20 Trailblazers Leading The Way In ADD Treatments For Adults
ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same therapies that work for children suffering from ADHD can also be used to treat adults. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy), and life skills training. These treatments can consist of a combination.
Stimulant Medicines
The drugs increase brain chemicals that regulate attention and self regulation. These include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants from the amphetamine group like the amphetamine lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are substances that stimulate the body's systems and can result in greater levels of alertness in the mind and greater physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, and prescription medicines that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may result in over-stimulation and cause anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as hypertension as well as paranoia and aggression. In some people long-term use of stimulants may damage the the brain's dopamine system, which can decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. Stimulants can be taken in pill form, liquids or patches that can be applied to the skin. Illegally obtained and abused stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
They are also known as central nervous system stimulants. treating add work by boosting certain brain chemicals that boost concentration, decrease tiredness and increase alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first with these drugs. They are available as a morning-only formula or in longer-acting formulations that remain active throughout the day, such as lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care provider may also suggest psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of medicines over time. This is a difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medicines
About 15%-30% of kids do not respond to stimulants and it's likely that this is the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to start working, and it can take several weeks before you notice the effects. They don't come with the same adverse effects, and are a better choice when you are not able to take stimulants or are afraid of addiction.
