ADHD Treatments For Adults
The majority of doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. They can help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine (Strattera) can help alleviate symptoms, but they work slower.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, helps adults to improve their planning and organizational skills. Psychotherapy and coaching are also effective in improving social functioning.
Medicines
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people find that they get better through a change in their diet or taking supplements, but they should only be taken under a doctor's guidance. Other treatments can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as family counseling. Certain adults with ADHD struggle to adhere to medication However, they should talk with their doctors and seek help. Certain medications are available over-the-counter while others need prescriptions.
The majority of the medicines prescribed for ADHD work by increasing the levels of dopamine within your brain, which reduces impulsivity and enhances concentration. Some of the most popular medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. They are believed to be the most effective for ADHD treatment, however they do have side effects. Some of these side effects could be serious, for instance, heart problems. In addition, stimulants can cause tics, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications can also delay growth by a few months in children and teenagers.
Nonstimulant medicines are prescribed to those who experience intolerable side-effects from stimulants, or those at risk of developing heart disease. These medications are primarily norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. They aren't as efficient as stimulants, however they are safe and don't have the risk of abuse that some people are prone to with stimulant medication.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms by following an established schedule, making and sticking to a strict budget, improving your organization skills, gaining knowledge about your disorder and creating strategies to manage your symptoms. You should talk to an expert to find out the best way to manage your condition. You can find a wealth of information on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your ADHD symptoms can affect your relationships. Talking to a therapist about how you interact with your spouse or co-workers and taking classes to learn conflict resolution can help. You can improve your relationships with your coworkers or spouse by helping them understand your ADHD and by making them aware that your behavior is not intentional.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can result in significant emotional, social, and occupational consequences. These include lower academic achievements as well as higher rates of job loss and transfer, and poor work performance. There are also more car accidents, and higher divorce rates than the general population. Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression, or abuse of substances. Patients with comorbid disorders could have a harder time responding to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A thorough history of the patient is vital, as many medical conditions may have symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Patients with developmental disorders, seizure disorders, sleep apnea thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning should be careful to be evaluated. Patients with active substance abuse or with certain medical conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure are contraindicated from receiving stimulant treatments (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of teaching patients about their disorder and its impact on different areas of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can help patients build their self-esteem, particularly those who are often stigmatized as lazy or less intelligent.
The goal of the therapy for adults who suffer from ADHD, is to improve their ability to organize their lives and teach them better ways to organize their time. This will reduce the likelihood of missing appointments or making impulsive choices that can cause issues at work, school or in their personal lives. This kind of therapy can also help improve the effectiveness of one's interactions with children, spouses and co-workers.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults who suffer from ADHD is designed to help individuals change their behavior patterns. This kind of therapy is very effective at improving the functioning of those suffering from ADHD particularly when it is paired with family therapy and psychoeducation. Educating patients and their loved ones about ADHD can reduce the likelihood of blaming one another for problems caused by the patient's inability manage his or her own behavior. Classes that train couples and families to communicate more effectively and develop conflict resolution skills can also help.
Counseling
A good treatment plan will address the signs of ADHD and their impact on school, work and the family. It includes non-stimulant and stimulant medication, as in addition to psychosocial treatment, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT assists patients to alter their thinking about their behavior. It also teaches patients how to manage their symptoms, and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD boost and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They have been around for a long time and there are a variety of kinds of drugs each with their own advantages and disadvantages. The two most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine. These are available under a variety of brand names, including Ritalin and Adderall. Other medications that treat ADHD are atomoxetine. It works by increasing the amount of a substance in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells and viloxazine which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and Atomoxetine are frequently used to treat ADHD in adults because they have a slower onset than stimulants. They are also available for people who can't use stimulants due to other health issues or have serious side effects.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbid conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore the severity and presence of other conditions should be considered when diagnosing ADHD. adult add treatment is important to determine the cause of the symptoms, for example thyroid disorders, hearing or sight problems.
It's also important to note that some patients may be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by altering their diet. It's important to consult a doctor before eliminating any foods. This could result in nutritional deficiencies, and should only be done under the supervision of a dietician or doctor. Counseling can help patients deal with their symptoms and improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses recognize that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign that they are unloving or malicious.
Education
Patients and doctors alike are susceptible to being misled by the diagnosis of ADHD. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD, and certain medical conditions and medications can also cause symptoms that resemble ADHD.
Many of these problems can be addressed with treatment or lifestyle modifications. Someone suffering from ADHD may benefit by taking supplements or altering their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy can help the person to be more resistant to the temptations and impulsiveness that can distract him, improve his concentration and self-control. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness meditation practice both of which can help control emotions and increase focus.
A thorough history of symptoms and a physical examination are important. A physician can also evaluate a patient for sleep apnea, hearing or thyroid problems, vision problems as well as lead poisoning, alcohol or drug abuse. In addition to determining the presence of an underlying cause these evaluations can assist in determining or limit the effects of other conditions that could contribute to a patient's ADHD-like behavior.
If a doctor prescribes medication for ADHD the most commonly prescribed ones are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant drugs include clonidine and guanfacine. These blood pressure medication can help with hyperactivity and impulsivity, but might take longer to effect and may cause side effects such as constipation, heartburn, and low sexual desire.
ADHD patients are often unable to remember appointments, show up late for work and make uninformed choices that can strain even the most patient family and friends members. Couples therapy or classes that help improve communication skills can help sufferers develop solid relationships.
Exercise, diet, and stress reduction can all help in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from ADHD have reported 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 therapies. If you try this without consulting a doctor, it could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.