ADHD Treatments For Adults
Most doctors recommend stimulants, such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. They can help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine (Strattera) are also able to reduce symptoms but work slower.
Psychotherapy, along with cognitive behavioral therapy, aids adults to improve their planning and organization abilities. Coaching and psychotherapy are effective in improving social functioning.
Medicines
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people might be able to improve their condition by altering their diet or taking supplements, however these should only be utilized under the supervision of a doctor. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), or family counseling are all possible solutions. Certain adults with ADHD are unable to stay on medication However, they should talk to their doctors and ask for help. Certain medications are available for purchase over the counter and some require prescriptions.
The majority of medicines prescribed for ADHD work by increasing the levels of dopamine in your brain, which reduces impulsivity and improves concentration. Some of the most popular drugs are stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Although they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD, they also have side effects. Cardiovascular problems are some of the most serious adverse effects. The stimulant medication can also trigger the tics of blinking eyes or throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth by a few month for teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant drugs are prescribed to patients who suffer from uncontrollable side effects from stimulants, or are at risk of heart disease. These medications include dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. These aren't as effective as stimulants, however they are safe and don't have the potential for abuse as some people have with stimulant medication.
You can decrease your ADHD symptoms by following an established schedule, making and sticking to an exact budget, enhancing your organization skills, gaining knowledge about your condition and implementing strategies to manage your symptoms. Talk to a professional about the best strategies to manage your disorder. You can also find many helpful 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 also improve your relationships by helping them understand how ADHD affects you and understanding that some of your behavior are not intentionally mean-spirited.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has serious occupational, emotional and social consequences for occupational, emotional and social. treatments for adhd include lower academic success as well as higher rates of job failure 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 with ADHD are more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs. Patients with comorbid disorders could have a harder time responding to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A thorough patient history is vital, as many medical conditions may have symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Patients with developmental disorders, seizure disorder, sleep apnea and thyroid disorders should be evaluated more carefully. Treatment with stimulants is not recommended in patients with active substance abuse or with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, tachycardia and arrhythmias (Greenhill 2001).).
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their disorder, including its effects on different areas of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can help patients build their self-esteem, particularly those who are frequently viewed as inept or unintelligent.
The goal of behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD, is to improve their organizational skills and teach them how to manage their time. This can reduce the chances of missing appointments and making impulsive choices that can result in problems at school, at work, or with their personal lives. This kind of therapy can improve the relationship of a person with their spouse, children and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults suffering from ADHD is focused on helping individuals to change their negative patterns of behavior. This kind of therapy is extremely efficient in improving the performance of people suffering from ADHD particularly when it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. Through educating patients and their loved family members about ADHD it will reduce the frequency at which they blame each other for the difficulties caused by a person's inability to control his or her behavior. Classes that teach families and couples how to better communicate and resolve conflicts could be beneficial.
Counseling
A good treatment plan for ADHD will focus on the symptoms and their impacts on the family, work, and school. It should include stimulant and nonstimulant medications and psychosocial therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change their thinking about their behavior. It also teaches them skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant medication is used to treat ADHD. They balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. There are a myriad of types of stimulant medications, all with their own advantages and side-effects. The two most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, which are available under a variety of brand names, including Ritalin and Adderall. Viloxazine is a norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine boosts the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a less gradual onset than stimulants. They are also available to people who are unable to take stimulants due other health issues or severe side effects.
It's important to note that comorbid disorders can mimic the symptoms of ADHD, so 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, including thyroid disorders, hearing and sight problems.
It's also important to note that some patients may be able reduce their ADHD symptoms by altering their diet. However, it's essential to seek medical advice prior to eliminating any food items, as this can cause nutritional deficiencies. This should only be done with the guidance of a physician or dietician. Another option is counseling which helps patients cope with their symptoms and establish stronger relationships with their families. Counseling can also help spouses understand that the patient's behaviors are not necessarily indicative of a lack of love or a deliberate act of misconduct.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing for both doctors and patients. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD, and certain medications and medical conditions can also cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Treatment or lifestyle changes can solve a lot of these issues. A person with ADHD may benefit from adjusting their diet or taking supplements to improve his eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy could help him to resist distractions and impulsiveness, improve his focus and develop self-control. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, both of which can aid in regulating emotions and increase concentration.
A thorough history of symptoms is important and so is a physical exam. A doctor can also look for sleep apnea as well as other disorders like issues with vision and hearing thyroid disorders, alcohol or drug abuse, and lead poisoning. In addition to determining the existence of an underlying cause, these tests can help identify or limit the effects of other disorders that might contribute to a patient's ADHD-like behavior.
When a doctor recommends medication for ADHD the most commonly prescribed ones are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant medications could include clonidine or guanfacine, which are blood pressure drugs that can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they may take longer to begin working and might have adverse effects such as heartburn, constipation and low sexual drive.
People with ADHD often have trouble keeping appointments, are late for work, and make irrational choices which can strain the patience of even the most forgiving friends and relatives. Couples therapy or classes that improve communication skills can help sufferers build solid relationships.
Exercise, diet, and stress reduction can all help in reducing 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 attempting any of these treatments. If you decide to do this without consulting a doctor, it could lead to nutritional deficiency and other health issues.