ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the first treatment that doctors recommend. They help balance levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine, (Strattera), can also reduce symptoms, but they do so more slowly.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can help adults learn skills to improve organization and planning. Psychotherapy and coaching can also help improve social functioning.
Medicines
If you suffer from ADHD and are suffering from it, you could benefit from medication to treat the symptoms. Some people are more comfortable after changing their diets or taking supplements. However, these should only ever be administered under the supervision of a medical professional. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family counseling are all possible treatments. Certain adults with ADHD struggle to adhere to medication However, they should talk to their doctor and seek help. Some medications are available over-the-counter and others require prescriptions.
Most ADHD medications are based on increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. This reduces impulsivity, and increases concentration. Some of the most popular drugs are stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Although they are considered the most effective treatment for ADHD however, they can also cause negative side negative effects. Heart problems are among the most serious side effects. The stimulant medication can also trigger tics such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth by a few months in teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant medicines are prescribed to those who experience intolerable side-effects from stimulants, or those at risk of developing heart disease. These medications include norepinephrine, dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. They're not as effective as stimulants, but they are safe and don't carry the potential for abuse that some people have with stimulant drugs.
You can try to reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a structured schedule, making and sticking to a budget, developing the organization skills, learning more about your condition and implementing strategies to deal with your symptoms. It is important to speak with an expert to find out the best approach to managing your condition. You will find plenty of helpful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your relationships can be strained by your ADHD symptoms. Talking to a therapist about how you interact with your family members or friends and attending classes that teach conflict resolution can be helpful. You can improve your relationships with your coworkers or spouse by letting them know about your ADHD and making them aware that your behavior is not intentional.
Therapy
ADHD as an adult can have significant emotional, social, and occupational repercussions. This can lead to lower academic achievement and 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 and colleagues 2007). Comorbidity between depression, anxiety and substance abuse are common in adults with ADHD. People with comorbid disorders might have a harder time responding to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
It is important to have an in-depth 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 should be more cautiously assessed. Patients with active substance abuse or with particular medical conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure are contraindicated from receiving stimulant treatment (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their condition, including its effects on different aspects of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can also improve self-esteem among patients who typically are stigmatized, for example, being judged as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
The aim of a behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD, is to improve their organizational skills and teach them better ways to organize their time. This can to reduce the risk of not attending appointments or making impulsive decisions that can cause issues at work, school or in their personal life. This type of therapy may improve the relationship of a person with their family, friends, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults who suffer from ADHD is aimed at helping individuals change their behavior patterns. This type of therapy is extremely efficient in improving the performance of those with ADHD, especially if it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. By educating patients and loved ones about ADHD, it can reduce the frequency with which they blame each other for the difficulties caused by the inability of a patient to manage his or her behavior. Classes that train couples and families how to communicate more effectively and improve their strategies for resolving conflicts can help.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan will address the signs of ADHD and their effects on school, work, and family. It will include non-stimulant and stimulant medication, as in addition to psychosocial treatment, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients to change their way of thinking about their behavior. It also helps them develop skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant drugs are used to treat ADHD. They help to regulate and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They've been around for a long period of time, and there are many types of medications each with its distinct advantages and negative effects. The two most popular stimulants are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, which are available under various brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. Other medications that treat ADHD are atomoxetine. It 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 both used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a slower development than stimulants. These drugs are also available for those who are unable to take stimulants due to other health issues or severe adverse effects.
treatments of adhd is important to remember that multiple disorders can resemble the symptoms of ADHD Therefore, the presence and severity of any other medical condition must be considered when making the ADHD diagnosis. It is important to determine the cause of the symptoms, including thyroid disorders, hearing and sight problems.
It's also important to note that some patients might be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by altering their diet. It is important to consult a doctor before eliminating any foods. This could lead to nutritional deficiencies and should be done with the guidance of a dietician or doctor. Another option is counseling which can assist patients in learning to cope with their symptoms and establish stronger relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses understand that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign they are averse to love or malicious.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing for both the patient and the doctor. It is not uncommon for other mental health disorders to coexist the disorder. Additionally, certain medications and medical conditions can cause symptoms that resemble those of ADHD.
Many of these issues can be solved with treatments or lifestyle changes. A person with ADHD might benefit from taking supplements or changing their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy can help the person to be more resistant to distractions and impulsiveness, improve the focus of his mind and develop self-control. A doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness meditation practice both of which can help manage emotions and increase focus.
A thorough history of the symptoms and a physical examination are essential. A doctor can also examine the patient for sleep apnea and hearing and vision problems, thyroid disorders or lead poisoning as well as alcohol or drug abuse. In addition to determining the presence of a root cause, these tests can assist in determining or lessen the effects of other disorders that might contribute to a patient's ADHD-like behavior.
If a doctor suggests medication for ADHD the most commonly prescribed ones are stimulants like dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Other non-stimulant drugs include clonidine as well as guanfacine. These blood pressure medication can help with hyperactivity and impulsivity, but may take longer to work and have adverse effects like constipation, heartburn and a lack of sex.
People with ADHD frequently have trouble keeping appointments and are often late to work, and make irrational choices which can strain the patience of even the most patient friends and relatives. Couples therapy or classes that help improve communication skills can help people build solid relationships.
Diet, exercise, and stress reduction all can help in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have found that removing certain foods or taking supplements helps them, but it's important to consult a physician before attempting these treatments. Doing so without a doctor's advice could result in nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.