ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the first treatment that doctors recommend. They help balance the levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants can reduce symptoms, but they work slower.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults develop techniques to improve organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy are also capable of improving social functioning.
Medicines
If you suffer from ADHD and are suffering from it, you could benefit from medications to treat the symptoms. Some people might discover that they improve by changing their diet or taking supplements, however these should only be used under the guidance of a physician. Other treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as counseling for families. Many adults suffering from ADHD struggle to adhere to their medication. They should speak to their doctor and seek assistance. Some medications are available over-the-counter, while others require prescriptions.
Most ADHD medications help by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This decreases impulsivity and increases concentration. The most well-known drugs are stimulants, like methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. While they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD, they also have adverse effects. Some of these side effects could be serious, such as cardiovascular problems. The stimulant medication can also trigger the appearance of tics, like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth in adolescents and children by just a few months.
Nonstimulant medications can be prescribed to those who suffer from adverse reactions to stimulants that are not tolerated or are at risk of heart issues. These medications are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors, norepinephrine or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants however they are safe and don't have the abuse potential that some people experience when taking stimulant medication.
You can decrease your ADHD symptoms by following the prescribed schedule, creating and adhering to an exact budget, enhancing your organization skills, understanding about your disorder and developing strategies to deal with your symptoms. You should talk to a professional to learn about the best way to manage your condition, and you can find a wealth of information on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your ADHD symptoms can cause stress in your relationships. You can improve your relationships by speaking with a therapist and taking conflict resolution classes. 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 intentional.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can have significant social, emotional and occupational effects on occupational, emotional and social. This includes lower academic performance, higher rates for transfer and job failure, as well as poor work performance. Additionally, there are more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population. Comorbidity between depression, anxiety and addiction to drugs is prevalent among adults suffering from ADHD. Patients with comorbid disorders could have more difficulty responding to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A thorough patient history is essential, since many medical conditions can manifest similar to symptoms of ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders sleep apnea, and thyroid disorders need to be evaluated more closely. Patients who abuse substances or those suffering from particular medical conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure are not recommended from receiving stimulant treatment (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation involves teaching patients about their disorder, including its effects on different areas of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can help patients boost their self-esteem, especially those who are often stigmatized as being lazy or less intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to teach patients how to organize their time and work and improve their skills in organizing. treatment of add in adults can reduce the chances of missing appointments and making decisions that are impulsive and could result in problems at school, at work, or with their personal lives. This type of therapy may also improve a person's relationships with their spouse, children and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults with ADHD is designed to help individuals change their behavior patterns. This kind of therapy is extremely efficient in improving the performance of people suffering from ADHD particularly when it is paired with psychoeducation for families and family therapy. Through educating patients and their loved ones about ADHD, it can reduce the frequency with which they blame each other for the issues caused by the inability of a patient to control his or her behavior. Classes that teach couples and families to communicate more effectively and develop techniques for conflict resolution can be beneficial.
Counseling
A good treatment plan for ADHD will focus on the symptoms and their impact on family, work, and school. It should include stimulant and nonstimulant medication and psychosocial therapy, notably cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients to change their way of thinking about their behavior. It also helps patients learn to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They've been around for a long time and there are a variety of kinds of medications, each with its distinct advantages and negative effects. The two most common stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, which are available under many different brand names such as Adderall and Ritalin. Other medications that treat ADHD include atomoxetine, which is a stimulant that increases the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain that passes messages between brain cells, and viloxazine, which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine as well as atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a slower start than stimulants. These drugs are also available for those who are unable to take stimulants due to health conditions or severe side effects.
It is important to be aware that comorbidities can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore the presence and severity of other conditions should be considered when diagnosing ADHD. It's important to eliminate physical causes of the symptoms, including thyroid disorders, hearing and sight problems.
It's also worth noting that some patients might be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by altering their diet. It's important to consult with a doctor prior to eliminating any food. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and should only be done under the supervision of a dietician or doctor. Counseling can also help patients manage their symptoms, and improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can also assist spouses in understanding that the patient's actions are not necessarily indicative of lack of love or willful wrongdoing.
Education
Patients and doctors alike are susceptible to being misled by the diagnosis of ADHD. It's not uncommon for different mental health disorders to coexist with the disorder, and certain medications and medical conditions may also produce symptoms that mimic those of ADHD.
Lifestyle or treatment changes can resolve many of these issues. Someone suffering from ADHD may benefit from taking supplements or changing their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy will teach him how to better resist distractions, impulsiveness and increase the focus of his mind. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness meditation practice that can help control emotions and improve attention.
A thorough history of the symptoms is essential, as is a physical examination. A doctor can also look for sleep apnea and other conditions like problems with vision and hearing thyroid disorders, alcohol or drug abuse, and lead poisoning. In addition to determining if there is a possibility of an underlying cause, these tests can assist in determining or lessen the effects of other disorders that could contribute to a patient's ADHD-like behavior.
If a doctor prescribes medication for ADHD, the most common medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Other non-stimulant drugs include clonidine as well as guanfacine. These blood pressure medicines can aid in reducing the impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they may take longer to work and may cause side effects such as heartburn, constipation, and low sex desire.
People suffering from ADHD often have trouble keeping appointments or are late for work and make irrational decisions that strain the patience of even the most tolerant family members and friends. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on improving communication skills can help sufferers establish stable relationships.
Diet, exercise, and stress reduction can all play a part in managing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from ADHD have found that avoiding certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it is essential to consult with a physician prior to trying any of these treatments. If you try this without consulting a doctor, it could lead to nutritional deficiency and other health issues.