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?

DR. HELLER'S 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.

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