20 Trailblazers Lead The Way In ADD Treatments For Adults

20 Trailblazers Lead The Way In ADD Treatments For Adults

ADHD Treatments For Adults

Adults can benefit from the same therapies as children. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy), and life skills training. These treatments may consist of a combination.

Stimulant Medicines



These medications work by increasing the availability of certain brain chemicals that help control attention and self-regulation. They include methylphenidate, available under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family, like lisdexamphetamine. It is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.

Stimulant Medications

Stimulants speed up the body and can cause increased mental alertness and physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added in tea and coffee), nicotine, and prescription medications used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as high blood pressure, aggression and paranoia. In some people long-term, use of stimulants may damage the the brain's dopamine system and dampen feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches that go on the skin. Methamphetamines, cocaine, and amphetamines are stimulants which can be purchased illegally and used to abuse.

These medications are also called central nervous system stimulants. They work by increasing certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, decrease fatigue, and boost alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first with these drugs. They can be a short-acting formula that is taken in the morning, or a more prolonged-acting medication that is active throughout the course of the day. Examples include Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin).

treat adult add  might also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is vital, and can be a complex task.

Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants

Around 15%-30% of children don't respond to stimulant medications, and it's likely that this is the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant drugs take longer to take effect and it may take several weeks before you begin to notice any effects. But, they don't come with the same risk of side effects as stimulants, and could be a better choice for those who are unable to tolerate the effects of stimulants or are worried about addiction.