ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the first treatment most doctors recommend. They help balance levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants also can reduce symptoms, but they do so more slowly.
Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults develop skills to improve organization and planning. Psychotherapy and coaching are also able to improve social functioning.
Medicines
You can use medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people notice they feel better after altering their diet or taking supplements. However, these should only ever be used under the guidance of a medical professional. Other treatments can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family counseling. Certain adults with ADHD are unable to stay on medication however, they should speak to their doctors and ask for assistance. Some medications can be purchased on the internet, while others require prescription.
Most ADHD medications are based on increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. This decreases impulsivity and improves concentration. The most popular drugs are stimulants, like methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. They are thought to be the most effective for ADHD treatment, but they can cause side effects. Some of these side effects could be serious, for instance, heart problems. The stimulant medication can also trigger antics, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth by a few months for teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant drugs are often prescribed to those who suffer from uncontrollable adverse effects from stimulants or are at risk of developing heart problems. These medications include dopamine reuptake inhibitors, norepinephrine or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. These aren't as effective as stimulants, however they are safe and don't carry the potential for abuse as some people have with stimulant medication.
You can decrease your ADHD symptoms by following an established schedule, making and sticking to a strict budget, improving your organization skills, understanding about your disorder and creating strategies to deal with your symptoms. It is recommended to talk with an expert to find out the best way to manage your condition, and you can find a wealth of information 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 and taking classes in conflict resolution. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how ADHD affects you and recognizing that some of your behaviors are not a deliberate act of aggression.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can have profound emotional, social and occupational consequences. This can lead to lower academic achievement and more frequent failure to get a job and transfer, poor performance at work as well as more car accidents and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer and colleagues 2007). The comorbidity of anxiety, depression and substance abuse are prevalent among adults suffering from ADHD. Those with comorbid conditions may be more difficult to respond to stimulant medication (Barkley & Gordon 2002).
It is crucial to obtain an in-depth medical history of the patient as many medical conditions can have symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning must be cautiously assessed. Patients who abuse substances or with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease and high blood pressure should refrain from receiving stimulant treatments (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of informing patients about their condition and its impact on their lives. Psychoeducation can also improve self-esteem among patients who typically are stigmatized, for example, being perceived as lazy or less intelligent.
The purpose of behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is to improve their abilities to manage their time and teach them better ways to organize their time. This will reduce the chance of missing appointments and making decisions impulsively that could cause problems in school, at work, or with their personal lives. This kind of therapy can also improve a person's relationships with their children, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults with ADHD is designed to help individuals change their behavior patterns. This kind of therapy can be very efficient in improving the performance of those with ADHD especially when coupled with psychoeducation and family therapy. The process of educating patients and loved ones about ADHD can reduce the tendency to blame one another for problems caused by the patient's inability control his or her own behavior. Classes that teach couples and families to communicate more effectively and improve their techniques for conflict resolution can be helpful.
Counseling
A well-designed treatment plan will address the signs of ADHD and their impact on school, work and the family. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant medications as along with psychosocial treatment, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT assists patients in changing their mental outlook on their behavior. It also helps patients learn how to manage their symptoms, and improve their relationships with family and friends.
The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. There are a variety of stimulant medications, each with their own advantages and side-effects. The two most popular stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, which are sold under many different names, such as Adderall and Ritalin. Other drugs used to treat ADHD are atomoxetine. It works by increasing the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain that passes messages between brain cells, and viloxazine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine as well as atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a less gradual onset than stimulants. They are also available to those who are unable to take stimulants due to other health issues or experience serious adverse effects.
It is important to be aware that comorbid conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Therefore the presence and severity of other conditions should be considered when diagnosing ADHD. It's also crucial to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, like thyroid disorders or vision and hearing issues.
Some patients may also be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. However, it's essential to seek medical advice before cutting out any food, as this can cause nutritional deficiencies. It should only be done with the help of a doctor or a dietician. Counseling can also assist patients manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses realize that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign they are not loving or malicious.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be a bit confusing for both doctors and patients. It's not uncommon for other mental health disorders to coexist the disorder. Additionally, certain medications and medical conditions may cause symptoms that resemble those of ADHD.
Many of these issues can be addressed with treatments or lifestyle changes. A person with ADHD might benefit by taking supplements or altering their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy could help him to better resist distractions and impulsiveness, increase the focus of his mind and develop self-control. treating add in adults might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness-based meditation practice both of which can help manage emotions and improve attention.
A thorough history of symptoms is crucial as is a physical examination. A doctor can also assess patients for sleep apnea, hearing and thyroid problems, vision issues as well as lead poisoning, alcohol or drug abuse. In addition to determining the presence of a root cause, these tests can help rule out or reduce the effects of other disorders that could cause an individual's ADHD-like behavior.
The majority of stimulants are prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine Concerta and Adderall. Other non-stimulant drugs could include guanfacine and clonidine which are blood pressure medicines which can aid in reducing impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they may take longer to kick in and may cause adverse effects such as constipation, heartburn, and low sexual drive.
ADHD patients are often unable to remember appointments, show up late for work and make uninformed choices that can cause stress to even the most patient of family and friends members. Couples therapy or classes to improve communication skills can help patients build solid relationships.
Diet, exercise, and stress reduction can all aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have reported that avoiding certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it is crucial to speak with a doctor first before trying any of these treatments. Doing so without a doctor's direction could result in nutritional deficiencies and health issues.