QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
I don't know if this is a question for you or if you could direct me in the right direction. Should a 22 year old who still has ADD/ADHD still be taking Ritalin or is there another possibility?
ANSWER:
The answer is an emphatic yes to his still taking Ritalin. He'll likely need
higher doses as well (Mass General, J Clin Psychopharmacol, Aug 1995 - "The
literature appears to support the use of robust doses of both stimulants and
antidepressants for ADHD in adults.").
For most individuals with ADHD the "disorder" continues throughout life, because
it's usually a genetic trait.
There are other options including Dexedrine or Adderall. I generally prefer Ritalin.
Cylert is another possibility, but can cause liver problems and will make the BPD worse.
Some antidepressants can help, particularly with the hyperactivity (Wellbutrin).
Untreated adults with ADHD have a significantly increased risk of accidents, substance
abuse, legal problems, divorces and difficulty with their jobs. This has been shown all
over the world.
