12 Facts About ADD Treatments For Adults To Make You Think About The Other People
ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from the same therapies as children. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. They can also involve the combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. adhd untreated in adults include methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants from the amphetamine group including Lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are substances that boost the body's systems and can cause higher mental alertness and increased physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, as well as prescription medications used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants, they can cause overstimulation which can lead to anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They may also cause aggression and paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system in the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of happiness. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin. Cocaine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines are stimulants that can be purchased illegally and used to abuse.
The medications in this class are known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the quantity of certain brain chemicals which improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. They are the initial line of treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. They are available as an all-day formula or longer-acting formulations that remain active throughout the day, like methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions, like psychotherapy or education. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medications over time. This can be a difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medications
Around 15%-30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant drugs, and this is likely to be the case for adults as well. The non-stimulant medications take longer time to take effect and it may take several weeks to notice any effects. However, they don't have the same risk of side effects as stimulants and may be a better option in case you aren't able to take the effects of stimulants or are worried about addiction.