ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the first option that doctors recommend. They aid in balancing the levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants may help reduce symptoms, but they do so slower.
Psychotherapy, similar to cognitive behavioral therapy, can help adults improve their planning and organization skills. Coaching and psychotherapy are also effective in improving social functioning.
Medicines
You can use medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people might find that they get better through a change in their diet or taking supplements, however they should only be taken under the guidance of a physician. Other treatments can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and family counseling. Certain adults with ADHD have difficulty staying on medication However, they should talk to their doctors and seek help. Certain medications are available for purchase over the counter, while others require the prescription of a doctor.
The majority of the medications prescribed for ADHD help by increasing the levels of dopamine within your brain, which reduces impulsivity and enhances concentration. Some of the most popular medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Although they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD, they also have side effects. Cardiovascular issues are among the most serious adverse effects. In addition, stimulants can cause tics such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications can also delay growth by a few months in teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant medicines are prescribed to people who suffer from uncontrollable side effects from stimulants, or those at risk of heart disease. These medications are primarily dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. They're not as effective as stimulants, however they are safe and don't carry the risk of abuse that some people are prone to with stimulant medication.
You can attempt to lessen your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a structured schedule, making and sticking to a budget, enhancing organizational skills, learning more about your condition and devising strategies to manage your symptoms. Talk to a professional about the best methods to manage your ADHD. You can also find many useful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your ADHD symptoms can cause stress in your relationships. You can improve your relationships by speaking to a therapist and taking classes on conflict resolution. You can improve your relationships with your family members or friends by helping them understand your ADHD and letting them know that your behavior isn't malicious.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can result in significant emotional, social, and occupational consequences. This includes lower academic performance, higher rates of job loss and transfer, poor work performance, more car accidents and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer and co. 2007). Comorbidity of depression, anxiety and addiction to substances is common in adults with ADHD. Those with comorbid conditions may be less responsive to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
It is essential to take an extensive history of the patient, since a variety of medical conditions may manifest symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients with developmental disorders, seizure disorder sleep apnea, thyroid disorders should be evaluated more carefully. The use of stimulants is not recommended for those who abuse drugs or those suffering from certain medical conditions, such as heart disease and high blood pressure arrhythmias and tachycardia (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation involves teaching patients about their condition as well as its effects on different aspects of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can help patients improve their self-esteem, especially those who are often viewed as lazy or less intelligent.
The aim of a the therapy for adults who suffer from ADHD is to enhance their ability to organize their lives and teach them better ways to manage their time. This can help reduce the likelihood of missing appointments or making decisions impulsively that could cause issues at work, school or in their private lives. This kind of therapy could also help improve the effectiveness of an individual's interactions with children, spouses and co-workers.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults who suffer from ADHD is designed to help people to change their negative behavior patterns. This type of therapy can be very efficient in improving the performance of people suffering from ADHD, especially if coupled with psychoeducation and family therapy. By educating patients and their loved ones about ADHD it will reduce the amount of time they blame each other for the difficulties caused by a person's inability to manage his or her behavior. Classes that help couples and families to communicate more effectively and to develop strategies for resolving conflicts can help.
Counseling
A good treatment plan for ADHD will tackle the symptoms and their effects on work, family, and school. adhd in adults treatment will include non-stimulant and stimulant medication, as along with psychosocial treatment, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change the way they think about their behavior. It also helps patients learn 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 known as neurotransmitters. They've been around for a long time, and there are several different kinds of drugs each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The two most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine, which are sold under various brand names, including Ritalin and Adderall. Other medications that treat ADHD include atomoxetine, which is a stimulant that increases the amount of a chemical in the brain that passes messages between brain cells, and viloxazine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are both used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a slower start than stimulants. They are also available to people who are unable to take stimulants due other health conditions or severe side effects.
It's important to recognize that co-occurring disorders can cause symptoms of ADHD, so the severity and frequency of any other medical condition should be considered when making the ADHD diagnosis. It is also essential to rule out physical reasons for the symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or vision and hearing issues.
Some patients may also be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. But it's crucial to seek medical advice before cutting out any food that could lead to nutritional deficiencies and should only be done with the help of a doctor or a dietician. Counseling can also assist patients deal with their symptoms, and also improve their relationships with their family. Counseling can also help spouses understand that the patient's actions are not necessarily indicative of a lack of love or a deliberate act of infractions.
Education
Patients and doctors alike are often confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD and certain medical conditions and medications may also produce symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Many of these problems can be addressed with treatment or lifestyle modifications. A person with ADHD could benefit from taking supplements or adjusting their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy could help the person to be more resistant to distractions and impulsiveness, increase the focus of his mind and develop self-control. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can both aid in controlling emotions and improve concentration.
A complete history of symptoms is crucial, as is a physical examination. 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 and lead poisoning. These assessments will not only aid in determining the presence of a underlying disorder but also decrease or eliminate the effects of other disorders that may contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
Most commonly, stimulants are prescribed by physicians for ADHD. These include dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant medications include clonidine and guanfacine. These blood pressure medication can aid in reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity, but might take longer to effect and may cause adverse effects like heartburn, constipation, and low sex desire.
ADHD patients are often unable to remember appointments, show up late for work and make uninformed choices which can stress even the most patient of family and friends members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on improving communication skills can help patients establish stable relationships.
Exercise, diet, and stress reduction all can play a part in managing ADHD symptoms. Some people with the condition have found that removing certain foods or taking supplements can help them, but it's important to consult a physician before trying these methods. Doing so without a doctor's direction could result in nutritional deficiencies and health issues.