ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the first treatment that doctors recommend. They aid in balancing levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine (Strattera) can help alleviate symptoms, but they work more slowly.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults acquire strategies to improve their organization and planning. Psychotherapy and coaching can also help improve social functioning.
Medications
If you have ADHD and are suffering from it, you could benefit from medications to treat your symptoms. Some people discover that they improve through a change in their diet or taking supplements, however they should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor. Other treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and counseling for families. Certain adults with ADHD struggle to adhere to medication however, they should speak to their doctor and ask for assistance. Certain medications are available over the counter, while others require prescription.
The majority of ADHD medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This decreases impulsivity and increases concentration. The most popular medications are stimulants like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. These are considered to be the most effective for ADHD treatment, however they can have adverse effects. Some of these side effects can be serious, for instance, cardiovascular problems. Stimulant medications can also cause antics, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth in adolescents and children by several months.
Nonstimulant drugs are prescribed to people who experience intolerable side-effects from stimulants, or who are at risk of heart disease. These are typically dopamine reuptake inhibitors, norepinephrine or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. They aren't as efficient as stimulants, however they are safe and don't carry the risk of abuse that some people have with stimulant drugs.
You can decrease 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. 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 relationships could be strained because of your ADHD symptoms. Talking to a therapist about how you interact with your spouse or co-workers and taking classes that teach conflict resolution can be helpful. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how ADHD affects you, and also recognizing that some of your behavior are not a deliberate act of aggression.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can have significant social, emotional and occupational consequences. These include lower academic success and higher rates of job failure and transfer, poor work performance as well as more car accidents and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer and colleagues 2007). Comorbidity between depression, anxiety and addiction to substances is common in adults with ADHD. Those with comorbid disorders may be more difficult to respond to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
It is essential to take a detailed medical history of the patient because a wide range of medical conditions could manifest symptoms similar to ADHD. treatment for adult adhd suffering from seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea thyroid disorders and lead poisoning must be carefully evaluated. The use of stimulants is not recommended for those who abuse drugs or with certain medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure, tachycardia and arrhythmias (Greenhill 2001).).
Psychosocial therapy is a form of therapy that includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychoeducation involves teaching patients about their disorder and its impact on different aspects of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can also improve self-esteem in patients who often face stigma, such as being perceived as lazy or less intelligent.
The aim of a the therapy for adults who suffer from ADHD is to improve their organizational skills and teach them how to manage their time. This can decrease the chance of missing appointments or making impulsive decisions that could cause difficulties at work, school or in their personal life. This type of therapy could help improve relationships with their family, friends, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is focused on helping individuals to change their negative patterns of behavior. This kind 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 frequency at which they blame each other for the issues caused by a person's inability to control his or her behavior. Classes that help couples and families how to communicate more effectively and develop strategies for resolving conflicts can help.
Counseling
A good treatment plan for ADHD will address the symptoms and their impacts on the family, work, and school. It includes non-stimulant and stimulant medication as well as psychosocial treatment, specifically cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients to change their mental outlook on their behavior. It also teaches them skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
Stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They have been around for a long time, and there are a variety of kinds of drugs each with its distinct advantages and negative effects. The two most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine, which are available under a variety of brands, including Ritalin and Adderall. Other medications used to treat ADHD are atomoxetine. It helps by increasing the amount of a chemical in the brain that passes messages between brain cells, and viloxazine, which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and Atomoxetine are frequently used to treat ADHD in adults due to the fact that they are more gradual in onset than stimulants. They are also available to those who are unable to take stimulants due to health conditions or severe adverse effects.
It's important to note that multiple disorders can resemble the symptoms of ADHD Therefore, the presence and severity of any other conditions should be taken into consideration when making an ADHD diagnosis. It's important to determine the cause of the symptoms, including thyroid disorders, hearing and sight problems.
It's also worth noting that some patients may be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by altering their diet. It is essential to consult with a doctor prior to eliminating any foods. This could lead to nutritional deficiencies and should only be done under the supervision of a dietician or doctor. Counseling can also help patients cope with their symptoms, and improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can also assist spouses in understanding that the patient's behaviors are not necessarily a sign of a lack of affection or willful wrongdoing.
Education
Both patients and doctors are often confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. It is not uncommon for other mental health conditions to coexist with the disorder, and certain medications and medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
Many of these problems can be resolved by treatment or lifestyle adjustments. For instance, a person suffering from ADHD could benefit from changing their diet or taking supplements to improve his eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy will help him learn how to better resist distractions, impulsiveness, and improve his focus. A doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, both of which can aid in regulating emotions and increase concentration.
A thorough history of symptoms and a physical examination are crucial. A physician can also test for sleep apnea and other conditions such as problems with vision and hearing, thyroid disorders, alcohol or drug abuse as well as lead poisoning. These evaluations can not only help determine the presence of a underlying disorder but also reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders which may contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
Most often, stimulants are prescribed by doctors for ADHD. They include dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate as well as Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant medications include clonidine and Guanfacine. These blood pressure medications can aid in reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity, but may take longer to work and have adverse effects like heartburn, constipation, and a lack of sex.
ADHD patients are often unable to remember appointments, show up late for work, and make irrational decisions that can strain even the most patient of family and friends members. Couples therapy and classes focusing on improving communication skills can help people develop stable relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction can all aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from the condition have found that removing certain foods or taking supplements can help them, but it's important to consult a physician before attempting these treatments. If you do this without consulting a doctor, it could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.