A Brief History Of The Evolution Of ADD Treatments For Adults

ADHD Treatments For Adults

Adults can benefit from the same treatments that children receive. These include medicine as well as counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training.  treatment of add in adults  can also involve a combination of these therapies.

Stimulant Medicines

These medications work by increasing the brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, which is sold under the names Ritalin and Concerta, and stimulants in the amphetamine family, such as lisdexamphetamine, which is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.

Stimulant Medications

Stimulants are substances that speed up the body's system and may result in greater mental alertness and increased physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added in tea and coffee), nicotine, and prescription drugs that treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants they can cause overstimulation which can cause anxiety, heart palpitations and high blood pressure. They can also trigger anxiety and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine system in the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of satisfaction. Stimulants are available in pill form, liquids or patches that go on the skin. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.

They are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They work by boosting certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, decrease fatigue, and boost alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first by these medications. These medications can be a short-acting formula used in the morning or a more prolonged-acting medication that is active in the body for most of the day, such as lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin).

The health care provider may also suggest psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is vital, and can be an extremely difficult task.

Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants

About 15% to 30 percentage of children don't respond to stimulant medications and this is probably true for adults too. Non-stimulant drugs take longer to work and could take as long as several weeks to begin to notice any effects. They do not have the same negative side effects and are a better choice if you cannot tolerate stimulants or fear of addiction.