ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the first treatment most doctors recommend. They can help regulate levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine (Strattera) are also able to reduce symptoms but work slower.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, aids adults develop their organizational and planning skills. Coaching and psychotherapy can help improve social functioning.
Medicines
If you have ADHD, you can benefit from medications to treat your symptoms. Some people may be able to improve their condition by altering their diet or taking supplements, however these should only be utilized under the supervision of a doctor. Other treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy (CBT) as well as counseling for families. Certain adults suffering from ADHD struggle to stick to their medication. They should speak to their doctor and request assistance. Certain medications are available over the counter, while others require prescriptions.
Most ADHD medications are based on increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. This decreases impulsivity and improves concentration. The most well-known drugs are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Although they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD, they also have adverse effects. Some of these adverse effects can be severe, like cardiovascular problems. The stimulant medication can also trigger tics, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth in adolescents and children by several months.
Nonstimulant medications can be prescribed to those who suffer from uncontrollable adverse effects from stimulants or are at risk of developing heart issues. These medications are primarily norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. They're not as effective as stimulants, however they are safe and don't carry the potential for abuse as some people are prone to with stimulant medications.
You can lessen your ADHD symptoms by following a schedule, creating and sticking to an exact budget, enhancing your organization skills, gaining knowledge about your condition and implementing strategies to address your symptoms. It is important to speak with an expert to learn the best way to manage your condition, and you can find a wealth of information on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your relationships can be strained by your ADHD symptoms. You can improve your relationships by talking to a therapist and taking classes in conflict resolution. You can improve your relationships with your spouse or co-workers by having them understand your ADHD and making them aware that your behavior is not malicious.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can result in profound emotional, social and occupational consequences. These include lower academic achievement and higher rates of transfer and job failure, as well as poor work performance. Additionally, there are more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population. Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety or abuse of substances. Those with comorbid conditions may be less responsive to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon, 2002).
It is important to have an extensive history of the patient, since a variety of medical conditions may have 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 or high blood pressure should refrain 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 disorder and its impact on different areas of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can help patients build their self-esteem, especially those who are often viewed as lazy or less intelligent.
The goal of the therapy for adults who suffer from ADHD is to enhance their abilities to manage their time and teach them how to manage their time. This will reduce the likelihood of missing appointments or making impulsive choices that can cause difficulties at work, school or in their personal life. This type of therapy could improve the relationship of a person with their children, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults suffering from ADHD is focused on helping people modify their behavior patterns that are negative. This kind of therapy can be extremely effective in improving the functioning of those with ADHD especially when coupled with psychoeducation and family therapy. By educating patients and loved family members about ADHD, it can reduce the frequency with which they blame each other for the difficulties caused by a person's inability to manage his or her behavior. Classes that teach couples and families to communicate more effectively and improve their conflict resolution skills can also help.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan for ADHD will focus on the symptoms and their effects on work, family and school. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant medications as well as psychosocial treatment, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change the way they think about their behavior. It also teaches patients how to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant medication is used to treat ADHD. They regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They have been around for a long time, and there are many types of medications, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The two most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, which are sold under many different names, such as Adderall and Ritalin. Other medications that treat ADHD include atomoxetine, which is a stimulant that increases the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells, and viloxazine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are used to treat ADHD among adults, as they have a less gradual onset than stimulants. These medications are also available to those who are unable to take stimulants due to other health issues or severe adverse effects.
It is important to remember that co-occurring disorders can cause symptoms of ADHD So the severity and frequency of any other conditions must be considered when making the ADHD diagnosis. It's important to eliminate physical causes of the symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, hearing and sight problems.
Certain patients may be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. It is important to consult a doctor before eliminating any foods. This could result in nutritional deficiencies and should be done with the guidance of a dietician or doctor. Counseling can also help patients cope with their symptoms, and also improve their relationships with their family. Counseling can help spouses recognize that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign that they are not loving or malicious.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be a bit confusing for both the patient and the doctor. Other mental disorders can coexist with ADHD, and certain medications and medical conditions can also cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Lifestyle or treatment changes can solve a lot of these issues. Someone suffering from ADHD may benefit from taking supplements or adjusting their diet to improve their eating habits. adhd adults treatment can teach him to resist the temptations and impulsiveness that can distract him, improve the focus of his mind and develop self-control. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or the practice of mindfulness meditation both of which can help control emotions and increase attention.
A complete history of symptoms is essential and so is a physical examination. A doctor can also examine a patient for sleep apnea, hearing and thyroid problems, vision issues, lead poisoning and drug or alcohol abuse. These tests will not only aid in determining the presence of an underlying disorder but also reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders which can contribute to the ADHD-like behavior.
Most often, stimulants are prescribed by doctors for ADHD. They include dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant medications could include guanfacine and clonidine which are blood pressure drugs that can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they might take longer to begin working and may cause negative side effects like constipation, heartburn and low sexual drive.
People with ADHD frequently miss appointments, are late for work, and make irrational choices that can be a challenge for even the most forgiving family members and friends. Couples therapy or classes to improve communication skills can help sufferers build stable relationships.
Exercise, diet, and stress reduction can all play a role in managing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from ADHD have reported that avoiding certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it is important to consult a doctor first before trying any of these treatments. Making these decisions without a physician's guidance could lead to nutritional deficiencies and health issues.