ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the first treatment most doctors recommend. They help balance levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants may help reduce symptoms, but they work slower.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults develop strategies to improve their organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy are also effective in improving social functioning.
Medicines
You can use medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people may find that they get better through a change in their diet or taking supplements, however they should only be taken under a doctor's guidance. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or family counseling are all viable treatment options. Some adults with ADHD struggle to stick to their medication. They should consult their doctor and request assistance. Certain medications are available for purchase over the counter and some require prescriptions.
Most ADHD medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This reduces impulsivity, and increases concentration. The most popular medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They are believed to be the most effective ADHD treatment, but they can cause side effects. Cardiovascular problems are some of the more serious side effects. The stimulant medication can also trigger the appearance of tics, like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth in children and adolescents by just a few months.
Nonstimulant medications are prescribed to those who suffer from insufferable side-effects of stimulants, or those at risk of heart disease. These are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants however they are safe and do not contain the potential for abuse that many people have when taking stimulant medication.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms by adhering to the prescribed schedule, creating and adhering to an exact budget, enhancing your organization skills, understanding about your disorder and creating strategies to address your symptoms. It is recommended to talk with an expert to find out the best approach to managing your disorder, and you can find many useful 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 a therapist or taking classes on conflict resolution. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how ADHD affects you and understanding that some of your behaviors are not intended to be mean-spirited.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can result in profound emotional, social and occupational repercussions. These include lower academic achievements, higher rates for job loss and transfer, and poor performance at work. There are also more car accidents, and higher divorce rates than the general population. The comorbidity of anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs is common in adults with ADHD. Patients with multiple conditions may have a harder time responding to stimulant medication (Barkley & Gordon 2002).
A thorough patient history is vital, as many medical conditions can have symptoms similar to symptoms of ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders sleep apnea, thyroid disorders must be assessed more closely. Patients with active substance abuse or with certain medical conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure should refrain from receiving stimulant therapy (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of informing patients about their disorder and the effects it has on their lives. Psychoeducation can also aid in improving self-esteem for patients who frequently suffer from stigmas, such as being judged as inept or unintelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to teach patients better ways to manage their time and tasks as well as improving their ability to organize their lives. This can help reduce the risk of missing appointments or making impulsive choices that can result in problems at school, at work or with their personal lives. This type of therapy may also improve a person's relationships with their spouse, children and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD focuses on helping people modify their behavior patterns that are negative. This kind of therapy is extremely effective in improving the functioning of people suffering from ADHD especially when it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. Through educating patients and their loved family members about ADHD it can decrease the frequency with which they blame each other for the problems caused by a person's inability to control his or her behavior. Classes that teach couples and families how to communicate more effectively and to develop strategies for resolving conflicts can be beneficial.
Counseling
A well-designed treatment strategy will address the symptoms of ADHD and their effects on work, school, and the family. It will include both stimulant and nonstimulant drugs and psychosocial therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change their thinking about their behavior. It also teaches patients how to manage their symptoms, and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant medication is used to treat ADHD. They help to regulate and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. There are a myriad of types of stimulant medications, each with their own benefits and adverse effects. The two most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. treat adult adhd are available under a variety of brand names, including Ritalin and Adderall. Other medications that treat ADHD are atomoxetine. It is a stimulant that increases 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. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a more gradual onset than stimulants. They are also available for those who are unable to take stimulants due other medical conditions or serious side effects.
It's important to note that multiple disorders can resemble the symptoms of ADHD So the severity and frequency of any other condition should be considered when making the ADHD diagnosis. It's important to eliminate physical causes of the symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, hearing or sight problems.
Certain patients may be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms through diet changes. It is essential to consult a physician prior to eliminating any food. This could result in 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 better relationships with their families. Counseling can also help spouses understand that the patient's behaviors are not necessarily a sign of a lack of love or a deliberate act of wrongdoing.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be a bit confusing for both the patient and the doctor. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD and certain medications and medical conditions may also produce symptoms that mimic ADHD.
Lifestyle changes or treatment can help with many of these issues. A person suffering from ADHD may benefit by taking supplements or altering their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy will teach him how to manage distractions, impulsiveness and increase his concentration. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness-based meditation practice, both of which can help control emotions and increase focus.
A thorough history of the symptoms is crucial, as is a physical examination. A doctor can also look for sleep apnea and other conditions like hearing and vision issues thyroid disorders, alcohol or drug abuse and lead poisoning. These tests can not only help determine the presence of an underlying disorder, but also reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders which can contribute to the ADHD-like behavior.
When a doctor recommends medication for ADHD, the most common ones are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant drugs might include guanfacine or clonidine, which are blood pressure drugs that can help with impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they could take longer to start working and could cause side effects like constipation, heartburn and low sex drive.
ADHD patients often forget appointments, show up late for work, and make irrational decisions that can strain even the most patient family and friends members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on improving communication skills can help people develop stable relationships.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction can all help in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have discovered that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it is important to consult a doctor prior to attempting any of these treatments. Making these decisions without a physician's direction could result in nutritional deficiencies and health issues.