ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the first treatment that doctors recommend. They help balance levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants also may help reduce symptoms, but they do so slower.
Psychotherapy, similar to cognitive behavioral therapy, helps adults to improve their planning and organizational skills. Coaching and psychotherapy are also capable of improving social functioning.
Medicines
If you have ADHD, you can benefit from medications to manage your symptoms. Some people discover that they improve through a change in their diet or taking supplements, however these should only be utilized under the supervision of a doctor. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or family counseling are all possible solutions. Some adults with ADHD struggle to adhere to medication, but they should talk with their doctors and seek help. Certain medications can be purchased over the counter, while others require prescriptions.
The majority of ADHD medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This reduces impulsivity, and increases concentration. The most well-known medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Although they are considered the most effective treatment for ADHD, they also have negative side consequences. Heart problems are among the more serious adverse effects. 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 patients who suffer from uncontrollable side effects from stimulants, or those at risk of heart disease. These are typically dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. These aren't as effective as stimulants, however they are safe and don't have the potential for abuse as certain people experience with stimulant medications.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms by following a schedule, creating and adhering to the strict guidelines of a budget, enhancing your organization skills, understanding about your disorder and developing strategies to deal with your symptoms. Consult a professional regarding the best methods to manage your disorder. You can also find a wealth of useful resources on the site of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your ADHD symptoms can cause stress in your relationships. You can improve your relationships by speaking with an therapist and attending classes in conflict resolution. You can improve your relationships with your spouse or co-workers by having them understand your ADHD and letting them know that your behavior is not intentional.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can have significant occupational, emotional and social effects on occupational, emotional and social. These include lower academic achievement as well as higher rates of job failure and transfer and 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 depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs. Those with comorbid disorders may have a harder time responding to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
It is crucial to obtain an in-depth history of the patient, since a variety of medical conditions may have symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients suffering from developmental disorders, seizure disorder sleep apnea, thyroid disorders need to be evaluated more closely. Patients with active substance abuse or those suffering from particular medical conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure are contraindicated from receiving stimulant therapy (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy is a form of therapy that includes behavioral therapy and psychoeducation for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of informing patients about their condition and the effects it has on their lives. Psychoeducation can also help improve self-esteem in patients who often are stigmatized, for example, being perceived as lazy or less intelligent.
The purpose of behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is to enhance their organizational skills and help them learn better ways to organize their time. This can reduce the chances of missing appointments or making impulsive choices that can create problems at school, at work or with their personal lives. This type of therapy can also improve the effectiveness of one's interactions with their spouses, children and coworkers.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is aimed at helping individuals change their behaviour patterns. This kind of therapy is extremely efficient in improving the performance of people suffering from ADHD, especially if it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. Educating patients and their close friends about ADHD can reduce the likelihood of blaming each other for the problems caused by the patient's inability control his or her own behavior. Classes that teach families and couples how to better communicate and resolve conflicts can help.
Counseling
A good treatment plan will address the signs of ADHD and their impact on school, work and family. It includes non-stimulant and stimulant medication as along with psychosocial treatment, notably cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT assists patients to alter their mental outlook on their behavior. It also helps patients learn to manage their symptoms, and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. There are many different types of stimulant medications, all with their own benefits and adverse effects. The two most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. They are sold under many brands, including Ritalin and Adderall. Other drugs used to treat ADHD are atomoxetine. It helps by increasing the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain that passes messages between brain cells, and viloxazine, which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine and viloxazine are often used to treat ADHD in adults since they are less likely to cause symptoms than stimulants. These medications are also available to people who cannot take stimulants due other health issues or severe adverse effects.
It's important to recognize that comorbid disorders can mimic the symptoms of ADHD, so the severity and presence of any other condition must be considered when determining an ADHD diagnosis. It is also essential to rule out any physical causes for the symptoms, such as an underlying thyroid disorder or hearing and vision problems.
It's also important to note that some patients might be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by changing their diet. However, it's essential to seek medical advice before eliminating any food items which could result in nutritional deficiencies and should only be done with the help of a doctor or a dietician. Counseling can help patients cope with their symptoms, and also improve their relationships with their family. Counseling can also help spouses understand that the patient's behavior is not necessarily a sign of lack of love or willful infractions.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing for both the patient and the doctor. It's not uncommon for other mental health conditions to coexist with the disorder, and some medications and medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
Lifestyle changes or treatment can resolve many of these issues. For instance, a person suffering from ADHD might benefit from adjusting diet or taking supplements to improve their eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy could help him to resist distractions and impulsiveness, increase the focus of his mind and develop self-control. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can aid in controlling emotions and improve concentration.
A complete history of symptoms is crucial and so is a physical exam. A doctor can also examine a patient for sleep apnea, hearing or vision problems, thyroid disorders as well as lead poisoning, drug or alcohol abuse. These evaluations will not only aid in determining the presence of an underlying disorder, but also decrease or eliminate the effects of other disorders that could contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
Most commonly, stimulants are prescribed by doctors for ADHD. They include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine Concerta and Adderall. treatments for adhd in adults might include clonidine or guanfacine, which are blood pressure medicines that can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they might take longer to begin working and may cause side effects like constipation, heartburn, and low sexual drive.
ADHD patients tend to forget appointments, show up late for work and make uninformed choices that can cause stress to even the most patient family and friends members. Couples therapy or classes that improve communication skills can help people develop stable relationships.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction all play a role in managing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have found that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements aids them, however it's vital to consult with a doctor before attempting these treatments. If you decide to do this without consulting with a physician it could result in nutritional deficiency and other health issues.