ADHD Treatments For Adults
Most doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They help balance levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants also may help reduce symptoms, but they work more slowly.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults develop techniques to improve organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy are also able to improve social functioning.
Medicines
If you have ADHD and are suffering from it, you could benefit from medication to treat the symptoms. Some people might discover that they improve by changing 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 counseling for families. Certain adults suffering from ADHD struggle to stick to their medication. They should talk to their doctor and ask for assistance. Certain medications are available over the counter and others require a prescription.
Most drugs prescribed for ADHD work by increasing the levels of dopamine inside your brain, which decreases impulsivity and improves focus. The most commonly used drugs are stimulants like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. Although they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD, they also have side consequences. Cardiovascular issues are among the most serious adverse effects. The stimulant medication can also trigger symptoms like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications can also delay growth by a few months in teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant medicines are prescribed to people who experience intolerable side-effects from stimulants, or are at risk of developing heart disease. These are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine or alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants however they are safe and don't offer the risk of abuse that certain people experience with stimulant drugs.
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 disorder and creating strategies to address your symptoms. Talk to treatment for add in adults about the best methods to manage your ADHD. You can also find a wealth of helpful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your relationships could be strained because of your ADHD symptoms. You can improve your relationships by talking to a therapist or taking classes in conflict resolution. You can improve your relationships with your family members or friends by helping them understand your ADHD and telling them that your behavior is not malicious.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has significant social, emotional and occupational consequences. This includes lower academic performance as well as higher rates of job failure and transfer, poor performance at work as well as more car accidents and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer and colleagues 2007). Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. People with comorbid disorders might have more difficulty responding to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A detailed patient history is essential, since many medical conditions can manifest similar to those of ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders sleep apnea, and thyroid disorders need to be evaluated more carefully. Stimulant treatment is contraindicated in patients with active substance abuse or in those with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, arrhythmias and tachycardia (Greenhill 2001).).
Psychosocial therapy is a form of therapy that includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of teaching patients about their condition, including its effects on different areas 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 goal of behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is to enhance their abilities to manage their time and teach them how to organize their time. This can help reduce the risk of missing appointments or making impulsive choices that can create problems at school, at work, or with their personal lives. This kind of therapy can also help improve the effectiveness of a person's interactions with children, spouses and coworkers.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults who suffer from ADHD is designed to help people change their negative behaviors. This kind of therapy is extremely efficient in improving the functioning of people suffering from ADHD, particularly when combined with psychoeducation for families and family therapy. The process of educating patients and significant others about ADHD can reduce the likelihood of blaming one another for problems caused by the person's inability to control his or her own behaviors. Classes that teach families and couples how to communicate more effectively and resolve conflicts can be helpful.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan will address the signs of ADHD and their impact on school, work, and the family. It will include both stimulant and nonstimulant medication as well as psychosocial therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral 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.
The stimulant medications 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 types of medications each with its distinct advantages and negative effects. The two most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, which are sold under a variety of brand names such as Adderall and Ritalin. Other medications that treat ADHD include atomoxetine, which is a stimulant that increases the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells and viloxazine which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a more gradual start than stimulants. They are also available for those who are unable to take stimulants due to other medical conditions or serious adverse effects.
It's important to recognize that comorbid disorders can mimic the symptoms of ADHD Therefore, the presence and severity of any other condition must be considered when determining the ADHD diagnosis. It's also important to rule out any physical reasons for the symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or problems with hearing and vision.
Some patients may also be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms through diet changes. It is essential to consult a physician prior to eliminating any foods. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and should be done under the guidance of a physician or dietician. Another option is counseling which helps patients manage their symptoms and build better relationships with their families. Counseling can also assist spouses in understanding that the patient's behaviors are not necessarily indicative of lack of love or a deliberate act of wrongdoing.
Education
Patients and doctors alike are susceptible to being misled by the diagnosis of ADHD. It is not uncommon for other mental health conditions to coexist with the disorder. Additionally, certain medications and medical conditions may also produce symptoms that mimic those of ADHD.
Lifestyle changes or treatment can resolve many of these issues. Someone suffering from ADHD could benefit from taking supplements or changing their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy will help him learn how to resist distractions, impulsiveness and improve his focus. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or the practice of mindfulness meditation that can help control emotions and improve attention.
A complete history of symptoms is essential as is a physical examination. A doctor can also examine a patient for sleep apnea and hearing and thyroid problems, vision problems or lead poisoning as well as drug or alcohol 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 may contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
Most commonly, stimulants are prescribed by doctors for ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant medications include clonidine and Guanfacine. These blood pressure medicines can aid in reducing an impulsive and hyperactivity problem, but can take longer to work and have side effects such as constipation, heartburn and low sex desire.
ADHD patients tend to forget appointments, arrive late to work and make uninformed choices that can strain even the most patient of family and friends members. Couples therapy or classes that help improve communication skills can help people develop solid relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction could all play a role in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from ADHD have found that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it's essential to consult with a physician first before trying any of these treatments. Making these decisions without a physician's guidance could lead to nutritional deficiencies and health issues.