The Ultimate Glossary For Terms Related To ADD Treatments For Adults

add treatments for adults  For Adults

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

Stimulant Medicines

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

Stimulant Medications

Stimulants are substances that speed up the body's systems and can increase mental alertness and more physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added in coffee and tea), nicotine, and prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as 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. In some people long-term use of stimulants may damage the functioning of the brain's dopamine system and decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.

These drugs are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They work by boosting certain brain chemicals that improve concentration, decrease fatigue, and boost alertness. They are the first line of 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, for example lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.

The health care team might also recommend psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. It is important to monitor the effectiveness of medicines over time. This can be challenging.

Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants

About 15% to 30% of children do not respond to stimulant medications, and this is likely to be the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant medicines are slower to begin working, and can sometimes take several weeks before you feel the effects. They don't have the same negative side effects and are a better option when you are not able to take stimulants or are afraid of addiction.