ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the first treatment most doctors recommend. They can help regulate levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Antidepressants, as well as Atomoxetine (Strattera), can also reduce symptoms, but they do so more slowly.
Psychotherapy, along with cognitive behavioral therapy, aids adults improve their organizational and planning skills. Coaching and psychotherapy are effective in improving social functioning.
Medicines
You can take medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people may be able to improve their condition by changing their diet or taking supplements, but these should only be used under the guidance of a physician. Other treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as family counseling. Many adults suffering from ADHD struggle to stay on their medication. They should consult their doctor and ask for assistance. Certain medications are available over the counter, while others require a prescription.
Most ADHD medications help by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This decreases impulsivity and improves concentration. Some of the most popular drugs are stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Although they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD however, they can also cause side effects. Some of these side effects can be severe, like cardiovascular problems. In addition, stimulants can cause the appearance of tics, like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth by a few month in children and teenagers.
Nonstimulant medicines are prescribed to people who suffer from uncontrollable side effects from stimulants, or who are at risk of heart disease. These are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine or alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. treatment for adults with add 're not as effective as stimulants, however they are safe and don't carry the potential for abuse as some people have with stimulant medications.
You can try to reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a structured schedule, creating and adhering to a budget, improving the organization skills, learning more about your disorder and devising strategies to deal with your symptoms. It is recommended to talk with a professional to learn about the best way to manage your condition. You can find a wealth of information on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your relationships may be strained because of your ADHD symptoms. You can improve your relationships by speaking with a therapist and taking classes on conflict resolution. You can improve your relationships with your spouse or co-workers by having them understand your ADHD and by making them aware that your behavior is not intentional.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can have significant emotional, social and occupational consequences. This can lead to lower academic achievement as well as higher rates of job loss and transfer, poor performance at work as well as a higher number of car accidents, and higher divorce rates than the general population (Spencer and colleagues 2007). The comorbidity of anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs is common in adults with ADHD. Patients with multiple conditions may have a harder time responding to stimulant medication (Barkley & Gordon 2002).
A detailed patient history is essential, since many medical conditions can manifest similar to symptoms of ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea thyroid disorders and lead poisoning should be careful to be evaluated. Patients who abuse substances, or those with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure are contraindicated from receiving stimulant treatments (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy encompasses behavioral therapy and psychoeducation for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychoeducation involves teaching patients about their disorder, including its effects on different aspects of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can help patients build their self-esteem, especially those who are frequently viewed as inept or unintelligent.
The goal of the therapy for adults who suffer from ADHD, is to improve their ability to organize their lives and teach them how to organize their time. This can reduce the chances of missing appointments and making impulsive choices that can result in problems at the workplace, at school or with their personal lives. This type of therapy can aid in improving the effectiveness of one's interactions with children, spouses and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is aimed at helping people change their negative behaviour patterns. This type of therapy is extremely efficient in improving the performance of people suffering from ADHD particularly when it is paired with psychoeducation and family therapy. The process of educating patients and close friends about ADHD can help decrease the likelihood of blaming each other for the problems caused by the patient's inability to control his or her behavior. Classes that train couples and families to communicate more effectively and improve their strategies for resolving conflicts can help.
Counseling
A well-designed treatment plan will address the symptoms of ADHD and their effects on school, work and the family. It will include non-stimulant and stimulant medication, as well as psychosocial treatment, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change their thinking about their behavior. It also teaches patients how to manage their symptoms, and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. There are a variety of stimulant medications, all with their own benefits and side-effects. The two most popular stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine that are available under many different brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. Viloxazine is a selective reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine boosts the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine and Atomoxetine are frequently used to treat ADHD in adults since they are less likely to cause symptoms than stimulants. They are also available to those who are unable to take stimulants due to other health conditions or severe adverse effects.
It's important to recognize that comorbid disorders can mimic the symptoms of ADHD So the severity and presence of any other conditions must be considered when making an ADHD diagnosis. It's also important to rule out physical causes for the symptoms, such as an underlying thyroid disorder or problems with hearing and vision.
Some patients may also be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by making changes to their diet. However, it's essential to seek medical advice before cutting out any foods that could result in nutritional deficiencies. This should only be done with the assistance of a doctor or dietician. Counseling can help patients cope with their symptoms, and improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can also help spouses understand that the patient's behavior is not necessarily a sign of a lack of love or a deliberate act of infractions.
Education
Both patients and doctors can be confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD and certain medications and medical conditions can also cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Many of these problems can be addressed with treatments or lifestyle modifications. A person with ADHD might benefit by taking supplements or altering their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy can teach the person to be more resistant to distractions and impulsiveness, improve the focus of his mind and develop self-control. A doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, both of which can aid in controlling emotions and improve concentration.
A complete history of symptoms is crucial as is a physical exam. A doctor can also examine the patient for sleep apnea, hearing or vision problems, thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and alcohol or drug abuse. In addition to determining the presence of an underlying cause these tests can help rule out or reduce the effects of other conditions that could cause a patient's ADHD-like behavior.
When a doctor recommends medication for ADHD, the most common ones are stimulants like dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant drugs include clonidine and Guanfacine. These blood pressure medicines can help with hyperactivity and impulsivity, but can take longer to work and may cause side effects such as heartburn, constipation, and low sex desire.
People suffering from ADHD frequently miss appointments, are late for work, and make irrational choices that can be a challenge for even the most forgiving family members and friends. Couples therapy or classes that improve communication skills can help sufferers establish solid relationships.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction can all play a role in managing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have discovered that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements helps them, but it's important to consult a physician before trying these therapies. If you do this without consulting with a physician this could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.