ADHD Treatments For Adults
The majority of doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They can help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers inside the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine, (Strattera), can also reduce symptoms but work more slowly.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can help adults to improve their planning and organization abilities. Psychotherapy and coaching are also able to improve social functioning.
Medicines
If you suffer from ADHD and are suffering from it, you could benefit from medications to treat your symptoms. Some people notice they feel better after altering their diet or taking supplements. However they should only be administered under the supervision of a doctor. Other options include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy (CBT) and family counseling. Some adults with ADHD struggle to stay on their medication. They should talk to their doctor and request assistance. Certain medications are available over the counter and others require prescriptions.
The majority of ADHD medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This decreases impulsivity and improves concentration. Some of the most common drugs are stimulants like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. While they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD, they also have adverse negative effects. Cardiovascular issues are among the most serious adverse effects. In addition, stimulants can cause antics, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications can also delay growth by a few month in children and teenagers.
Nonstimulant medicines are prescribed to patients who suffer from uncontrollable side effects from stimulants, or who are at risk of heart disease. These are typically dopamine reuptake inhibitors, norepinephrine or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants, but are safe and don't contain the potential for abuse that certain people experience with stimulant medications.
You can lessen your ADHD symptoms by adhering to a schedule, creating and sticking to an exact budget, enhancing your organization skills, understanding about your condition and implementing strategies to deal with your symptoms. Consult a professional regarding the best ways to manage your disorder. You can also find many helpful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your relationships can be strained due to your ADHD symptoms. You can improve your relationships by speaking to an therapist and attending classes on conflict resolution. You can improve your relationships with your coworkers or spouse by letting them know about your ADHD and by making them aware that your behavior is not intentional.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can have significant emotional, social and occupational consequences for occupational, emotional and social. This can lead to lower academic achievement as well as higher rates of job loss and transfer, poor work performance, more car accidents and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer et al 2007). Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs. Patients with multiple conditions may be more difficult to respond to stimulant medications (Barkley & Gordon, 2002).
It is essential to take an in-depth background of the patient since a variety of medical conditions may manifest symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients with developmental disorders, seizure disorders, sleep apnea thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning must be cautiously assessed. adhd adults treatment with stimulants is not recommended in those who abuse drugs or those suffering from certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, arrhythmias and tachycardia (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of teaching patients about their condition as well as its effects on different areas of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can also improve self-esteem in patients who often suffer from stigmas, such as being perceived as inept or unintelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to help patients learn better ways to manage their time and work as well as improving their ability to organize their lives. This can help reduce the risk 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 could improve the relationship of a person with their spouse, children and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults who suffer from ADHD is geared towards helping individuals change their behaviour patterns. This kind of therapy is extremely effective at improving the functioning of those suffering from ADHD particularly when it is paired with psychoeducation for families and family therapy. Informing patients and close friends about ADHD can help decrease the frequency of blaming each other for the problems caused by the patient's inability to manage his or her behavior. Classes that teach couples and families to communicate more effectively and to develop conflict resolution skills can also be beneficial.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan for ADHD will address the symptoms and their impact on family, work and school. It should include stimulant and nonstimulant medications as well as psychosocial therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change the way they think about their behavior. It also teaches patients how to manage their symptoms, and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. There are a variety of stimulant drugs, each with their own benefits and adverse effects. The two most commonly used stimulants are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate and methylphenidate, which are sold under various brand names such as Adderall and Ritalin. Other medications that treat ADHD are atomoxetine, which works by increasing the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain that passes messages between brain cells, and viloxazine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are used to treat ADHD among adults, as they have a more gradual start than stimulants. They are also available to people who can't take stimulants due to other health issues or suffer from severe side effects.
It is important to be aware that comorbid conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore the presence and severity of other conditions should be considered when diagnosing ADHD. It is important to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, hearing or sight problems.
Some patients may also be able reduce their ADHD symptoms by making changes to their diet. However, it's important to seek medical advice prior to cutting out any foods which could result in nutritional deficiencies. This should only be done with the help of a physician or dietician. Another option is counseling, which can help patients learn to cope with their symptoms and develop better relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses understand that the patient's behavior is not necessarily a sign that they are not loving or malicious.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be a bit confusing for both doctors and patients. It is not uncommon for other mental health conditions to coexist with the disorder, and certain medications and medical conditions can cause symptoms that resemble the symptoms of ADHD.
Treatment or lifestyle changes can help with many of these issues. Someone suffering from ADHD might benefit by taking supplements or altering their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy will teach him how to better resist distractions, impulsiveness and improve his concentration. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or the practice of mindfulness meditation that can help control emotions and improve attention.
A thorough medical history and a physical examination are important. A physician can also test for sleep apnea and other conditions such as problems with vision and hearing, thyroid disorders, alcohol or drug abuse, and lead poisoning. These evaluations can not only help determine the presence of an underlying disorder but also help reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders which can contribute to the ADHD-like behavior.
If a doctor prescribes medication for ADHD, the most common ones are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant medications could include clonidine or guanfacine, which are blood pressure medicines that can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they might take longer to start working and may cause adverse effects such as heartburn, constipation and low sex drive.
ADHD patients are often unable to remember appointments, arrive late to work and make irrational choices that can strain even the most patient family and friends members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on improving communication skills can help people build relationships that are stable.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction all can help in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have discovered that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it's important to consult a doctor prior to attempting any of these treatments. Making these decisions without a physician's guidance could lead to nutritional deficiencies and health issues.