ADD Treatments For Adults: A Simple Definition
ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same treatments that are effective for children with ADHD can also be used to treat adults. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. These treatments may include a combination.
adhd natural treatment work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, which is sold as Ritalin and Concerta, and stimulants in 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 cause increased mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances such as caffeine (added in tea and coffee) nicotine, as well as prescription medications used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as high blood pressure, paranoia and aggression. In some people long-term, use of stimulants may damage the the dopamine system in the brain and decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. The stimulants are available in liquids, patches or pills. Cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines are stimulants that can be obtained illegally and abused.
These drugs are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They function by increasing certain chemicals in the brain which improve concentration, reduce tiredness and increase alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first by these drugs. These medicines are available in an all-day formula or a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, like the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team can also suggest psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy or educational. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is crucial, and can be a complex task.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
About 15% to 30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant medications, and this is likely to be the case for adults as well. The non-stimulant drugs take longer to begin working, and may take a few weeks before you notice the effects. However, they don't carry the same danger of having side effects as stimulants and can be a better choice if you can't tolerate them or are worried about addiction.