ADHD Treatments For Adults
Most doctors recommend stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They aid in balancing levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. treating adult adhd and Atomoxetine, (Strattera), can also reduce symptoms but work slower.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults acquire strategies to improve their organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy are effective in improving social functioning.
Medications
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people find they feel better after altering their diet or taking supplements. However they should only be used under the guidance of a doctor. Other treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family counseling. Some adults with ADHD struggle to adhere to their medication. They should speak to their doctor and ask for assistance. Certain medications are available over-the-counter while others need a prescription.
The majority of ADHD medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This reduces impulsivity, and improves concentration. Some of the most common medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Although they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD but they can also trigger side consequences. 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 delay growth by a few months in children and teenagers.
Nonstimulant drugs are prescribed to people who suffer from insufferable side-effects of stimulants, or those at risk of developing heart disease. These medications are primarily dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants however they are safe and don't have the abuse potential that certain people experience when taking stimulant medication.
You can decrease your ADHD symptoms by following a schedule, creating and adhering to the strict guidelines of a budget, enhancing your organizational skills, learning about your disorder and creating strategies to manage your symptoms. You should talk to a professional to learn about the best approach to managing your condition. You can find many useful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your ADHD symptoms can strain your relationships. Talking with a therapist about how you interact with your spouse or co-workers and taking classes that teach conflict resolution can help. treating adult adhd 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. 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 et al 2007). Comorbidity of depression, anxiety and substance abuse are common among adults with ADHD. Patients with comorbid disorders could have more difficulty responding to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
It is essential to take a detailed medical history of the patient since a variety of medical conditions may have symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients suffering from developmental disorders, seizure disorder, sleep apnea and thyroid disorders should be evaluated more carefully. Patients who abuse substances or those suffering from certain medical conditions, such as heart disease and high blood pressure should refrain from receiving stimulant treatment (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of teaching patients about their disorder and its impact on different areas of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can help patients improve their self-esteem, particularly those who are often stigmatized as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to help patients learn better ways of organizing their time and tasks, improving their organizational skills. This can help reduce the likelihood of missing appointments or making decisions impulsively that could cause problems at school, work or in their personal life. This kind of therapy can improve the relationship of a person with their children, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is focused on helping individuals change their behavior patterns that are harmful to them. This type of therapy is extremely efficient in 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 can reduce the amount of time they blame each other for the problems caused by the inability of a patient to control their behavior. Classes that train couples and families to communicate more effectively and improve their strategies for resolving conflicts can be beneficial.
Counseling
A well-designed treatment strategy will address the symptoms of ADHD and their impact on school, work, and family. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant medication as well as psychosocial treatment, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients to change their thinking about their behavior. It also helps them develop skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant medications are used to treat ADHD. They balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. There are a variety of stimulant medications, each with their own advantages and adverse effects. The two most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. These are available under a variety of brand names, including Ritalin and Adderall. Viloxazine is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine enhances the quantity of a brain chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are both used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a slower onset than stimulants. These medications are also available for those who cannot take stimulants due to other health issues or severe side effects.
It's important to recognize that co-occurring disorders can cause symptoms of ADHD, so the severity and frequency of any other conditions must be considered when determining the ADHD diagnosis. It is also essential to rule out any physical reasons for the symptoms, such as an underlying thyroid disorder or vision and hearing issues.
Some patients may also be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms through diet changes. However, it's essential to seek medical advice prior cutting out any foods, as this can lead to nutritional deficiencies. It should only be done with the assistance of a doctor or dietician. Another option is counseling, which helps patients manage their symptoms and build stronger relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses recognize that the patient's behavior is not necessarily a sign that they are unloving or malicious.
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 cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Many of these problems can be addressed with treatment or lifestyle changes. Someone suffering from ADHD could benefit by taking supplements or altering their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy can teach the person to be more resistant to distractions and impulsiveness, increase the focus of his mind and develop self-control. 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 exam are important. A doctor can also assess a patient for sleep apnea, hearing or thyroid problems, vision issues or lead poisoning as well as alcohol or drug abuse. In addition to determining the presence of an underlying cause these tests can help rule out or limit the effects of other disorders that could contribute to a patient's ADHD-like behavior.
Most often, stimulants are prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. They include dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate as well as Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant medications could include clonidine or guanfacine, which are blood pressure medications which can aid in reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity, but they may take longer to kick in 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 patient family members and friends. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on improving communication skills can help sufferers establish stable relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction can all play a part in managing ADHD symptoms. treating adult adhd with ADHD have reported 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. Making these decisions without a physician's guidance could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.