ADHD Treatments For Adults
Most doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They aid in balancing levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine, (Strattera), can also reduce symptoms but work slower.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults acquire strategies to improve their organization and planning. Psychotherapy and coaching can also enhance social functioning.
Medicines
If you suffer from ADHD you may benefit from taking medication to alleviate the symptoms. Some people feel better after changing their diets or taking supplements. However they should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor. Other options include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy (CBT), and counseling for families. Many adults suffering from ADHD struggle to stick to their medication. They should speak to their doctor and ask for assistance. Certain medications are available over the counter, while others require a prescription.
Most ADHD medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This reduces impulsivity, and improves concentration. The most popular drugs are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Although they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD, they also have side effects. Heart problems are among the most serious adverse effects. The stimulant medication can also trigger symptoms like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth by a few months in children and teenagers.
Nonstimulant medicines are prescribed to those who experience intolerable side-effects from stimulants, or those at risk of heart disease. These medications are primarily dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These medications are not as effective as stimulants however they are safe and don't contain the potential for abuse that many people have with stimulant medications.
You can decrease your ADHD symptoms by adhering to the prescribed schedule, creating and adhering to a strict budget, improving your organization skills, understanding about your condition and implementing strategies to address your symptoms. Consult a professional regarding the best methods to manage your ADHD. You can also find a wealth of useful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your ADHD symptoms can strain your relationships. You can improve your relationships by speaking to a therapist and taking conflict resolution classes. You can improve your relationships with your spouse or co-workers by helping them understand your ADHD and letting them know that your behavior is not malicious.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can have significant emotional, social, and occupational effects. I Am Psychiatry can lead to lower academic achievement, more frequent failure to get a job 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). Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, or addiction to drugs. People with comorbid disorders might be more difficult to respond to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
It is crucial to obtain a detailed history of the patient, since a variety of medical conditions may manifest symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea and thyroid disorders should be evaluated more closely. Patients who are active in their addiction to substances or with certain medical conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure should refrain from receiving stimulant treatments (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their disorder and its impact on their lives. Psychoeducation can also help improve self-esteem for patients who frequently face stigma, such as being viewed as lazy or less intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to help patients learn how to organize their time and activities, improving their ability to organize their lives. This can decrease the chance of missing appointments or making impulsive choices which can lead to problems at school, work or in their private lives. This type of therapy may also improve a person's relationships with their spouse, children and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults suffering from ADHD is focused on helping people modify their behavior patterns that are negative. This type of therapy is very efficient in improving the performance 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 a person's inability to control their behavior. Classes that help couples and families to communicate more effectively and develop techniques for conflict resolution can help.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan for ADHD will tackle the symptoms and their impacts on the family, work and school. It includes non-stimulant and stimulant medication, as along with psychosocial treatment, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT assists patients to alter their thinking about their behavior. It also teaches patients how to manage their symptoms, and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
Stimulant drugs are used to treat ADHD. They balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They've been around for a long period of time, and there are several different kinds of medications each with their own advantages and disadvantages. The two most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. These are sold under various brand names including Ritalin and Adderall. Other drugs used to treat ADHD include atomoxetine, which helps by increasing the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells, and viloxazine which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine as well as atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD among adults, as they have a slower start than stimulants. They are also available to those who are unable to take stimulants because of other health issues or suffer from severe side effects.
It's important to recognize that comorbid disorders can mimic the symptoms of ADHD So the severity and presence of any other medical condition should be taken into consideration when determining the ADHD diagnosis. It is important to determine the cause of the symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or hearing and sight problems.
It's also worth noting that some patients may be able reduce their ADHD symptoms by changing their diet. It's important to consult a doctor before eliminating any foods. This could lead to nutritional deficiencies and should only be done under the supervision of a physician or dietician. Counseling can also assist patients manage their symptoms, and also improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can also assist spouses in understanding that the patient's behavior is not necessarily a sign of a lack of love or willful infractions.
Education
Patients and doctors alike are susceptible to being misled by the diagnosis of ADHD. Other mental disorders can coexist with ADHD, and certain medications and medical conditions can also cause symptoms that mimic ADHD.
Many of these issues can be solved with treatment or lifestyle modifications. A person suffering from ADHD might benefit by taking supplements or altering their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy can help the person to be more resistant to the temptations and impulsiveness that can distract him, improve the focus of his mind and develop self-control. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness-based meditation practice both of which can help manage emotions and improve attention.
A thorough history of symptoms and a physical examination are important. A doctor can also examine a patient for sleep apnea, hearing and thyroid problems, vision issues as well as lead poisoning, alcohol or drug abuse. These tests will not only aid in determining the presence of an underlying disorder but also reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders that could contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
The majority of stimulants are prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine Concerta and Adderall. Other non-stimulant drugs include clonidine as well as guanfacine. These blood pressure medications can help with an impulsive and hyperactivity problem, but can take longer to work and have side effects such as heartburn, constipation, and low sex desire.
ADHD patients tend to forget appointments, arrive late for work and make irrational choices that can cause stress to even the most patient of family and friends members. Couples therapy and classes focusing on improving communication skills can help people establish stable relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction all can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have reported that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it is essential to consult with a physician prior to attempting any of these treatments. If you do this without a doctor's direction could result in nutritional deficiencies and other health problems.