ADHD Treatments For Adults
Most doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They can help regulate levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants also may help alleviate symptoms, but they do so more slowly.
Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, can help adults learn techniques to improve organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy are capable of improving social functioning.
Medicines
If you have ADHD, you can benefit from medication to alleviate the symptoms. Some people may be able to improve their condition by changing their diet or taking supplements, however these should only be used under a doctor's guidance. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or family counseling are all possible treatment options. Some adults with ADHD have difficulty staying on medication However, they should talk to their doctor and seek help. Some medications can be purchased over-the-counter while others need prescription.
The majority of ADHD medications help by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This reduces impulsivity, and improves concentration. The most popular drugs are stimulants, like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. Although they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD but they can also trigger side effects. Some of these adverse effects can be serious, such as cardiovascular issues. In addition, stimulants can cause the tics of blinking eyes or throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth in adolescents and children by several months.
Nonstimulant drugs are often prescribed to people who suffer from intolerable side effects from stimulants or are at risk of developing heart problems. These are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. They're not as effective as stimulants, however they are safe and don't have the potential for abuse as some people have with stimulant medications.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms by adhering to the prescribed schedule, creating and adhering to an exact budget, enhancing your organizational skills, learning about your condition and implementing strategies to deal with your symptoms. Consult a professional regarding the best methods to manage your ADHD. You can also find a wealth of useful resources on the site of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your ADHD symptoms can strain your relationships. You can improve your relationships by speaking with an therapist and attending conflict resolution classes. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how ADHD affects you and recognizing that some of your behaviors are not intentionally mean-spirited.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has significant emotional, social and occupational consequences for occupational, emotional and social. This includes lower academic performance as well as higher rates of job loss and transfer, poor work performance as well as a higher number of car accidents, and higher divorce rates than the general population (Spencer et al 2007). Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. People with comorbid conditions might be more difficult to respond to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon, 2002).
It is essential to take an extensive history of the patient, as many medical conditions can manifest symptoms similar to ADHD. adult add treatment with seizures, developmental disorders sleep apnea, and thyroid disorders must be assessed more carefully. The use of stimulants is not recommended for patients who are addicted to drugs or in those with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease and high blood pressure tachycardia and arrhythmias (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy is a form of therapy that includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their disorder, including its effects on various aspects of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can also help improve self-esteem in patients who often face stigma, such as being viewed as lazy or less intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to teach patients how to organize their time and tasks, improving their skills in organizing. This can reduce the likelihood of missing appointments or making impulsive choices that can cause difficulties at work, school or in their personal life. This type of therapy could improve the relationship of a person with their family, friends, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults who suffer from ADHD is geared towards helping people to change their negative behaviors. This type of therapy can be very efficient in improving the performance of people suffering from ADHD particularly when it is it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. By educating patients and loved family members about ADHD it will reduce the frequency at which they blame each other for the issues caused by a patient's inability control their behavior. Classes that train couples and families how to communicate more effectively and develop strategies for resolving conflicts can be beneficial.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan for ADHD will address the symptoms and their effects on work, family, and school. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant drugs as well as psychosocial therapy, notably cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT assists patients in changing their mental outlook on their behavior. It also teaches them skills 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 referred to as neurotransmitters. They have been around for a long period of time, and there are many kinds of medications each with their distinct advantages and negative effects. The two most commonly used stimulants are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate and methylphenidate, which are sold under a variety of brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. Viloxazine is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine increases the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine and Atomoxetine are frequently used to treat ADHD in adults due to the fact that they are more gradual in onset than stimulants. They also are available to people who can't use stimulants due to other health problems or who experience severe side effects.
It is important to remember that comorbid disorders can mimic the symptoms of ADHD So the severity and frequency of any other conditions must be considered when determining an ADHD diagnosis. It is also essential to rule out physical reasons for the symptoms, like an underlying thyroid disorder or hearing and vision problems.
Some patients may also be able reduce their ADHD symptoms by making changes to their diet. It is essential to consult a doctor before eliminating any foods. This could lead to nutritional deficiencies and should be done under the supervision of a doctor or dietician. Counseling can also assist patients deal with their symptoms, and improve their relationships with their family. Counseling can help spouses understand that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign that they are averse to love or malicious.
Education
Both patients and doctors can be confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. It's not uncommon for different mental health disorders to coexist with the disorder, and some medications and medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
Many of these issues can be solved with treatments or lifestyle modifications. Someone suffering from ADHD might benefit by taking supplements or altering their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy can teach the person to be more resistant to distractions and impulsiveness, increase his focus and develop self-control. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness-based meditation practice, both of which can help control emotions and improve attention.
A thorough history of symptoms and a physical exam are important. A doctor can also examine the patient for sleep apnea, hearing or thyroid problems, vision problems as well as lead poisoning, alcohol or drug abuse. In addition to determining if there is a possibility of an underlying cause these tests can help identify or reduce the effects of other disorders that could cause an individual's ADHD-like behavior.
If a doctor prescribes medication for ADHD The most popular ones are stimulants, like dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Other non-stimulant drugs could include clonidine or guanfacine, which are blood pressure medicines that can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, but they may take longer to begin working and may cause side effects like constipation, heartburn and low sexual drive.
People suffering from ADHD often have trouble keeping appointments or are late for work and make irrational decisions which can strain the patience of even the most patient family members and friends. Couples therapy or classes that help improve communication skills can help people develop solid relationships.
Exercise, diet, and stress reduction could all be a factor in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from ADHD have reported that avoiding certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it's essential to consult with a physician first before trying any of these methods. If you do this without a doctor's guidance could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health problems.