ADHD Treatments For Adults
Most doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They help balance the levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Antidepressants, as well as Atomoxetine (Strattera), can also reduce symptoms, but they do so more slowly.
Psychotherapy, similar to cognitive behavioral therapy, helps adults improve their organizational and planning skills. Coaching and psychotherapy can help improve social functioning.
Medicines
If you have ADHD you may benefit from taking medication to alleviate your symptoms. Some people may find that they get better through a change in their diet or taking supplements, but these should only be utilized under the guidance of a physician. Other options include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy (CBT), and counseling for families. Certain adults with ADHD are unable to stay on medication, but they should talk to their doctors and ask for help. Certain medications are available for purchase over the counter and some require a prescription.
The majority of medications prescribed for ADHD work by increasing the levels of dopamine in your brain, which decreases impulsivity and enhances concentration. Some of the most popular medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. They are believed to be the most effective for ADHD treatment, however they can cause side effects. Cardiovascular problems are some of the most serious side effects. The stimulant medication can also trigger the appearance of tics, like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth in children and adolescents by several months.
Nonstimulant drugs are prescribed to those who suffer from uncontrollable side effects from stimulants, or who are at risk of heart disease. These medications are primarily dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine or alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These medications are not as effective as stimulants however they are safe and don't offer the risk of abuse that certain people experience with stimulant medications.
You can lessen your ADHD symptoms by following a schedule, creating and sticking to the strict guidelines of a budget, enhancing your organizational skills, learning about your condition and implementing strategies to address your symptoms. Talk to a doctor about the best strategies to manage your disorder. You can also find a wealth of useful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your relationships may be strained because of your ADHD symptoms. You can improve your relationships by speaking with a therapist and taking classes on conflict resolution. You can improve your relationships with your family members or friends by helping them understand your ADHD and making them aware that your behavior isn't intentional.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can have profound emotional, social and occupational effects. This includes lower academic performance, higher rates for transfer and job failure, as well as poor performance at work. There are also more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population. Comorbidity of depression, anxiety and substance abuse are common among adults with ADHD. Patients with multiple conditions may have a harder time responding to stimulant medications (Barkley & Gordon 2002).
It is crucial to obtain an extensive history of the patient, since a variety of medical conditions may manifest symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients with developmental disorders, seizure disorder, sleep apnea and thyroid disorders need to be evaluated more carefully. Patients with active substance abuse, or those with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease and high blood pressure should refrain from receiving stimulant treatments (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy encompasses psychoeducation and behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD. see this website is the process of educating patients about their condition and the effects it has on their lives. Psychoeducation can also aid in improving self-esteem for patients who frequently face stigma, such as being perceived as lazy or less intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to help patients learn better ways of organizing their time and tasks and improve their organizational skills. This can reduce the chances of missing appointments or making impulsive choices that can result in problems at school, at work, or with their personal lives. This type of therapy could improve the relationship of a person with their family, friends, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is focused on helping people change their negative patterns of behavior. This type of therapy can be extremely effective in improving the functioning of those with ADHD particularly when it is it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. Educating patients and their significant others about ADHD can reduce the tendency to blame one another for problems caused by the patient's inability control his or her behavior. Classes that teach couples and families to communicate more effectively and develop techniques for conflict resolution can be beneficial.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan for ADHD will tackle the symptoms and their impacts on the family, work and school. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant drugs and psychosocial therapy, notably 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 medication is used to treat ADHD. They help to regulate and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They've been around for a long period of time, and there are many types of medications each with its own benefits and side effects. The two most commonly used stimulants are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate and methylphenidate, which are sold under various brand names such as Adderall and Ritalin. Other medications used to treat ADHD include atomoxetine, which helps by increasing the amount of a substance in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells and viloxazine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine and viloxazine are often used to treat ADHD in adults due to the fact that they are more gradual in onset than stimulants. They are also available to people who can't take stimulants because of other health issues or suffer from severe adverse effects.
It is important to remember that comorbid disorders can mimic the symptoms of ADHD So the severity and presence of any other condition must be considered when determining an ADHD diagnosis. It's also important to rule out physical causes for the symptoms, such as an underlying thyroid disorder or problems with hearing and vision.
It's also worth noting that some patients might be able reduce their ADHD symptoms by altering their diet. It's important to consult with a doctor prior to eliminating any foods. This could lead to nutritional deficiencies, and should only be done under the supervision of a physician or dietician. Counseling can help patients deal with their symptoms and improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses understand that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign they are unloving or malicious.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be a bit confusing for both patients and doctors. It is not uncommon for other mental health conditions to coexist with the disorder, and certain medications and medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
Lifestyle changes or treatment can resolve many of these issues. A person suffering from ADHD may benefit by taking supplements or altering their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy can help him to better resist the temptations and impulsiveness that can distract him, improve the focus of his mind and develop self-control. A doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness-based meditation practice, both of which can help manage emotions and improve attention.
A thorough medical history and a physical examination are crucial. A physician can also check for sleep apnea, as well as other conditions like issues with vision and hearing thyroid disorders, alcohol or drug abuse as well as lead poisoning. These assessments can not only help determine the presence of an underlying disorder but also help reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders which can contribute to the ADHD-like behavior.
If a doctor prescribes medication for ADHD, the most common ones are stimulants like dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Other non-stimulant drugs could include guanfacine and clonidine which are blood pressure medicines that can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, however they could take longer to begin working and could cause negative side effects like constipation, heartburn and low sexual drive.
People suffering from ADHD often miss appointments, are late for work and make irrational decisions that can be a challenge for even the most tolerant family members and friends. Couples therapy or classes to improve communication skills can help sufferers establish solid relationships.
Diet, exercise, and stress reduction can all aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have discovered that avoiding certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it's crucial to speak with a doctor first before trying any of these therapies. Making these decisions without a physician's direction could result in nutritional deficiencies and other health problems.