ADHD Treatments For Adults
The majority of doctors recommend stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine. They aid in balancing the levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine, (Strattera) are also able to reduce symptoms but work more slowly.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults develop techniques to improve organization and planning. Psychotherapy and coaching can also improve social functioning.
Medications
If you have ADHD and are suffering from it, you could benefit from medications to manage the symptoms. Some people may find that they get better by altering their diet or taking supplements, but these should only be utilized under a doctor's guidance. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) or family counseling are all viable solutions. Many adults suffering from ADHD struggle to adhere to their medication. They should talk to their doctor and request assistance. Certain medications are available over-the-counter while others need prescription.
Most medications prescribed for ADHD work by increasing the levels of dopamine within your brain, which decreases impulsivity and improves focus. Some of the most common medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They are believed to be the most effective ADHD treatment, but they can have adverse effects. Some of these side effects can be serious, for instance, heart problems. The stimulant medication can also trigger tics such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth in children and adolescents by several months.
Nonstimulant medications are prescribed to patients who suffer from uncontrollable side effects from stimulants, or those at risk of developing heart disease. These are typically dopamine reuptake inhibitors, norepinephrine or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. They're not as effective as stimulants, however they are safe and don't carry the potential for abuse that certain people experience with stimulant medication.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms by following a schedule, creating and sticking to a strict budget, improving your organizational skills, learning about your disorder and developing strategies to manage your symptoms. It is recommended to talk with a professional to learn about the best method to manage your disorder, and you can find a wealth of information on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your ADHD symptoms can strain your relationships. Talking with a therapist about how you interact with your coworkers or spouse and taking classes that teach conflict resolution can be helpful. You can improve your relationships with your family members or friends by letting them know about your ADHD and by telling them that your behavior isn't malicious.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can have significant social, emotional, and occupational repercussions. These include lower academic success as well as higher rates of job failure and transfer, poor performance at work, more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population (Spencer et al 2007). Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression, or abuse of substances. Those with comorbid conditions may be less responsive to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A detailed patient history is essential, since many medical conditions may have symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Patients suffering from developmental disorders, seizure disorder sleep apnea, thyroid disorders must be assessed more closely. Treatment with stimulants is not recommended in patients with active substance abuse or those suffering from certain medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure, arrhythmias and tachycardia (Greenhill 2001).).
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of informing patients about their condition and its impact on their lives. Psychoeducation can also aid in improving self-esteem among patients who typically face stigma, such as being perceived as inept or unintelligent.
The goal of behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is to enhance their organizational skills and help them learn better ways to manage their time. This will to reduce the risk of not attending appointments or making decisions impulsively which can lead to problems at school, work or in their personal life. This kind of therapy can improve the relationship of a person with their family, friends, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults who suffer from ADHD is aimed at helping people change their negative behaviour patterns. This kind of therapy is very effective at improving the functioning of people suffering from ADHD particularly when it is paired with psychoeducation and family therapy. By educating patients and their loved family members about ADHD it will reduce the amount of time they blame each other for the problems caused by the inability of a patient to control their behavior. Classes that help couples and families how to communicate more effectively and develop techniques for conflict resolution can be helpful.
Counseling
A good treatment plan for ADHD will address the symptoms and their effects on work, family and school. It should include stimulant and nonstimulant drugs as well as psychosocial therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change their thinking about their behavior. It also teaches them how to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant medications are used to treat ADHD. They help to regulate and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. There are a myriad of types of stimulant medications, each with their own benefits and adverse effects. The two most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, which are available under a variety of brands, including Ritalin and Adderall. Viloxazine is a selective reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine boosts the quantity of a brain chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. Atomoxetine and viloxazine are often used to treat ADHD in adults since they have a slower onset than stimulants. They are also available for those who are unable to take stimulants due to medical conditions or serious adverse effects.
It's important to note that co-occurring disorders can cause symptoms of ADHD Therefore, the presence and severity of any other medical condition should be taken into consideration when determining an ADHD diagnosis. It's important to determine the cause of the symptoms, for example thyroid disorders, hearing or sight problems.
It's also important to note that some patients may be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by changing their diet. It's important to consult a doctor before eliminating any foods. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and should only be done under the guidance of a dietician or doctor. Counseling can also assist patients deal with their symptoms and improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can also assist spouses in understanding that the patient's behavior is not necessarily indicative of lack of love or willful misconduct.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing for both patients and doctors. Other mental disorders can coexist with ADHD, and certain medications and medical conditions can also cause symptoms that resemble ADHD.
Many of these issues can be resolved by treatment or lifestyle modifications. For instance, a person suffering from ADHD might benefit from adjusting diet or taking supplements to improve their eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy can teach him how to manage distractions, impulsiveness and increase his concentration. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, both of which can aid in controlling emotions and improve concentration.
A thorough medical history and a physical exam are important. A physician can also check for sleep apnea as well as other conditions like issues with vision and hearing, thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol abuse as well as lead poisoning. These evaluations will not only aid in determining the presence of an underlying disorder, but also reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders which could contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
If a doctor suggests medication for ADHD, the most common ones are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). I Am Psychiatry might include clonidine or guanfacine, which are blood pressure medications which can aid in reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity, but they might take longer to kick in and might have side effects like constipation, heartburn, and low sex drive.
People with ADHD frequently miss appointments and are often late to work and make irrational decisions that strain the patience of even the most tolerant family members and friends. Couples therapy or classes that improve communication skills can help patients build solid relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction all can play a part in managing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from ADHD have reported that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it is important to consult a doctor prior to trying any of these therapies. If you do this without a doctor's advice could result in nutritional deficiencies and health issues.