ADHD Treatments For Adults
Most doctors recommend stimulants, such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. They help balance levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants also help to alleviate symptoms, but they do so slower.
Psychotherapy, along with cognitive behavioral therapy, can help adults develop their planning and organization skills. Psychotherapy and coaching are also effective in improving social functioning.
Medicines
If you suffer from ADHD and are suffering from it, you could benefit from taking medication to alleviate the symptoms. Some people notice they are more comfortable after changing their diet or taking supplements. However they should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family counseling are all possible treatments. Some adults with ADHD struggle to adhere to medication However, they should talk with their doctors and ask for help. Certain medications are available for purchase over the counter and some require a prescription.
The majority of the medications prescribed for ADHD help by increasing the levels of dopamine in your brain, which reduces impulsivity and enhances focus. The most commonly used drugs are stimulants like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. These are considered to be the most effective for ADHD treatment, but they can have adverse effects. Cardiovascular issues are among the more serious side effects. Stimulant medication may also cause tics, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth in children and adolescents by a few months.
Nonstimulant drugs are prescribed to patients who suffer from uncontrollable side effects from stimulants, or are at risk of heart disease. These medications are primarily norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These aren't as effective as stimulants, but they are safe and don't have the potential for abuse that some people have with stimulant medication.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms by adhering to an established schedule, making and adhering to a strict budget, improving your organization skills, gaining knowledge about your disorder and developing strategies to manage your symptoms. It is important to speak with an expert to learn the best way to manage your condition, and you can find many useful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your relationships could be strained because of your ADHD symptoms. You can improve your relationships by talking to an therapist and attending conflict resolution classes. You can improve your relationships with your coworkers or spouse by letting them know about your ADHD and by telling them that your behavior isn't intentional.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can result in significant social, emotional, and occupational effects. treatment of adhd in adults include lower academic success and more frequent failure to get a job and transfer, poor performance at work as well as a higher number of car accidents, and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer and colleagues 2007). Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. Those with comorbid disorders may be more difficult to respond to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
It is important to have a detailed medical history of the patient as many medical conditions can manifest symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea and thyroid disorders need to be evaluated 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 arrhythmias and tachycardia (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 its impact on their lives. Psychoeducation can help patients build their self-esteem, especially those who are often viewed as being lazy or less intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to help patients learn better ways to manage their time and work, improving their ability to organize their lives. This will reduce the chance of missing appointments or making decisions that are impulsive and could result in problems at school, at work or with their personal lives. This kind of therapy can aid in improving the effectiveness of a person's interactions with spouses, children and co-workers.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is focused on helping people modify their negative patterns of behavior. This type of therapy can be extremely effective in improving the functioning of people suffering from ADHD, especially if combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. Educating patients and their close friends about ADHD can help reduce the frequency of blaming one another for the issues caused by the patient's inability control his or her own behaviors. Classes that teach couples and families how to communicate more effectively and manage conflicts can be beneficial.
Counseling
A good treatment plan will address the symptoms of ADHD and their impact on work, school, and family. It will include both stimulant and nonstimulant medication and psychosocial therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change their thinking about their behavior. It also teaches them skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD boost and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. There are a variety of stimulant drugs, each with their own benefits and side-effects. The two most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, which are sold under many brands, including Ritalin and Adderall. Viloxazine is a norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine boosts the quantity of a brain chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are commonly used to treat ADHD in adults because they are less likely to cause symptoms than stimulants. They are also available for those who are unable to use stimulants due to other health issues or suffer from severe adverse effects.
It's important to recognize that comorbid disorders can mimic the symptoms of ADHD So the severity and frequency of any other conditions must be considered when making an ADHD diagnosis. It's also crucial to rule out physical causes for the symptoms, like thyroid disorders or vision and hearing issues.
It's also worth noting that some patients may be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by altering their diet. It's important to consult a physician prior to eliminating any foods. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies, and should only be done under the supervision of a doctor or dietician. Counseling can also help patients manage their symptoms, and improve their relationships with their family. Counseling can also help spouses realize that the patient's actions are not necessarily a sign of lack of love or a deliberate act of infractions.
Education
Both patients and doctors are often confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. Other mental disorders can coexist with ADHD and certain medical conditions and medications may cause symptoms that resemble ADHD.
Lifestyle changes or treatment can resolve many of these issues. For instance, a person suffering from ADHD may benefit from adjusting their diet or taking supplements to improve their eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy can help him to better resist distractions and impulsiveness, increase the focus of his mind and develop self-control. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can both aid in controlling emotions and improve concentration.
A thorough history of the symptoms is essential as is a physical exam. A doctor can also examine the patient for sleep apnea and hearing and thyroid problems, vision issues or lead poisoning as well as drug or alcohol abuse. These evaluations can not only help determine the presence of a underlying disorder but also decrease or eliminate the effects of other disorders which could contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
Most commonly, stimulants are prescribed by physicians for ADHD. They include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine Concerta and Adderall. Other non-stimulant drugs include clonidine as well as guanfacine. These blood pressure medicines can aid in reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity, but may take longer to work and can cause adverse effects like constipation, heartburn and low sex desire.
ADHD patients tend to forget appointments, show up late for work and make irrational choices which can stress even the most patient of friends and family members. Couples therapy or classes that improve communication skills can help sufferers develop stable relationships.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction can all help in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with the condition have found that removing certain foods or taking supplements aids them, but it's crucial to talk to a doctor before trying these therapies. If you do this without consulting a doctor, it could lead to nutritional deficiency and other health issues.