adhd Treatment For adults uk Treatments For Adults

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

Stimulant Medicines

These drugs work by increasing brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. These include the methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants belonging to the amphetamine group, such as the amphetamine lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).

Stimulant Medications

Stimulants are drugs that stimulate the body's system and may increase mental alertness and more physical activity. They include legal substances like caffeine (added in tea and coffee) nicotine, as well as prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as hypertension, aggression and paranoia. For some long-term use of stimulants can damage the functioning of the dopamine system in the brain and decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. The stimulants are available as liquids, patches or pills. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.

These medications are also called central nervous system stimulants. They work by increasing certain brain chemicals which improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and untreated adhd in adults are treated first by these drugs. These medicines are available in the form of a morning-only formulation or longer-acting formulations that are active throughout the day, like methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.

The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions like psychotherapy or education. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is important, and can be an extremely complex process.

Non-stimulant Medications

About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant drugs and it's possible that this is the case for adults too. The non-stimulant drugs are slower to begin working, and can sometimes take several weeks before you feel the effects. They do not have the same adverse effects, and are a better choice for those who are unable to tolerate stimulants or fear of addiction.