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Blog entry by Trey Ash

Why We Are In Love With ADD Treatments For Adults (And You Should Too!)

Why We Are In Love With ADD Treatments For Adults (And You Should Too!)

Adhd Treatment Treatments For Adults

Adults can benefit from many of the same treatments as children. These treatments include treating adhd without medication, counseling (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. They may also involve the combination of these treatments.

general-medical-council-logo.pngStimulant Medications

These drugs work by increasing the availability of certain brain chemicals that help control attention and self-regulation. They include methylphenidate sold as Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family like lisdexamphetamine. It is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.

Stimulant Medications

Stimulants boost the body's metabolism and can lead to increased alertness to the mind and physical activity. These include legal substances such as caffeine (added in coffee and Adhd Treatment tea), nicotine, and prescription medications used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may create over-stimulation, which can cause anxiety heart palpitations, high blood pressure as well as paranoia and aggression. In some people, long-term use of stimulants may damage the the brain's dopamine system and decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. The stimulants are available as pills, liquids, or patches. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.

Medications in this class are also called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They work by increasing the quantity of certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. They are the first line evidence based treatment for adhd in adults for adults with ADD or adhd overstimulation treatment. They can be a short-acting formula taken in the morning or a longer-acting medicine that is active throughout the duration of the day, such as Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin).

The health care team might also suggest psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medications over time. This is challenging.

Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants

Around 15%-30% of children don't respond how to get diagnosed and treated for adhd stimulant medications and it's possible that this is the case for adults as well. The non-stimulant medications take longer time to work and may take a few weeks for you feel any effects. They don't have the same side effects and are a better option for those who are unable to tolerate stimulants or fear of addiction.

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