ADHD Treatments For Adults Adults can benefit from the same therapies as children. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. They may also involve the combination of these therapies. Stimulant Medicines These drugs work by increasing the supply of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling attention and self-regulation. These include the methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants in the amphetamine class, such as lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse). Stimulant Medicines Stimulants increase the body's energy and can cause an increase in mental alertness and physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added in tea and coffee) nicotine, prescription drugs used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may create over-stimulation, which can cause anxiety heart palpitations, high blood pressure, paranoia and aggression. In some people, long-term use of stimulants can damage the functioning of the dopamine system in the brain and dampen feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches that go on the skin. Illegally obtained and abused stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
The health care team might also suggest psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medications over time is vital and can be an extremely difficult task. Non-stimulant Medications Around 15%-30% of children do not respond to stimulants, and it's likely that this is true for adults too. Non-stimulant medications are slower to begin working, and may take a few weeks before you notice the effects. However, they don't carry the same risk of side effects as stimulants and may be a better choice for those who are unable to tolerate these medications or are concerned about addiction. |