ADHD Treatments For Adults
The majority of doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. They aid in balancing levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Antidepressants, as well as Atomoxetine (Strattera) can help alleviate symptoms, but they work slower.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can help adults learn strategies to improve their organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy can also help improve social functioning.
Medicines
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people may be able to improve their condition through a change in their diet or taking supplements, but these should only be utilized under the guidance of a physician. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family counseling are all viable treatment options. Many adults suffering from ADHD struggle to stay on their medication. treatment for adults with add should consult their doctor and request assistance. Some medications are available over-the-counter and some require a prescription.
The majority of ADHD medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This reduces impulsivity, and improves concentration. The most commonly used medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. Although they are considered the most effective treatment for ADHD but they can also trigger adverse consequences. Some of these side effects can be serious, for instance, heart problems. The stimulant medication can also trigger 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 those who suffer from insufferable side-effects of stimulants, or those at risk of developing heart disease. These medications are primarily dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants, but are safe and do not offer the risk of abuse that some people experience when taking stimulant medication.
You can decrease your ADHD symptoms by following an established schedule, making and sticking to a strict budget, improving your organizational skills, learning about your condition and implementing strategies to deal with your symptoms. Talk to a doctor about the best strategies to manage your disorder. You can also find a wealth of useful resources on the site 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 also improve your relationships by helping them understand how your ADHD affects you and understanding that some of your behavior are not intentionally mean-spirited.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can result in significant emotional, social, and occupational effects. This includes lower academic performance and higher rates of transfer and job failure, as well as poor performance at work. There are also more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population. Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs. Those with comorbid disorders may have a harder time responding to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A thorough history of the patient is essential, since many medical conditions can have symptoms similar to symptoms of ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning must be careful to be evaluated. Patients with active substance abuse or those suffering from certain medical conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure are not recommended from receiving stimulant treatment (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of teaching patients about their condition and its impact on different areas of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can also help improve self-esteem in patients who often face stigma, such as being perceived as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to teach patients better ways of organizing their time and tasks and improve their ability to organize their lives. This can decrease the chance of missing appointments or making impulsive choices that could cause difficulties at work, school or in their personal lives. This type of therapy may help improve relationships with their children, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to help people change their negative behaviour patterns. This type of therapy can be extremely efficient in improving the performance of those with ADHD particularly when it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. By educating patients and loved ones about ADHD, it can reduce the amount of time they blame each other for the difficulties caused by a person's inability to control their behavior. Classes that help couples and families how to communicate more effectively and develop conflict resolution skills can also be helpful.
Counseling
A well-planned treatment plan for ADHD will focus on the symptoms and their impact on family, work, and school. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant medication, as in addition to psychosocial treatment, specifically cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients to change their mental outlook on their behavior. It also teaches patients 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 referred to as neurotransmitters. There are a myriad of types of stimulant drugs, each with their own advantages and side-effects. The two most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, which are sold under many brand names including Ritalin and Adderall. Viloxazine is a selective reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine increases the quantity of a brain chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are both used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a slower start than stimulants. They also are available to those who are unable to use stimulants due to other health issues or suffer from severe side effects.
It is important to remember that comorbid disorders can mimic the symptoms of ADHD Therefore, the severity and frequency of any other condition should be taken into consideration when making the ADHD diagnosis. It's also crucial to rule out physical reasons for the symptoms, like thyroid disorders or problems with hearing and vision.
Certain patients may be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by making changes to their diet. It is essential to consult a doctor before eliminating any food. This could result in nutritional deficiencies and should be done under the guidance of a dietician or doctor. Counseling can also assist patients manage their symptoms, and improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses realize that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign that they are not loving or malicious.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing for both the patient and the doctor. It's not uncommon for different mental health conditions to coexist with the disorder, and some medications and medical conditions can also produce symptoms that mimic those of ADHD.
Many of these issues can be resolved by treatments or lifestyle modifications. Someone suffering from ADHD might benefit by taking supplements or altering their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy can teach 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 regulating emotions and increase concentration.
A thorough medical history and a physical exam are essential. A doctor can also look for sleep apnea and other conditions such as problems 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 rule out or lessen the effects of other disorders that might cause an individual's ADHD-like behavior.
When a doctor recommends medication for ADHD, the most common ones are stimulants, like dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant drugs might include guanfacine and clonidine which are blood pressure medicines which can aid in reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity, however they could take longer to kick in and may cause negative side effects like constipation, heartburn, and low sexual drive.
People with ADHD often miss appointments and are often late to work, and make irrational choices which can strain the patience of even the most forgiving family members and friends. Couples therapy and classes focusing on improving communication skills can help patients establish stable relationships.
Exercise, diet, and stress reduction all be a factor in managing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from the condition have found that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements helps them, but it's crucial to consult a physician before attempting these treatments. Doing so without a doctor's direction could result in nutritional deficiencies and health issues.