involve some combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medications
These drugs work by increasing brain chemicals that regulate self-regulation and attention. They include the methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants belonging to the amphetamine group like the amphetamine lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are substances that boost the body's systems and can cause higher levels of alertness in the mind and greater physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added to tea and coffee) and nicotine, as well as prescription medicines used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants they can cause overstimulation which can cause anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They may also cause aggression and paranoia. In some people, long-term use of stimulants may damage the functioning of the brain's dopamine system, which can dampen feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available as pills, liquids, or patches. Cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines are stimulants which can be purchased illegally and abused.
These drugs are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They work by increasing certain chemicals in the mind that improve concentration, decrease fatigue and improve alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. These medicines are available in an all-day formula or a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, like the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team can also recommend psychosocial interventions, like psychotherapy or education. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is important, and can be an extremely complex process.
Non-stimulant Medications
About 15% to 30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant medications, and this is likely true for adults too. Non-stimulant drugs take longer to work and can take up to several weeks to begin to notice any effects. However, adhd treatments adults don't have the same danger of having side effects as stimulants and may be a better option for those who are unable to tolerate these medications or are concerned about addiction.