ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the first treatment that doctors recommend. They can help regulate levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine, (Strattera) can reduce symptoms, but they do so slower.
Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, can help adults learn skills to improve organization and planning. Psychotherapy and coaching are also effective in improving social functioning.
Medications
If you suffer from ADHD and are suffering from it, you could benefit from medications to alleviate your symptoms. Some people may be able to improve their condition by altering their diet or taking supplements, however these should only be utilized under the guidance of a physician. Other options include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy (CBT), and counseling for families. Certain adults with ADHD struggle to adhere to medication, but they should talk to their doctor and seek help. Some medications are available over-the-counter and others require prescriptions.
The majority of ADHD medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This reduces impulsivity and increases concentration. Some of the most popular medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. These are considered to be the most effective in ADHD treatment, however they can cause side effects. Some of these side effects could be severe, like cardiovascular issues. Stimulant medication may also cause tics, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth in children and adolescents by several months.
Nonstimulant drugs are prescribed to patients who suffer from insufferable side-effects of stimulants, or who are at risk of heart disease. These are typically dopamine reuptake inhibitors, norepinephrine or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants but are safe and do not contain the potential for abuse that many people have with stimulant medications.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a planned schedule, making and sticking to a budget, developing organizational skills, learning more about your disorder, and developing strategies to deal with your symptoms. It is recommended to talk with an expert to find out the best method to manage your disorder, and you will find plenty of helpful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your relationships may be strained because of your ADHD symptoms. Talking with treating adult add about how you interact with your coworkers or spouse and taking classes to learn conflict resolution can help. treating adult adhd can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how ADHD affects you, and also recognizing that some of your behavior are not intentionally mean-spirited.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has significant social, emotional and occupational consequences. These include lower academic achievement and higher rates of transfer and job failure, as well as poor work performance. Additionally, there are more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population. Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression or abuse of substances. People with comorbid disorders might be more difficult to respond to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
It is essential to take an extensive history of the patient, since a variety of medical conditions may present symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Patients suffering from developmental disorders, seizure disorder sleep apnea, thyroid disorders should be evaluated more closely. Stimulant treatment is contraindicated in patients with active substance abuse or with certain medical conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, tachycardia and arrhythmias (Greenhill 2001).).
Psychosocial therapy encompasses psychoeducation and behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their condition and the effects it has on their lives. Psychoeducation can also aid in improving self-esteem for patients who frequently face stigma, such as being judged as lazy or less intelligent.
The purpose of behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD, is to improve their organizational skills and teach them better ways to manage their time. This can reduce the chances of missing appointments or making decisions impulsively that could create problems at the workplace, at school or with their personal lives. This kind of therapy could also help improve the effectiveness of one's interactions with their spouses, children and co-workers.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults with ADHD is designed to help individuals change their behaviors. This type of therapy is very effective at improving the functioning of people with ADHD, particularly when combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. By educating patients and loved family members about ADHD it will reduce 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 couples and families how to communicate more effectively and develop techniques for conflict resolution can help.
Counseling
A well-designed treatment plan will address the symptoms of ADHD and their effects on school, work, and family. It should include stimulant and nonstimulant drugs as well as psychosocial therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients to change their way of thinking about their behavior. It also teaches patients how to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
Stimulant medication is used to treat ADHD. They help to regulate and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They have been around for a long time and there are several different types of medications each with their own benefits and side effects. The two most popular stimulants are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, which are available under many different names, such as Adderall and Ritalin. Viloxazine is a selective reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine boosts the amount of a brain chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine as well as atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a less gradual onset than stimulants. These medications are also available to people who are unable to take stimulants due to health issues or severe side effects.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbidities can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore the severity and presence of other conditions should be considered when diagnosing ADHD. It's also important to rule out physical causes for the symptoms, like thyroid disorders or vision and hearing issues.
Certain patients may be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by making changes to their diet. But it's crucial to seek medical advice prior to cutting out any foods that could cause nutritional deficiencies and should only be done with the help of a doctor or a dietician. Another option is counseling which can assist patients in learning to cope with their symptoms and establish better relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses realize that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign they are averse to love or malicious.
Education
Both patients and doctors are often confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. It's not uncommon for different mental health disorders to coexist the disorder, and certain medications and medical conditions may also produce symptoms that mimic those of ADHD.
Treatment or lifestyle changes can help with many of these issues. Someone suffering from ADHD might benefit by taking supplements or altering their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy can teach him how to better resist distractions, impulsiveness, and improve his focus. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, both of which can help control emotions and increase concentration.
A thorough history of symptoms and a physical examination are crucial. A doctor can also assess patients for sleep apnea, hearing or thyroid problems, vision problems or lead poisoning as well as alcohol or drug abuse. In addition to determining if there is a possibility of an underlying cause these evaluations can help rule out or lessen the effects of other disorders that might contribute to a patient's ADHD-like behavior.
Most commonly, stimulants are prescribed by physicians for ADHD. They include dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate as well as Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant medications include clonidine and guanfacine. These blood pressure medication can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, but can take longer to work and may cause adverse effects like constipation, heartburn, and a lack of sex.
ADHD patients often forget appointments, show up late for work and make uninformed choices that can strain even the most patient of family and friends members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on improving communication skills can help people establish stable relationships.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction all can play a part in managing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have reported that avoiding certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it's important to consult a doctor prior to attempting any of these methods. If you try this without consulting with a physician it could result in nutritional deficiency and other health issues.