ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the first treatment that doctors recommend. They can help regulate levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine, (Strattera), can also reduce symptoms, but they do so slower.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can help adults improve their planning and organizational skills. Coaching and psychotherapy are also able to improve social functioning.
Medicines
If you suffer from ADHD you may benefit from medication to treat the symptoms. Some people find they feel better after altering their diets or taking supplements. However they should only be administered under the supervision of a medical professional. Other treatments can include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy (CBT) and family counseling. Some adults with ADHD struggle to adhere to medication however, they should speak to their doctor and ask for assistance. Certain medications are available for purchase over the counter and some require the prescription of a doctor.
The majority of the drugs prescribed for ADHD are effective in increasing the levels of dopamine in your brain, which decreases impulsivity and improves concentration. Some of the most common medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. They are thought to be the most effective ADHD treatment, but they can have adverse effects. Some of these adverse effects can be serious, such as cardiovascular problems. In addition, stimulants can cause tics such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth by a few month for teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant drugs are often prescribed for people who have uncontrollable adverse effects from stimulants or are at risk of heart problems. These are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants but are safe and don't offer the risk of abuse that certain people experience with stimulant medications.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a structured schedule, making and sticking to a budget, enhancing your organizational skills, gaining knowledge about your disorder and devising strategies to manage your symptoms. Talk to a doctor about the best methods to manage your ADHD. You will also find numerous helpful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your relationships may be strained due to your ADHD symptoms. Talking to a therapist about the way you interact with your coworkers or spouse and taking classes to learn conflict resolution can be helpful. You can improve your relationships with your family members or friends by having them understand your ADHD and making them aware that your behavior isn't malicious.
Therapy
ADHD as an adult can have profound emotional, social and occupational repercussions. These include lower academic success as well as higher rates of job failure and transfer, poor performance at work as well as more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population (Spencer et al 2007). Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from depression, anxiety or substance abuse. Patients with comorbid disorders could have more difficulty responding to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A detailed patient history is essential, since many medical conditions can have symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea and thyroid disorders must be assessed more closely. Patients with active substance abuse, or those with certain medical conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure are not recommended from receiving stimulant treatment (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy encompasses behavioral therapy and psychoeducation for adults with ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their condition and its impact on their lives. Psychoeducation can also improve self-esteem for patients who frequently are stigmatized, for example, being viewed as lazy or less intelligent.
The goal of the therapy for adults who suffer from ADHD, is to improve their abilities to manage their time and teach them better ways to manage their time. This can help reduce the likelihood of missing appointments or making decisions impulsively that can cause issues at work, school or in their personal life. This type of therapy may help improve relationships with their spouse, children and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults who suffer from ADHD is aimed at helping people to change their negative behaviour patterns. This kind of therapy can be very effective in improving the functioning of those suffering from ADHD, especially if it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. Through educating patients and their loved family members about ADHD, it can reduce the frequency at which they blame each other for the difficulties caused by a patient's inability manage his or her behavior. Classes that teach couples and families how to better communicate and resolve conflicts can be helpful.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan will address the symptoms of ADHD and their effects on work, school, and family. It includes non-stimulant and stimulant medication as along with psychosocial treatment, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT assists patients in changing their way of thinking about their behavior. It also teaches them skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
Stimulant medication is used to treat ADHD. They help to regulate and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They have been around for a long time and there are several different types of medications each with their own benefits and side effects. The two most popular stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, which are available under many different names, such as Adderall and Ritalin. Other medications that treat ADHD are atomoxetine, which works by increasing the amount of a substance in the brain that passes messages between brain cells, and viloxazine which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are commonly used to treat ADHD in adults because they are less likely to cause symptoms than stimulants. These drugs are also available for those who cannot take stimulants due to other medical conditions or serious side effects.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbid conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, the presence and severity other conditions must be taken into consideration when diagnosing ADHD. It is important to eliminate physical causes of the symptoms, for example thyroid disorders or hearing and sight problems.
It's also important to note that some patients may be able reduce their ADHD symptoms by changing their diet. It is essential to consult a doctor before eliminating any food. treatment for adult add could lead to nutritional deficiencies and should be done with the guidance of a dietician or doctor. Another option is counseling which helps patients cope with their symptoms and develop stronger relationships with their families. Counseling can also help spouses understand that the patient's behaviors are not necessarily indicative of a lack of affection or willful misconduct.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing for both the patient and the doctor. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD, and certain medical conditions and medications can also cause symptoms that mimic ADHD.
Many of these issues can be resolved by treatment or lifestyle adjustments. Someone suffering from ADHD may benefit by taking supplements or altering their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy can teach him how to manage distractions, impulsiveness, and improve his concentration. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness meditation practice both of which can help control emotions and increase attention.
A thorough history of the symptoms and a physical exam are crucial. A physician can also test for sleep apnea, as well as other conditions like hearing and vision issues thyroid disorders, alcohol or drug abuse and lead poisoning. In addition to determining the presence of an underlying cause these evaluations can assist in determining or reduce the effects of other conditions that could cause a patient's ADHD-like behavior.
When a doctor recommends medication for ADHD The most popular ones are stimulants, like dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, including methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Other non-stimulant drugs include clonidine as well as guanfacine. These blood pressure medicines can reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they may take longer to work and have negative side effects, such as constipation, heartburn and low sex desire.
ADHD patients are often unable to remember appointments, arrive late for work and make irrational choices that can strain even the most patient of friends and family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on improving communication skills can help patients establish stable relationships.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction all play a role in managing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have reported that avoiding certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it is important to consult a doctor first before trying any of these methods. If you try this without consulting a doctor this could lead to nutritional deficiency and other health issues.