12 Stats About ADD Treatments For Adults To Make You Take A Look At Other People
ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same treatments that work for children with ADHD can also be used to treat adults. These treatments include medicine, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. adult add treatments may also involve the combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medications
These medications work by increasing brain chemicals that regulate attention and self regulation. adhd untreated in adults include methylphenidate, which is available under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta, and stimulants in the amphetamine family such as lisdexamphetamine, which is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants are medications that stimulate the body's systems and may cause higher 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 cause overstimulation, which can cause anxiety, heart palpitations and high blood pressure. They can also trigger aggression and paranoia. For some long-term use of stimulants may damage the the brain's dopamine system, which can decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. Stimulants are available in pill form, liquids or patches that can be applied to the skin. Cocaine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines are stimulants that can be obtained illegally and abused.
These medications are also called central nervous system stimulants. They work by increasing certain chemicals in the brain which improve concentration, reduce fatigue and improve alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first by these medications. These medicines are available in a morning-only formula or in longer-acting formulations that are active throughout the day, such as lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care team can also recommend psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy or educational. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is vital and can be an extremely complex process.
Non-stimulant Medicines
About 15% to 30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant drugs, and this is likely to be the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant medications are slower to begin working, and it can take some time before you begin to notice the effects. However, they don't have the same risk of side effects as stimulants and can be a better option for those who are unable to tolerate these medications or are concerned about addiction.