20 Fun Informational Facts About ADD Treatments For Adults
ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same treatments that work for children suffering from ADHD are also effective for adults. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy), and life skills training. These treatments could include a combination.
Stimulant Medications
These drugs work by increasing the supply of certain brain chemicals that help control attention and self-regulation. They include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants in the amphetamine class, such as the amphetamine lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are drugs that boost the body's system and may result in greater mental alertness and more physical activity. These include legal substances such as caffeine (added in coffee and tea), nicotine, and prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants they can cause overstimulation, which can result in anxiety, heart palpitations and high blood pressure. They may also cause anxiety and paranoia. For some long-term use of stimulants can damage the the brain's dopamine system, which can decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches that go on the skin. Methamphetamines, cocaine, and amphetamines are stimulants which can be obtained illegally and used to abuse.
The medications in this class are known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They work by increasing the quantity of certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and improve alertness. I Am Psychiatry with ADD and ADHD are treated first with these drugs. These medicines are available in a morning-only formula or in longer-acting formulations that are active throughout the day, for example methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team can also recommend psychosocial interventions, like psychotherapy or education. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medications over time. This can be an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant medications
About 15%-30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant medication, and this is likely applicable to adults as well. The non-stimulant drugs take longer to begin working, and may take several weeks before you feel the effects. They don't come with the same side effects and are a better choice if you cannot tolerate stimulants or fear of addiction.