The Intermediate Guide For ADD Treatments For Adults
ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from the same therapies as children. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They may also involve a combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medications
The drugs increase the availability of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling self-regulation and attention. These include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants in the amphetamine class, such as lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants increase the body's energy and can result in an increase in mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, as well as prescription medications that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may result in over-stimulation and cause anxiety heart palpitations, hypertension as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of happiness. The stimulants are available as pills, liquids or patches. In the absence of legality, abused stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
The medications in this class are also known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They function by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the brain that improve concentration, decrease fatigue, and improve alertness. They are the initial line of treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. These medicines can be a formula that acts quickly taken in the morning or a longer-acting drug that stays active throughout the duration of the day. Examples include the lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin).
The health care provider may also suggest psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. Monitoring adhd treatment adults of medications over time is vital and is a complex task.
Non-stimulant medications
About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant drugs, and it's likely that this is the case for adults too. Non-stimulant drugs take longer to take effect and it may take a few weeks for you begin to notice any effects. However, they don't have the same risk of side effects as stimulants and may be a better choice if you can't tolerate the effects of stimulants or are worried about addiction.