adhd psychological treatment for adhd in adults - This Internet page - Treatments For Adults

Many of the same therapies that work for children with ADHD also treat adults. These include medicine, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They may also involve some combination of these treatments.

Stimulant Medicines

These drugs work by increasing the availability of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling attention and self-regulation. They include methylphenidate, sold as Ritalin and Concerta, and stimulants in the amphetamine family like lisdexamphetamine. It is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.

Stimulant Medicines

Stimulants are drugs that stimulate the body's system and may cause higher mental alertness and more physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to tea and coffee) and nicotine, and prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants, they can cause overstimulation, which can cause 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 and reduce feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches that go on the skin. Illegally obtained and abused stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.

The medications in this class are also known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the brain that improve concentration, decrease fatigue, and boost alertness. They are the first line treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. These medicines are available in a morning-only formula or in longer-acting formulations that remain active throughout the day, such as lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.

The health care team could also recommend psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy or education. Monitoring the effectiveness of medications over time is crucial and can be a complex task.

non pharmacological treatment for adhd-stimulant Medications

About 15%-30 percentage of children don't respond to stimulant drugs and this is probably true for adults too. Non-stimulant medicines are slower natural ways to treat adhd begin working, and can sometimes take several weeks before you notice the effects. They don't come with the same negative side effects and are a better option for those who are unable to tolerate stimulants or fear signs of untreated adhd addiction.