Considerations in Treating Adult Attention Deficit Disorder with Medication

For years, medicine has made the error of taking data from one group and applying it uncritically to a completely different group. Women, for instance, do not respond well to the heart disease interventions commonly used in men. And many adults do not respond as well to the attention deficit disorder medications used in children.

There are several things to consider when medicating an adult with attention deficit disorder. This article looks at some of the main issues.

Overall Health

Most children who receive medication for attention deficit disorder are fairly healthy. As the human body ages, however, organs may not work as efficiently. The heart may develop blockages (atherosclerosis) and the liver and kidneys may exhibit decreased functioning so they do not clear substances from the body as quickly as they once did. Any doctor considering the use of adult attention deficit disorder medication should run some simple blood tests to make sure the patient is healthy enough to take the medication.

Polypharmacy

Polypharmacy is a term used to describe the use of several medications in the same patient. Children who take attention deficit disorder medication usually don't take a lot of other medications. Adults, however, may take several other medications, including birth control, medications to control high blood pressure or cholesterol, medications for mental health disorders such as depression, heart medications, gastric reflux medications, etc. Some of these medications may have dangerous interactions with adult attention deficit disorder medications.

Before starting a new medication, always give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of the medications you are already taking.

Potential for Abuse

Some adults want to take attention deficit disorder medication for the wrong reasons. Some, for instance, like to crush extended release tablets and then snort them for an immediate, intense high. Others request high levels of stimulants in an effort to control their weight.

Success Rate of Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Medications

Overall, studies suggest that using stimulants to treat adult attention deficit disorder is effective 60 to 80 per cent of the time. Adults who don't respond well to stimulants may want to consider other options. The use of antidepressants and mood stabilizers, for instance, has been shown to help reduce adult attention deficit disorder symptoms.

If you are an adult with attention deficit disorder symptoms, talk to your doctor or a psychiatrist about your treatment options. You may be surprised at what a huge difference controlling adult deficit disorder symptoms can play in your life.