Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Treatment for adhd in adults is based on therapy, medication and support from family members. People can also participate in clinical trials that test new methods of treating ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD are most likely to benefit from stimulant medications. They need to be monitored regularly. This means monthly appointments with a doctor and regular review of symptoms.
Medicines
Many medications can be used to treat the symptoms of ADHD in adults. They are known as psychostimulants and they alter the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) that transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will choose the appropriate medication for you and will decide on the most appropriate dosage and timetable. It may take some time to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that will control your symptoms.
The first medication doctors prescribe to adults with ADHD is stimulants. These medications increase the amount of dopamine found in your brain, and also norepinephrine which allows you to manage your impulses and improve your focus. These medications are available in short-, mediumand long-acting varieties. Short-acting stimulants last around 6 hours, intermediate-acting medications last between 8 and 10 hours, while long-acting medicines last up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely to cause adverse reactions than shorter- or intermediate-acting medicines. However, they can still cause sleepiness and change in appetite.
Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera), are used to treat adult ADHD when stimulants don't perform or cause undesirable adverse effects. These medicines do not affect the levels of norepinephrine or dopamine, but they increase the amount of norepinephrine that's available to your brain and improve your ability to concentrate. These medications are available in capsule form and are taken once or twice every day.
Some adults with ADHD have co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety or depression. These are referred to as comorbid conditions and they can impact the way you respond to treatment for ADHD. Before beginning treatment for ADHD, it's important to address any comorbidities. For instance, people who have a history of substance use disorder may be more likely to misuse psychostimulants. It's best to wait until a person has stopped using drugs before using stimulants.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an interaction process of talking and discussing issues that may be disturbing or troubling for a person. The therapist listens to the person and provides guidance based on his or his or her training, education as well as experience, professional credentials and therapeutic theories. Psychotherapy may be short-term (a few weeks or even months) and can address more immediate issues, or more long-term. The duration and frequency of the treatment is decided by the therapist and the patient together.
Psychotherapy and medication together are a highly effective way to treat adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy can help individuals improve their time management, organizational skills and prioritizing. It can also teach strategies to manage emotions such as anger and frustration. The use of medication can help reduce symptoms and increase concentration, which results in more productive and effective academic and work performance.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have co-existing disorders, including mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Before beginning treatment for ADHD it is essential to treat any co-existing conditions. The treatment of co-existing conditions could require different types of medications and dosages than those prescribed to treat ADHD.
For instance, a person who suffers from ADHD could also be suffering from hypertension. Selecting a medication that addresses the ADHD symptoms, but does not destabilize the patient's hypertension that is controlled requires knowledge of how different medications affect people over time, as well as an understanding of the interactions between medications.
It's crucial to choose a therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD and with whom you feel comfortable. It is also crucial to schedule your first few sessions when you won't be distracted by your family obligations or work obligations.
Counseling
Adults suffering from ADHD face a variety of challenges in their lives, including difficulties in their relationships and at work. They may also experience anger, blame, and frustration that have developed in their lives because of their symptoms. adult add treatment can aid patients and their families develop new attitudes, skills and ways of relating.
Psychotherapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, a type of psychotherapy that aids individuals to change their behavior and thinking. It involves goal-setting, skill training and practice, and teaching strategies to improve self-esteem and organization. This can be accomplished individually or in a group setting. Some studies have shown that metacognitive treatment can significantly reduce symptoms and improve functioning for adults suffering from ADHD (Stevenson et al 2002).
In addition to psychotherapy, some people with ADHD require counseling to address specific life issues. These may include family conflict, impulsive and aggressive behavior, or difficulty dealing with failures and disappointments. Counseling can teach techniques to manage these situations and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. It can also enhance relationships, especially in marriages and other long-term relationships.
Family therapy and supportive groups therapy are other forms of psychotherapy that can be utilized to treat ADHD. These therapies can help families cope and develop skills to lessen conflict and improve communication when dealing with children who have ADHD. It can also assist parents to understand the disorder and develop parenting styles that encourage positive outcomes for their children.
Adults with ADHD must discuss their medication regularly with their physicians and inform them of any other medications, such as over-the drug products. Some medications can interact with certain medications or trigger side effects that are worsened by other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough evaluation and diagnosis is made, it is essential to monitor the patient to ensure that he or she is receiving the benefits of medication and not experiencing side effects. It is recommended that a patient be examined for an initial medical check-up within 30 days of starting treatment and monthly following that. This allows for a thorough titration of psychostimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate to a well-tolerated and effective dose. This permits accurate recording of the patient's response and assists in avoiding having sensitive patients remain taking insufficient doses (slow metabolism) or forcing those who require higher doses to unnecessarily high levels (rapid metabolizers).
For adults who are unable to respond well to stimulant medication or suffer from uncontrollable side effects, the use of nonstimulant medications could be recommended. This typically involves the use of the methylphenidate based atomoxetine alternatives.
Adults with ADHD typically suffer from comorbid disorders such as mood or anxiety disorder, substance abuse problems or depression. They might also be suffering from medical problems like hearing and vision problems or chronic sleep disorders. It is crucial to identify and assess these conditions in the initial evaluation for ADHD since these can have significant impact on functional impairment in adults.
ADHD can also be controlled through marital therapy. Many spouses report that they feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities to care for their spouses with ADHD and can become angry and angry as a result. Making the patient aware of the signs of their condition and helping to understand that these are not willful actions or lack of affection can reduce marital tensions and resentment. Couples who go through this type of therapy generally experience a better family functioning.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy for adults with ADHD is typically recommended. It should include a cognitive and behavioral component. Behavioral therapy assists patients in learning to improve their organizational skills, focus and control impulsive behavior. It helps patients manage their work, social, and home situations more effectively. Psychotherapy helps patients to understand how their condition affects different aspects of their lives and relationships. This helps reduce the stigma and feelings of shame that are commonly seen in people suffering from ADHD. They could be viewed by others as lazy or less intelligent.
Many psychiatric disorders mimic ADHD symptoms. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. The presence of other psychiatric problems should be assessed according to the need, to determine whether or not the patient's ADHD symptoms are connected to them.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with an amalgamation of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been demonstrated that when a combination of medication and psychotherapy is employed, the results are better than treatment on its own. Future controlled medication studies will attempt to track and evaluate functional improvements, such as better functioning at school, the workplace, and interpersonal relationships.