ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the first treatment that doctors recommend. They help balance levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants may help reduce symptoms, but they do so more slowly.
Psychotherapy, similar to cognitive behavioral therapy, helps adults to improve their planning and organization abilities. Psychotherapy and coaching are also able to improve social functioning.
Medicines
If you suffer from ADHD and are suffering from it, you could benefit from medications to manage the symptoms. Some people feel better after altering their diet or taking supplements. However they should only be used under the guidance of a physician. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT), or family counseling are all possible solutions. Certain adults suffering from ADHD struggle to stick to their medication. They should talk to their doctor and ask for assistance. Some medications are available over-the-counter, while others require the prescription of a doctor.
The majority of ADHD medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This reduces impulsivity and improves concentration. The most popular drugs are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Although they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD however, they can also cause negative side consequences. Cardiovascular problems are some of the more serious adverse effects. Stimulant medications can also cause antics, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth in children and adolescents by just a few months.
Nonstimulant medications can be prescribed to those who suffer from intolerable side effects from stimulants or are at risk of heart problems. These medications are primarily dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. These medications are not as effective as stimulants, but are safe and don't contain the potential for abuse that some people experience when taking stimulant medication.
You can try to reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a well-planned schedule, establishing and adhering to a budget, enhancing organizational skills, learning more about your disorder and implementing strategies to deal with your symptoms. It is recommended to talk with an expert to find out the best method to manage your condition. You can find many useful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your ADHD symptoms can strain your relationships. You can improve your relationships by speaking with a therapist or taking conflict resolution classes. You can improve your relationships with your family members or friends by having them understand your ADHD and by telling them that your behavior is not malicious.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can have significant social, emotional, and occupational consequences. This includes lower academic performance, higher rates of job loss and transfer, poor performance at work as well as a higher number of car accidents, and higher divorce rates than the general population (Spencer and co. 2007). The comorbidity of anxiety, depression and substance abuse are common in adults with ADHD. Patients with multiple conditions may be more difficult to respond to stimulant medication (Barkley & Gordon, 2002).
A detailed patient history is vital, as many medical conditions can have symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning should be more carefully evaluated. Patients with active substance abuse or those suffering from particular medical conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure should refrain from receiving stimulant treatment (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of teaching patients about their disorder and its impact on various aspects of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can help patients improve their self-esteem, particularly those who are frequently viewed as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
The purpose of behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is to improve their ability to organize their lives and help them learn better ways to organize their time. This can reduce the chances of missing appointments and making impulsive choices that can create problems at school, at work or with their personal lives. This kind of therapy could aid in improving the effectiveness of an individual's interactions with spouses, children and co-workers.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults suffering from ADHD is focused on helping individuals change their negative patterns of behavior. This kind of therapy is very effective at improving the functioning of those suffering from ADHD especially when it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. The process of educating patients and significant others about ADHD can help reduce the tendency to blame each other for the problems caused by the patient's inability to control their own behavior. Classes that train couples and families how to communicate more effectively and to develop techniques for conflict resolution can help.
Counseling
A good treatment plan will address the signs of ADHD and their impact on school, work, and the family. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant medication, as in addition to psychosocial treatment, notably cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients to change their mental outlook on 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 several different kinds of medications, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The two most popular stimulants are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate that are available under various brand names such as Adderall and Ritalin. Other medications used to treat ADHD are atomoxetine, which works by increasing the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells and viloxazine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are used to treat ADHD among adults, as they have a less gradual start than stimulants. These drugs are also available for those who are unable to take stimulants due to other health issues or severe adverse effects.
It is important to remember that comorbid conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Therefore the presence and severity of other conditions must be taken into consideration when diagnosing ADHD. It is essential to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, including thyroid disorders, hearing or sight problems.
It's also worth noting that some patients might be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by changing their diet. However, it's essential to seek medical advice before cutting out any foods, as this can cause nutritional deficiencies and should only be done with the guidance of a physician or dietician. Counseling can help patients deal with their symptoms, and improve their relationships with their family. Counseling can help spouses realize that the patient's behavior is not necessarily a sign that they are unloving or malicious.
Education
Both doctors and patients are often confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. It is not uncommon for other mental health disorders to coexist with the disorder. Additionally, certain medications and medical conditions may also produce symptoms that mimic those of ADHD.
Many of these problems can be solved with treatment or lifestyle changes. Someone suffering from ADHD could benefit from changing their diet or taking supplements to improve his eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy can help him to resist distractions and impulsiveness, increase his focus and develop self-control. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, both of which can aid in regulating emotions and increase concentration.
A thorough history of symptoms and a physical examination are essential. A physician can also evaluate patients for sleep apnea and hearing and vision problems, thyroid disorders as well as lead poisoning, alcohol or drug abuse. In addition to determining the presence of an underlying cause these tests can help identify or lessen the effects of other disorders that might cause a patient's ADHD-like behavior.
treatment of add of stimulants are prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. These include dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant drugs might include clonidine or guanfacine, which are blood pressure medicines that can help with hyperactivity and impulsivity, however they could take longer to begin working and might have negative side effects like constipation, heartburn, and low sex drive.
People suffering from ADHD frequently miss appointments, are late for work and make irrational decisions that strain the patience of even the most tolerant friends and relatives. Couples therapy and classes that focus on improving communication skills can help patients develop stable relationships.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction could all be a factor in managing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from the condition have found that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements helps them, but it's important to talk to a doctor before attempting these treatments. Doing so without a doctor's advice could result in nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.