ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the first option that doctors recommend. They can help regulate levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants help to reduce symptoms, but they operate more slowly.
Psychotherapy, similar to cognitive behavioral therapy, helps adults to improve their organizational and planning skills. Coaching and psychotherapy can improve social functioning.
Medicines
If you have ADHD you may benefit from medication to manage your symptoms. Some people may be able to improve their condition through a change in their diet or taking supplements, however they should only be taken under a doctor's guidance. Other treatments can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and counseling for families. Certain adults with ADHD have difficulty staying on medication However, they should talk to their doctors and ask for help. Some medications are available over-the-counter, while others require prescriptions.
Most ADHD medications are based on increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. This decreases impulsivity and increases concentration. Some of the most popular drugs are stimulants like dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. They are thought to be the most effective for ADHD treatment, but they can have adverse effects. Some of these side effects can be severe, like cardiovascular problems. In addition, stimulants can cause tics, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth by a few month in teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant drugs are often prescribed for people who have uncontrollable adverse effects from stimulants or are at risk of heart issues. These are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine or alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants, but are safe and don't offer the risk of abuse that some people experience with stimulant medications.
You can lessen your ADHD symptoms by following an established schedule, making and adhering to an exact budget, enhancing your organizational skills, learning about your condition and implementing strategies to deal with your symptoms. Talk to a doctor about the best strategies to manage your ADHD. You will also find numerous useful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your ADHD symptoms can affect your relationships. Talking to a therapist about the way you interact with your spouse or co-workers and attending classes that teach conflict resolution can be helpful. You can improve your relationships with your coworkers or spouse by having them understand your ADHD and making them aware that your behavior is not malicious.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can have significant social, emotional, and occupational repercussions. These include lower academic success and higher rates of job failure and transfer, poor performance at work as well as a higher number of car accidents, and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer and colleagues 2007). Comorbidity between depression, anxiety and addiction to drugs is prevalent among adults suffering from ADHD. People with comorbid conditions might have a harder time responding to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon, 2002).
It is important to have an in-depth medical history of the patient because a wide range of medical conditions could manifest symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients suffering from developmental disorders, seizure disorder sleep apnea, thyroid disorders must be assessed more closely. Patients with active substance abuse or with certain medical conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure are not recommended from receiving stimulant therapy (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy encompasses psychoeducation and behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their disorder and its impact on their lives. Psychoeducation can also help improve self-esteem in patients who often face stigma, such as being viewed as lazy or less intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to teach patients how to organize their time and work and improve their organizational skills. This will to reduce the risk of not attending appointments or making impulsive decisions that can cause difficulties at work, school or in their personal life. This kind of therapy can aid in improving the effectiveness of an individual's interactions with children, spouses and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults who suffer from ADHD is geared towards helping individuals change their behaviors. This type of therapy is extremely efficient in improving the performance of those with ADHD, especially if coupled with psychoeducation and family therapy. Through educating patients and their loved ones about ADHD it will reduce the frequency with which they blame each other for the issues caused by a patient's inability control their behavior. Classes that teach couples and families how to communicate more effectively and improve their techniques for conflict resolution can help.
Counseling
A well-planned treatment plan for ADHD will focus on the symptoms and their impact on family, work and school. It will include both stimulant and nonstimulant medications and psychosocial therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change the way they think about their behavior. It also teaches them how to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant medication is used to treat ADHD. They regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. There are many different types of stimulant medications, each with their own benefits and adverse effects. The two most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. They are available under a variety of brands, including Ritalin and Adderall. Viloxazine is a selective reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine increases the amount of a brain chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine as well as atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD among adults, as they have a less gradual start than stimulants. These medications are also available to those who are unable to take stimulants due to medical conditions or serious adverse effects.
It is important to be aware that comorbid conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Therefore, the presence and severity other conditions must be taken into consideration when diagnosing ADHD. It is important to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, including thyroid disorders, hearing or sight problems.
Certain patients may be able reduce their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. But it's crucial to seek medical advice before cutting out any foods which could result in nutritional deficiencies. It should only be done with the assistance of a doctor or a dietician. Counseling can also help patients deal with their symptoms, and also improve their relationships with their family. Counseling can also help spouses realize that the patient's behaviors are not necessarily indicative of a lack of love or a deliberate act of wrongdoing.
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 resemble ADHD.
Lifestyle changes or treatment can resolve many of these issues. A person suffering from ADHD might benefit by taking supplements or altering their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy could help the person to be more resistant to the temptations and impulsiveness that can distract him, improve his concentration and self-control. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, both of which can aid in regulating emotions and increase concentration.
treating adult add of symptoms is crucial, as is a physical exam. A physician can also check for sleep apnea as well as other conditions such as problems with vision and hearing, thyroid disorders, alcohol or drug abuse and lead poisoning. These evaluations can not only help determine the presence of a underlying disorder but also decrease or eliminate the effects of other disorders which may contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
When a doctor recommends medication for ADHD, the most common medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, including methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Other non-stimulant drugs could include guanfacine or clonidine, which are blood pressure medications that can help with hyperactivity and impulsivity, but they could take longer to start working and may cause adverse effects such as heartburn, constipation and low sexual drive.
People suffering from ADHD often forget appointments and are often late to work, and make irrational choices that can be a challenge for even the most patient friends and relatives. Couples therapy or classes that improve communication skills can help sufferers build stable relationships.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction can all play a part in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have found that removing certain foods or taking supplements helps them, but it's important to consult a physician before trying these therapies. Doing so without a doctor's direction could result in nutritional deficiencies and health issues.