ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the first treatment most doctors recommend. They can help regulate levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine (Strattera) can help alleviate symptoms, but they work slower.
Psychotherapy, along with cognitive behavioral therapy, helps adults develop their organizational and planning skills. Coaching and psychotherapy are also capable of improving social functioning.
Medicines
You can use medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people find they feel better after altering their diets or taking supplements. However they should only be administered under the supervision of a medical professional. Other treatments can include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy (CBT) as well as family counseling. Some people with ADHD are unable to stay on medication however, they should speak to their doctors and ask for assistance. 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 decreases impulsivity and increases concentration. The most commonly used medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. While they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD, they also have side consequences. Some of these side effects could be serious, for instance, heart problems. Stimulant medications can also cause tics such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications can also delay growth by a few months for teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant drugs are often prescribed for people who have intolerable side effects from stimulants or are at risk of developing heart issues. These are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. These medications are not as effective as stimulants, but are safe and don't offer the risk of abuse that certain people experience with stimulant medications.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a planned schedule, establishing and adhering to a budget, enhancing your organizational skills, gaining knowledge about your condition and implementing strategies for dealing with your symptoms. Talk to a doctor about the best strategies to manage your disorder. You can also find many helpful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your ADHD symptoms can strain your relationships. Talking to a therapist about the way you interact with your spouse or co-workers 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 letting them know that your behavior isn't malicious.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has serious emotional, social and occupational effects on occupational, emotional and social. This includes lower academic performance, higher rates of job failure and transfer, poor performance at work as well as a higher number of car accidents, and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer and co. 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 medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
It is important to have an extensive history of the patient, as many medical conditions can manifest symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients suffering from developmental disorders, seizure disorder sleep apnea, thyroid disorders should be evaluated more closely. Stimulant treatment is contraindicated in those who abuse drugs or in those with certain medical conditions, like heart disease, high blood pressure, arrhythmias and tachycardia (Greenhill 2001).).
Psychosocial therapy encompasses behavioral therapy and psychoeducation for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their condition, including its effects on various aspects of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can also improve self-esteem in patients who often suffer from stigmas, such as being perceived as inept or unintelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to teach patients how to organize their time and activities and improve their skills in organizing. This will reduce the chance of missing appointments and making decisions impulsively that could create problems at school, at work, or with their personal lives. This type of therapy can aid in improving the effectiveness of an individual's interactions with spouses, children and coworkers.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD focuses on helping people modify their behavior patterns that are negative. This type of therapy is extremely efficient in improving the functioning of those suffering from ADHD especially when it is combined with psychoeducation for families and family therapy. Educating patients and their 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. treating add in adults that help couples and families to communicate more effectively and develop strategies for resolving conflicts can be helpful.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan for ADHD will address the symptoms and their effects on work, family, and school. It should include stimulant and nonstimulant medications and psychosocial therapy, specifically 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 used to treat ADHD increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They've been around for a long time, and there are a variety of kinds of medications each with their own advantages and disadvantages. The two most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, which are available under a variety of brand names including Ritalin and Adderall. Viloxazine is a selective reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine enhances the quantity of a brain chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are used to treat ADHD among adults, as they have a slower development than stimulants. These medications are also available for those who cannot take stimulants due to health issues or severe adverse effects.
It is important to be aware that comorbidities can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore the severity and presence of other conditions should be considered when diagnosing ADHD. It is essential to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, for example thyroid disorders or hearing and sight problems.
It's also important to note that some patients might be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by altering their diet. It is essential to consult with a doctor prior to eliminating any foods. This could result in nutritional deficiencies and should only be done under the supervision of a dietician or doctor. Another option is counseling which can help patients learn to manage their symptoms and establish stronger relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses realize that the patient's behavior is not necessarily a sign that they are averse to love or malicious.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing for both doctors and patients. It's not uncommon for other mental health disorders to coexist the disorder, and certain medications and medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
Many of these problems can be solved with treatment or lifestyle modifications. A person with ADHD could benefit from taking supplements or adjusting their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy can teach him to resist the temptations and impulsiveness that can distract him, improve his focus and develop self-control. A doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can aid in controlling emotions and improve concentration.
A thorough history of symptoms and a physical examination are important. A physician can also evaluate a patient for sleep apnea and hearing and vision problems, thyroid disorders as well as lead poisoning, drug or alcohol 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 often, stimulants are prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant medications include clonidine and Guanfacine. These blood pressure medications can help with the impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they may take longer to work and may cause negative side effects, such as heartburn, constipation, and a lack of sex.
People suffering from ADHD frequently have trouble keeping appointments or are late for work and make irrational decisions which can strain the patience of even the most tolerant family members and friends. Couples therapy or classes to improve communication skills can help patients build stable relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction all play a role in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with the condition have discovered that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements aids them, however it's vital to consult with a doctor before trying these methods. Doing so without a doctor's guidance could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health problems.