How To Get More Value From Your ADD Treatments For Adults

I Am Psychiatry  For Adults

Adults are able to benefit from many of the same treatments as children. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy), and life skills training. These treatments could consist of a combination.

Stimulant Medications

These medications work by increasing the supply of certain brain chemicals that help control attention and self-regulation. They include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants belonging to the amphetamine group like lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).

Stimulant Medicines

Stimulants increase the body's energy and can lead to increased mental alertness and physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to tea and coffee) and nicotine, and prescription medicines used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may result in over-stimulation and cause anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as high blood pressure, aggression and paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine receptors in the brain to malfunction and reduce feelings of happiness. The stimulants are available in pill form, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin. In the absence of legality, abused stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.

The medications in this class are known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They function by increasing the quantity of certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, reduce fatigue and increase alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. They can be a short-acting formula used in the morning or a longer-acting medicine that stays active in the body for most of the day. Examples include Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin).

The health care team can also recommend psychosocial interventions, like psychotherapy or education. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medicines over time. This can be challenging.

Non-stimulant Medicines

About 15%-30% of children do not respond to stimulant medication and this is probably true for adults too. Non-stimulant medications are slower to begin working, and it can take a few weeks before you begin to notice the effects. They don't come with the same adverse effects, and are a better option for those who are unable to tolerate stimulants or fear of addiction.