ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same therapies that are effective for children with ADHD are also effective for adults. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. These treatments may consist of a combination.
Stimulant Medications
These medications work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that help control self-regulation and attention. They include the methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants in the amphetamine class including Lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
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Stimulants speed up the body and can cause increased mental alertness and physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, and prescription medications used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may result in over-stimulation and cause anxiety heart palpitations, hypertension as well as paranoia and aggression. For some long-term use of stimulants can damage the functioning of the brain's dopamine system and reduce pleasure feelings. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches. Cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines are stimulants which can be gotten illegally and used to abuse.
The drugs in this class are known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the quantity of certain brain chemicals which improve concentration, reduce fatigue and increase alertness. They are the first line of treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. These medicines can be a formula that acts quickly taken in the morning or a longer-acting medicine that stays active in the body for most of the day. Examples include lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin).
The health care team may also suggest psychosocial interventions, like psychotherapy or education. It is important to monitor the effectiveness of medication over time. This can be a difficult task.
Non-stimulant medications
About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant medications, and it's likely that this is the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant drugs take longer to work and may take a few weeks for you feel any effects. However, they don't have the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants, and could be a better choice in case you aren't able to take them or are worried about addiction.