adhd symptoms and treatment Treatments For Adults

Many of the same methods that are effective for children with adhd symptoms And treatment in Adults also treat adults. These treatments include medication as well as counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They can also involve a combination of these therapies.

Stimulant Medications

These medications used to treat adhd work by increasing the brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, sold under the names Ritalin and Concerta as well as stimulants belonging to the amphetamine family, like lisdexamphetamine. It is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.

Stimulant Medicines

Stimulants are substances that speed up the body's system and may cause higher mental alertness and increased physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added in tea and coffee) nicotine, prescription drugs that treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants they can cause overstimulation which can result in anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They may also cause anxiety and paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction and reduce feelings of satisfaction. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches. In the absence of legality, abused stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.

Medications in this class are known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They function by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that improve concentration, decrease fatigue, and boost alertness. Adults with ADD and undiagnosed adhd in adults treatment are treated first by these medications. They are available as the form symptoms of untreated adhd a morning-only formulation or longer-acting formulations that remain active throughout the day, such as lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.

The health care team might also suggest psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. It is important to monitor the effectiveness of medications over time. This is challenging.

Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants

About 15% to 30% of children do not respond to stimulant medications, and this is likely applicable to adults as well. Non-stimulant medicines take longer to start working, and may take a few weeks before you feel the effects. They don't have the same negative side effects and are a better option if you cannot tolerate stimulants or fear addiction.