Why We Are In Love With ADD Treatments For Adults (And You Should Too!)
ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same treatments that work for children suffering from ADHD can also be used to treat adults. These treatments include medicine and counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments may consist of a combination.
Stimulant Medications
These medications work by increasing the brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, which is sold under the names Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family like lisdexamphetamine. It is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are substances that speed up the body's systems and may result in greater mental alertness and increased physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to tea and coffee) and nicotine, and prescription drugs that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants they can trigger overstimulation which can cause anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They may also cause aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine system in the brain to malfunction and reduce feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available as pills, liquids or patches. Methamphetamines, cocaine, and amphetamines are stimulants that can be purchased illegally and abused.
Medications in this class are also known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They work by increasing the quantity of certain brain chemicals that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. They are the initial line of treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. They may be a quick-acting formula that is taken in the morning, or a longer-acting medicine that stays active throughout the duration of the day. I Am Psychiatry include the lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin).
The health care provider may also recommend psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. It is important to monitor the effectiveness of medication over time. This is an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medications
Around 15%-30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant medications and this is probably to be the case for adults as well. The non-stimulant drugs take longer to begin working, and can sometimes take some time before you begin to notice the effects. They don't come with the same side effects and are a better choice when you are not able to take stimulants or fear addiction.