ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the first treatment most doctors recommend. They can help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants can alleviate symptoms, but they work slower.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults acquire techniques to improve organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy are effective in improving social functioning.
add adult treatment
If you suffer from ADHD and are suffering from it, you could benefit from medication to treat your symptoms. Some people feel better after changing their diets or taking supplements. However they should only be used under the guidance of a doctor. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or family counseling are all viable solutions. Certain adults suffering from ADHD struggle to adhere to their medication. They should consult their doctor and ask for assistance. Certain medications are available over the counter, while others require prescriptions.
Most ADHD medications are based on increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. This reduces impulsivity and improves concentration. The most commonly used drugs are stimulants like dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. Although they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD, they also have side effects. Heart problems are among the most serious adverse effects. Stimulant medication may also cause the appearance of tics, like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth in children and adolescents by a few months.
Nonstimulant medications can be prescribed to those who suffer from uncontrollable adverse effects from stimulants or are at risk of heart issues. These medications are primarily dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These medications are not as effective as stimulants however they are safe and do not contain the potential for abuse that certain people experience when taking stimulant medication.
You can attempt to lessen your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a well-planned schedule, making and sticking to a budget, improving your organizational skills, gaining knowledge about your condition, and developing strategies for dealing with your symptoms. You should talk to a professional to learn about the best method to manage your condition. You can find a wealth of information on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your relationships may be strained because of your ADHD symptoms. You can improve your relationships by speaking with a therapist and taking classes in conflict resolution. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how your ADHD affects you and understanding that some of your behavior are not intentionally mean-spirited.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has serious social, emotional and occupational consequences for occupational, emotional and social. These include lower academic success, higher rates of job failure and transfer, poor work performance as well as more car accidents and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer and co. 2007). Comorbidity between depression, anxiety and addiction to drugs is common among adults with ADHD. People with comorbid conditions might be more difficult to respond to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A thorough history of the patient is crucial, as a variety of medical conditions can have symptoms similar to symptoms of ADHD. Patients with developmental disorders, seizure disorders, sleep apnea thyroid disorders and lead poisoning should be cautiously assessed. Patients with active substance abuse, or those with certain medical conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure are not recommended from receiving stimulant therapy (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy encompasses psychoeducation and behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of informing patients about their disorder and the effects it has on their lives. Psychoeducation can help patients build their self-esteem, particularly those who are frequently viewed as inept or unintelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to help patients learn better ways to manage their time and tasks as well as improving their ability to organize their lives. This will reduce the chance of missing appointments and making decisions impulsively that could create problems at school, at work, or with their personal lives. This type of therapy may also improve a person's relationships with their family, friends, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is aimed at helping people change their negative behaviors. This kind of therapy is extremely effective at improving the functioning of people with ADHD, particularly when combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. By educating patients and their loved family members about ADHD it will reduce the frequency at which they blame each other for the problems caused by the inability of a patient to control their behavior. Classes that teach couples and families how to communicate more effectively and manage conflicts can be helpful.
Counseling
A good treatment plan will address the symptoms of ADHD and their effects on school, work, and family. It will include non-stimulant and stimulant medications as in addition to psychosocial treatment, notably cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change the way they think about their behavior. It also teaches them skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They've been around for a long time and there are many types of medications each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The two most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine that are available under various brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. Other drugs used to treat ADHD include atomoxetine, which helps by increasing the amount of a chemical in the brain that passes messages between brain cells and viloxazine which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and Atomoxetine are frequently used to treat ADHD in adults since they are less likely to cause symptoms than stimulants. They are also available for those who aren't able to take stimulants due to other health problems or who experience serious adverse effects.
It's important to note that co-occurring disorders can cause symptoms of ADHD So the presence and severity of any other medical condition should be considered when making the ADHD diagnosis. It's also important to rule out any physical causes of the symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or problems with hearing and vision.
It's also important to note that some patients may be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by changing their diet. But it's crucial to seek medical advice prior to eliminating any food items which could cause nutritional deficiencies and should only be done with the guidance of a doctor or a dietician. Counseling can also assist patients manage their symptoms, and improve their relationships with their family. Counseling can help spouses recognize that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign they are not loving or malicious.
Education
Both doctors and patients can be confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. Other mental disorders can coexist with ADHD and certain medical conditions and medications may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Lifestyle or treatment changes can help with many of these issues. Someone suffering from ADHD might benefit from taking supplements or changing their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy could help him to better resist distractions and impulsiveness, improve his concentration and self-control. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, both of which can aid in regulating emotions and increase concentration.
A thorough history of symptoms is important and so is a physical examination. A doctor can also examine patients for sleep apnea, hearing and thyroid problems, vision issues as well as lead poisoning, drug or alcohol abuse. In addition to determining if there is a possibility of an underlying cause these evaluations can help identify or lessen the effects of other disorders that might contribute to a patient's ADHD-like behavior.
If a doctor prescribes medication for ADHD, the most common medications are stimulants, like dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, including methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant drugs might include clonidine or guanfacine, which are blood pressure medicines which can aid in reducing impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they may take longer to start working and may cause adverse effects such as heartburn, constipation and low sex drive.
People suffering from ADHD often miss appointments and are often late to work and make irrational decisions which can strain the patience of even the most tolerant friends and relatives. Couples therapy and classes that focus on improving communication skills can help patients establish stable relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction can all play a part in managing ADHD symptoms. Certain people with ADHD have discovered that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it's important to consult a doctor prior to trying any of these treatments. If you do this without consulting with a physician, it could lead to nutritional deficiency and other health issues.