ADHD Treatments For Adults

Adults can benefit from many of the same treatments as children. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy), and life skills training. They could also include a combination of these therapies.

Stimulant Medicines

These medications work by increasing the supply of certain brain chemicals that help control attention and self-regulation. They include methylphenidate, available under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta as well as stimulants belonging to the amphetamine family such as lisdexamphetamine. This is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.

Stimulant Medicines

Stimulants speed up the body and can result in an increase in mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances such as caffeine (added in tea and coffee) nicotine, prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants, they can cause overstimulation which can lead to anxiety, heart palpitations and high blood pressure. They may also cause aggression and anxiety and. In some people long-term usage symptoms of untreated adhd in adults stimulants can harm the the brain's dopamine system and decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches that go on the skin. In the absence of legality, abused stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.

Medications in this class are also called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They work by increasing the quantity of certain chemicals in the brain which improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and improve alertness. Adults with ADD and natural Adhd treatment Reddit are treated first with these medications. These medicines are available in a morning-only formula or in a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, for example the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.

The health care team might also suggest psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medication over time. This can be challenging.

Non-stimulant Medications

About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant drugs, and it's likely that this is true for adults as well. Non-stimulant drugs take longer to work and may take several weeks to notice any effects. However, they don't have the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants, and could be a better choice for those who are unable to tolerate them or are worried about addiction.