ADHD Treatments For Adults
The majority of doctors recommend stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine. They can help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants also may help alleviate symptoms, but they operate slower.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help adults learn techniques to improve organization and planning. Psychotherapy and coaching are also effective in improving social functioning.
Medicines
If you suffer from ADHD, you can benefit from medications to alleviate your symptoms. Some people notice they feel better after altering their diets or taking supplements. However they should only be administered under the supervision of a doctor. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) or family counseling are all possible solutions. Some adults with ADHD struggle to stay on their medication. They should speak to their doctor and request assistance. Certain medications can be purchased over the counter, while others require prescription.
The majority of ADHD medications help by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. add adult treatment decreases impulsivity and improves concentration. The most popular medications are stimulants like 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 can be serious, for instance, cardiovascular issues. In addition, stimulants can cause the appearance of tics, like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth in adolescents and children by just a few months.
Nonstimulant medications can be prescribed to those who suffer from adverse reactions to stimulants that are not tolerated or are at risk of heart issues. These are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine or alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These aren't as effective as stimulants, however they are safe and don't carry the risk of abuse that some people have with stimulant drugs.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms by adhering to the prescribed schedule, creating and sticking to an exact budget, enhancing your organization skills, understanding about your disorder and developing strategies to address your symptoms. It is important to speak with an expert to learn the best way to manage your condition. You will find plenty of helpful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your relationships could be strained because of your ADHD symptoms. Talking with a therapist about how you interact with your coworkers or spouse and taking classes to learn conflict resolution can help. You can improve your relationships with your coworkers or spouse by letting them know about your ADHD and by making them aware that your behavior isn't malicious.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has serious social, emotional and occupational consequences for occupational, emotional and social. These include lower academic achievements and higher rates of job failure and transfer and poor work performance. Additionally, there are more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population. Comorbidity between depression, anxiety and addiction to substances is common among adults with ADHD. People with comorbid disorders might be more difficult to respond to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
It is important to have a detailed background of the patient because a wide range of medical conditions could present symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Patients with developmental disorders, seizure disorder sleep apnea, and thyroid disorders should be evaluated more carefully. Stimulant treatment is contraindicated in those who abuse drugs or those suffering from certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, tachycardia and arrhythmias (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy is a form of therapy that includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their disorder and its impact on their lives. Psychoeducation can also improve self-esteem for patients who frequently face stigma, such as being judged as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to help patients learn how to organize their time and work as well as improving their organizational skills. This will decrease the chance of missing appointments or making impulsive decisions that can cause issues at work, school or in their personal life. This kind of therapy can aid in improving the effectiveness of a person's interactions with their spouses, children and co-workers.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD focuses on helping people to change their behavior patterns that are negative. This kind of therapy can be very effective in improving the functioning of those with ADHD, especially if it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. The process of educating patients and loved ones about ADHD can help reduce the likelihood of blaming one another for problems caused by the person's inability to control his or her own behavior. Classes that teach couples and families how to better communicate and resolve conflicts could be helpful.
Counseling
A well-planned treatment plan for ADHD will address the symptoms and their impacts on the family, work, and school. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant medication as along with psychosocial treatment, notably cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT assists patients to alter their way of thinking about their behavior. It also teaches them how to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant medications are used to treat ADHD. They regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. There are many different types of stimulant medications, all with their own benefits and side-effects. The two most commonly used stimulants are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate and methylphenidate, which are sold under many different brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. Other medications used to treat ADHD are atomoxetine, which works by increasing the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells, and viloxazine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and Atomoxetine are frequently used to treat ADHD in adults due to the fact that they have a slower onset than stimulants. These drugs are also available to those who cannot take stimulants due to other health issues or severe side effects.
It is important to remember that co-occurring disorders can cause symptoms of ADHD, so the severity and frequency of any other condition should be considered when determining the ADHD diagnosis. It is important to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, hearing and sight problems.
Some patients may also be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. It is essential to consult with a doctor prior to eliminating any foods. This could result in nutritional deficiencies and should be done under the guidance of a doctor or dietician. Counseling can also help patients deal with their symptoms, and improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can also help spouses realize that the patient's behaviors are not necessarily indicative of a lack of affection or a deliberate act of misconduct.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing for both patients and doctors. 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 treatments or lifestyle adjustments. A person with ADHD may benefit from adjusting their diet or taking supplements to improve his eating habits, for example. Behavioral therapy can teach him how to manage distractions, impulsiveness, and improve his concentration. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or the practice of mindfulness meditation that can help manage emotions and increase attention.
A thorough medical history and a physical exam are crucial. A doctor can also examine a patient for sleep apnea and hearing and thyroid problems, vision issues as well as lead poisoning, alcohol or drug abuse. These tests can not only help determine the presence of an 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 doctors to treat ADHD. These include dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, Concerta and Adderall. Other non-stimulant drugs could include clonidine or guanfacine, which are blood pressure drugs which can aid in reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity, however they may take longer to begin working and could cause side effects like constipation, heartburn, and low sexual drive.
People suffering from ADHD often forget appointments, are late for work, and make irrational choices that strain the patience of even the most patient family members and friends. Couples therapy and classes focusing on improving communication skills can help sufferers establish 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 consult with a doctor before trying these methods. If you decide to do this without consulting a doctor this could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.