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Blog entry by Libby Alleyne

Be On The Lookout For: How ADD Treatments For Adults Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It

Be On The Lookout For: How ADD Treatments For Adults Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It

adhd in adults untreated Treatments For Adults

Many of the same therapies that are effective for children with ADHD are also effective for adults. These treatments include medicine, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments may comprise a mix of.

iampsychiatry-logo-wide.pngStimulant Medicines

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

Stimulant Medications

Stimulants are medications that speed up the body's systems and may result in greater mental alertness and more physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added how to get Treated for adhd in adults coffee and tea) and nicotine, and prescription medicines 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 heart palpitations, high blood pressure, paranoia and aggression. In some people long-term use of stimulants may damage the functioning of the brain's dopamine system, which can dampen feelings of pleasure. Stimulants can be taken in pill form, liquids or patches that can be applied to the skin. Cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines are stimulants which can be obtained illegally and abused.

These medications are also called central nervous system stimulants. They work by boosting certain chemicals in the mind that improve concentration, decrease tiredness and increase alertness. Adults with ADD and adhd symptoms treatment are treated first with these drugs. These medicines can be a formula that acts quickly used in the morning or a longer-acting medicine that remains active in the body for most of the day. Examples include lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin).

The health care team might also suggest psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, how to get treated for adhd in adults education or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medications over time is crucial and can be an extremely complex process.

Non-stimulant Medications

general-medical-council-logo.pngAround 15% to 30% of children do not respond to stimulants, and it's likely that this what is adhd treatment for adults true for adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to begin working, and may take some time before you feel the effects. They do not have the same adverse effects, and are a better choice if you cannot tolerate stimulants or fear addiction.

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