ADHD Treatments For Adults

Many of the same treatments for adhd that are effective for children with untreated adhd in female adults can also be used to treat adults. These include medicine as well as counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They can also involve a combination of these treatments.

Stimulant Medications

These medications work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling attention and self-regulation. These include methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Drugs To treat Adhd Concerta) and stimulants belonging to the amphetamine group including lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).

Stimulant Medicines

Stimulants are medications that stimulate the body's systems and can result in greater mental alertness and increased physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, and prescription medications used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety, heart palpitations, high blood pressure as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction and reduce feelings of satisfaction. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches that go on the skin. Cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines are stimulants that can be obtained illegally and abused.

These drugs are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They work by increasing certain brain chemicals that improve concentration, decrease tiredness and increase alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first by these medications. They are available as an all-day formula or a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, for example lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.

The health care team can also suggest psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy or educational. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medications over time. This is an extremely difficult task.

Non-stimulant Medications

About 15% to 30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant medication, and this is likely to be the case for adults as well. The non-stimulant drugs to treat adhd are slower to begin working, and may take a few weeks before you begin to notice the effects. They don't come with the same adverse effects of untreated adhd in adults, and are a better choice when you are not able to take stimulants or are afraid of addiction.