ADHD Treatments For Adults
Most doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. They help balance the levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine, (Strattera) are also able to help alleviate symptoms, but they work more slowly.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults develop skills to improve organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy are also effective in improving social functioning.
Medicines
If you suffer from ADHD, you can benefit from taking medication to manage your symptoms. Some people find they are more comfortable after changing their diets or taking supplements. However, these should only ever be administered under the supervision of a physician. Other treatments can include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy (CBT), and family counseling. Some people with ADHD have difficulty staying on medication however, they should speak to their doctor and ask for assistance. Some medications can be purchased over-the-counter while others need prescription.
The majority of medications prescribed for ADHD work by increasing the levels of dopamine in your brain, which reduces impulsivity and improves focus. Some of the most common medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Although treating adhd in adults are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD but they can also trigger negative side consequences. Some of these side effects can be serious, such as heart problems. In addition, stimulants can cause symptoms like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth in children and adolescents by a few months.
Nonstimulant drugs are prescribed to people who experience intolerable side-effects from stimulants, or who are at risk of heart disease. These medications include dopamine reuptake inhibitors, norepinephrine or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. They're not as effective as stimulants, however they are safe and don't carry the risk of abuse that some people are prone to with stimulant drugs.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms by adhering to the prescribed schedule, creating and adhering to a strict budget, improving your organization skills, gaining knowledge about your disorder and developing strategies to manage your symptoms. You should talk to an expert to find out the best approach to managing your condition. You will find plenty of helpful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your ADHD symptoms can cause stress in your relationships. You can improve your relationships by talking to an therapist and attending classes on conflict resolution. You can improve your relationships with your spouse or co-workers by helping them understand your ADHD and by telling them that your behavior is not intentional.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has serious emotional, social and occupational consequences. This can lead to lower academic achievement and higher rates of job loss and transfer, poor performance at work as well as more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population (Spencer and co. 2007). Comorbidity between depression, anxiety and substance abuse are common in adults with ADHD. People with comorbid disorders might have a harder time responding to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A thorough patient history is essential, since many medical conditions can manifest similar to symptoms of ADHD. Patients with seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea thyroid disorders and lead poisoning must be carefully evaluated. Patients who abuse substances or those suffering from particular medical conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure should refrain from receiving stimulant treatment (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy is a form of therapy that includes behavioral therapy and psychoeducation for adults with ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of informing patients about their disorder and its effects on their lives. Psychoeducation can help patients build their self-esteem, especially those who are frequently viewed as being lazy or less intelligent.
The goal of behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is to improve their ability to organize their lives and teach them how to manage their time. This can reduce the likelihood of missing appointments or making impulsive choices which can lead to issues at work, school or in their private lives. This type of therapy can also improve the effectiveness of a person's interactions with their spouses, children and coworkers.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults who suffer from ADHD is geared towards helping people to change their negative behavior patterns. This type of therapy is extremely effective at improving the functioning of those suffering from ADHD especially when it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. By educating patients and their loved ones about ADHD it can decrease the amount of time they blame each other for the issues caused by the inability of a patient to control his or her behavior. Classes that teach families and couples how to communicate more effectively and manage conflicts can help.
Counseling
A successful treatment strategy will address the symptoms of ADHD and their effects on work, school, and family. It should include stimulant and nonstimulant medication and psychosocial therapy, 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 family and friends.
Stimulant medications are used to treat ADHD. They regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They've been around for a long time, and there are a variety of kinds of medications, each with its own benefits and side effects. The two most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, which are available under many different brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. Other drugs used to treat ADHD include atomoxetine, which helps by increasing the amount of a substance in the brain that passes messages between brain cells and viloxazine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and Atomoxetine are frequently used to treat ADHD in adults because they have a slower onset than stimulants. These drugs are also available to those who cannot take stimulants due to other health issues or severe adverse effects.
It's important to note that co-occurring disorders can cause symptoms of ADHD, so the presence and severity of any other conditions must be considered when determining the ADHD diagnosis. It is essential to determine the cause of the symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, hearing or sight problems.
Certain patients may be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. But it's crucial to seek medical advice before eliminating any food items, as this can lead to nutritional deficiencies. This should only be done with the help of a physician or dietician. Counseling can also assist patients deal with their symptoms, and improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses understand that the patient's behavior is not necessarily a sign they are averse to love or malicious.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing for both patients and doctors. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD, and certain medications and medical conditions may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Treatment or lifestyle changes can help with many of these issues. A person with ADHD may benefit from adjusting their diet or taking supplements to improve their eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy will help him learn how to resist distractions, impulsiveness and improve his concentration. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can both aid in regulating emotions and increase concentration.
A complete history of symptoms is crucial and so is a physical exam. A physician can also check for sleep apnea, as well as other disorders like problems with vision and hearing thyroid disorders, alcohol or drug abuse as well as lead poisoning. In addition to determining the existence of an underlying cause, these evaluations can assist in determining or limit the effects of other disorders that could cause an individual's ADHD-like behavior.
The majority of stimulants are prescribed by physicians for ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine Concerta and Adderall. Other non-stimulant drugs could include guanfacine and clonidine which are blood pressure drugs which can aid in reducing impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they might take longer to begin working and might have adverse effects such as heartburn, constipation and low sexual drive.
ADHD patients are often unable to remember appointments, arrive late to work, and make irrational decisions that can strain even the most patient family and friends members. Couples therapy and classes focusing on improving communication skills can help people build relationships that are stable.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction all be a factor in managing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have discovered that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements can help them, but it's crucial to consult with a doctor before trying these therapies. If you try this without consulting a doctor, it could lead to nutritional deficiency and other health issues.