Diagnosing and Treating Adult ADHD

The somewhat counterintuitive use of stimulants to treat hyperactivity disorders was first described in 1937, when a Dr. Bradley from Rhode Island noticed that children with behavior problems seemed to improve when treated with amphetamines. However, it wasn't until 1978 that ADHD was recognized as a disorder that could affect adults as well as children.

Adult ADHD is generally diagnosed using a checklist. Four or more marks in the top portion of the checklist is a strong indicator for Adult ADHD. (For what it's worth, in my case the first six questions read like an autobiography.)

The treatment of Adult ADHD is highly dependent on the level of imparement and the particular health care provider. In my case, my heath care provider offered me a typical self-directed treatment regimen of lifestyle changes (yoga and diet changes, primarily), and medication (non-stimulant or stimulant, at my option).

The drug I ended up being prescribed, Adderall, is a mixture of four amphetamine salts in equal proportion:

• amphetamine aspartate,
• amphetamine sulfate,
• dextroamphetamine saccharate, and
  
• dextroamphetamine sulfate.

It is claimed that this formulation has fast-acting and slow-acting components, reducing the peaks and valleys generally associated with amphetamine use. Though the particulars of this process are still somewhat unknown, Adderall has overtaken Ritalin (active ingredient, methylphenidate) in the marketplace for ADHD treatment because it is more convenient, requiring only one dose per day (as opposed to Ritalin's two) to be effective.

Other medication options include the non-stimulant Strattera (active ingredient, atomoxetine) and the antidepressant Wellbutrin (active ingredient, bupropion).

I chose Adderall over the other options for two reasons:

1. The way that amphetamines such as Adderall affect the body is very well-known, while antidepressants are still somewhat mysterious.
2. I don't want to be constantly medicated. Non-stimulant medications for ADHD must be taken continuously for a week or two before they take full effect. Stimulant medications such as Adderall can be safely taken when necessary and not taken when not necessary.

(My current prescription is for a generic form of Adderall, 20mg, one tablet per day or as needed. Generally, a 90-day supply lasts me for six or seven months.)