ADHD Treatments For Adults

Adults can benefit from the same treatments as children. These treatments include medicine as well as counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They can also involve some combination of these therapies.

Stimulant Medications

These medications work by increasing the brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants belonging to the amphetamine group including Lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).

Stimulant Medicines

Stimulants increase the body's energy and can cause increased mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances such as caffeine (added in tea and coffee), nicotine, and prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may result in over-stimulation and cause anxiety, heart palpitations, hypertension, paranoia and aggression. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction and reduce feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available in pills, non medication treatment for adhd adults liquids, or patches that can be applied to the skin. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include copyright, methamphetamines and amphetamines.

Medications in this class are also called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. They are the first line of treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. These medications can be a short-acting formula that is taken in the morning, or a more prolonged-acting medication that is active in the body for most of the day. Examples include the lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin, Concerta).

The health care provider may also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of medications over time. This is a difficult task.

Non-stimulant Medications

About 15%-30% of kids do not respond to stimulants and it's likely that this is the case for adults too. The non-stimulant drugs take longer to start working, and may take a few weeks before you begin to notice the effects. They do not have the same side effects and are a better option if you cannot tolerate stimulants or are afraid of addiction.