Tips For Explaining ADD Treatments For Adults To Your Mom

ADHD Treatments For Adults

Many of the same treatments that work for children suffering from ADHD are also effective for adults. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. They could also include the combination of these therapies.

Stimulant Medicines

The drugs increase the availability of certain brain chemicals that help control self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants belonging to the amphetamine group like the amphetamine lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).

Stimulant Medications

Stimulants speed up the body and can result in increased mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added in coffee and tea) nicotine, prescription drugs that treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants, they can cause overstimulation which can result in anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They can also trigger aggression and anxiety and. For some, long-term usage of stimulants can harm the functioning of the dopamine system in the brain and dampen feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available as liquids, patches or pills. In the absence of legality, abused stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.

The drugs in this class are also known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the quantity of certain chemicals in the brain that improve concentration, decrease fatigue and increase alertness. They are the first line treatment for adults with ADD or untreated adhd in adults symptoms and treatment and anxiety (olderworkers.com.Au). These medications may be a quick-acting formula that is taken in the morning, or a more prolonged-acting medication that is active in the body for most of the day such as the lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin).

The health care provider may also recommend psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medications over time is important and is an extremely complex process.

Non-stimulant Medications

About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant drugs, and it's likely that this is true for adults too. Non-stimulant medications take longer to kick in and can take up to a few weeks for you feel any effects. However, they don't have the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants and may be a better option for those who are unable to tolerate the effects of stimulants or are worried about addiction.