Be On The Lookout For: How ADD Treatments For Adults Is Taking Over And What To Do About It
Be On The Lookout For: How ADD Treatments For Adults Is Taking Over And What To Do About It
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ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults can benefit from many of the same therapies as children. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. These treatments could consist of a combination.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that help control attention and self-regulation. They include methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants from the amphetamine group including lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants boost the body's metabolism and can cause an increase in mental alertness and physical activity. They include legal substances like caffeine (added in tea and coffee) nicotine, prescription drugs that treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may create over-stimulation, which can cause anxiety heart palpitations, hypertension, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine receptors in the brain to malfunction and reduce feelings of happiness. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches. Illegally obtained and abused stimulants include methamphetamines, copyright and amphetamines.
The drugs in this class are called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the brain which improve concentration, reduce fatigue and increase alertness. They are the initial line of treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. The medications are available in an all-day formula or longer-acting formulations that are active throughout the day, such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
The health care provider may also recommend psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is vital and can be a complex task.
Non-stimulant Medicines
Around 15%-30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant medication, and this is likely applicable to adults as well. Non-stimulant drugs take longer to kick in and may take several weeks before you notice any effects. They do not have the same negative side effects and are a better choice when you are not able to take stimulants or are afraid best treatment for adhd in adults of addiction.