ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is associated with significant impairments of academic performance and social functioning. Adults with ADHD are at higher risk for anxiety disorders, depression, and abuse of substances.
Medications that improve core ADHD symptoms appear to work by increasing the supply of neurotransmitters that control the impulsivity and attention. Trials of medication are typically conducted to find out which medications and at what dosages work best for each person.
Medication
The use of acute treatments, such as medication, can help to improve ADHD symptoms in adults. The most effective method to improve ADHD symptoms is by affecting neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine. adhd treatment in adults function by increasing neurotransmitters' availability at presynaptic nerves and reducing their reuptake in order to prevent their breakdown. Since physicians cannot determine which medications will be the most effective for a specific person, they typically conduct a drug trial. The low dose is gradually increasing over 3-7 days, until the clinical benefits have been achieved.
Methylphenidate is one of the most commonly used psychostimulants that is used to treat ADHD. It is available as tablets, liquids or extended-release (Concerta). The extended-release preparation is the most reliable since it cannot be crushed or used in other ways, such as getting high. Adults who abuse stimulant medications may be afflicted with serious health issues. Therefore, people with a history of drug or alcohol abuse should discuss the use of psychostimulants with an expert in mental health.
Stimulants can cause mood swings and sleep disturbances. If these effects are present, a person may need to change to a different form of medication, or even stop it. The use of stimulants is also not recommended for some people with a family history of Tourette's disease severe anorexia, psychiatric conditions such as antisocial personality disorder and schizoaffective disorder, and some medical conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin XL), can improve mood and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity among adults suffering from ADHD. They block the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transporter, which allows more of the substance to reach the brain. They can be used in conjunction with other ADHD medications or alone.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety. These conditions can be treated with psychotherapy or non-medicated therapies like cognitive behavior therapy. This treatment teaches patients to manage their symptoms and improve their functioning, self-esteem and relationships. Some therapists have special training in treating adults with ADHD.
Counseling
Counseling, which is a form of psychotherapy, is an essential part of treatment for adhd in adults. Talk therapy can help you manage your feelings improve your relationships, and learn how to manage anger and stress. It can also assist you in learning techniques to improve self-control and reduce impulsive behavior. Counseling can be conducted in person or via the phone.
Counseling could include cognitive behavior therapy. This teaches you how to recognize and change negative thoughts and behaviors that can contribute to ADHD symptoms. It can also include family or marital therapy which can help loved children cope with their emotions and help them support your progress. Lifestyle coaching can also be included, which teaches skills to manage ADHD.
Adults with ADHD often have difficulty getting up in the morning and navigating the day without feeling tired or angry. A therapist could recommend a sleep schedule, which includes a consistent bedtime and a time for waking up every day. It is essential to get enough sleep so that your body functions optimally.
Many people with ADHD struggle to complete tasks and stay on track in school, work and their personal lives. Their problems are often caused by long-standing patterns of failure and underachievement academic issues, job changes, and relationships that are not working. Individual talk therapy can help you overcome emotional baggage, such as low self-esteem, feelings shame and embarrassment resulting due to past mistakes, and anger at the criticism and nagging you receive from those close to you.
Behavioral coaching for adults with ADHD is a form of therapy that concentrates on practical solutions to daily life, such as organizing your home and work environment, structuring your schedule, prioritizing work and managing money. This therapy is usually available in person or online and aims to teach you strategies to improve your life when you suffer from ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from multiple disorders of the psyche, and it's important to treat these conditions as well. In certain cases it is possible to combine medications and behavioral therapies can provide the best results. A therapist can help you learn how to control your mood and anxiety through mindfulness-based treatments, like yoga and meditation, and deal with comorbid conditions like addiction and depression.
Therapy
Many psychiatric conditions can resemble ADHD symptoms. To determine the root cause of the symptoms of ADHD, a comprehensive evaluation is needed. This can include a thorough review of the person's medical history, psychological tests and a thorough analysis of their behavior. The evaluation may include a review of the person’s family history.
Psychotherapy is a crucial component of treatment for adhd in adults. It can assist people in dealing with the emotional distress caused by their inability function at a level which meets their expectations. It can also assist them to develop strategies for coping and improve their relationships with family members. Behavioral therapy can help patients stay focused on their work and break down large projects into smaller pieces that are easier for them to manage. It can also help them learn to control impulsive behaviors and increase confidence in their ability to achieve success.
Marriage and family counseling can help couples to understand the issues that ADHD can bring about in their relationships. They are also able to discuss issues that arise in their marriages or families in a constructive way, rather than blaming each other. Individual psychotherapy allows people to explore the root causes behind their issues, like feelings of sadness or guilt. It can also assist people to create healthy strategies for coping that include exercising or meditation.
A few adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with a calming medication, such as clonidine. This is a 2-adrenergic antagonist. It is especially helpful for those who have Tourette's Syndrome or other disorders of the tic. It is typically used as a last resort medication after nonstimulant drugs have been tried but found to not be effective.
Clinical trials are research studies which test the effectiveness and safety of new treatments and diseases. They are a crucial part of adhd in adults treatment and provide the opportunity to take part in advanced research in the hope that it will result in better treatment in the future. Patients should always consult their health care provider before taking part in a clinical trial. The health care professional can provide the current list of clinical trials that are available to the patient.
Nutrition
Adults who have ADHD typically find that diet plays a major role in how they feel and how well they function. A balanced, healthy diet can help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. It is also best to stay away from drinks that are high in sugar and junk food because they can trigger or exacerbate symptoms of ADHD. Adults suffering from ADHD should consume regular meals and snacks as well as drinks to ensure that their blood sugar levels remain constant throughout the day. This will improve their energy levels, mood, and sleep quality.
It is important to evaluate adults suffering from ADHD symptoms to ensure they are not caused by a different condition. Additionally, many medical problems can also cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, including thyroid disorders and lead poisoning, hearing and vision problems depression and anxiety as well as an history of alcohol or drug use, and certain medications.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults is more difficult than for children. A diagnosis is made by evaluating functional impairment as well as a history of childhood ADHD symptoms. Many adults do not have a clear childhood ADHD history, or they may not have a parent or an older sibling who can confirm their symptoms. If someone is abusing alcohol or drugs, they may not be the ideal candidate for psychostimulants. The doctor must take this into account when deciding if or not to prescribe these medications.
There are several FDA-approved medications that can be used to treat adult ADHD which include stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. They can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD however, they must be used responsibly and those suffering from ADHD should be monitored frequently for side effects. These medications are available in long-acting formulations that can be taken twice or once per day by adults with ADHD. These preparations come in chewable, tablet, or liquid forms and can be taken along with food or without.