ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, like 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 more slowly.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, helps adults develop their planning and organizational abilities. Psychotherapy and coaching are also able to improve social functioning.
Medications
You can use medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people may discover that they improve by altering their diet or taking supplements, however these should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. Other treatments can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and family counseling. Certain adults suffering from ADHD struggle to stay on their medication. They should talk to their doctor and seek assistance. Certain medications can be purchased on the internet, while others require prescription.
The majority of ADHD medications are based on increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. This reduces impulsivity, and increases concentration. Some of the most popular medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They are believed to be the most effective for ADHD treatment, however they can have adverse effects. Some of these adverse effects can be serious, for instance, cardiovascular problems. Stimulant medications can also cause the tics of blinking eyes or throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth by a few months in teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant drugs are often prescribed to people who suffer from uncontrollable adverse effects from stimulants or are at risk of heart issues. These medications are primarily norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic 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 attempt to lessen your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a structured schedule, making and sticking to a budget, developing organizational skills, learning more about your condition and implementing strategies to manage your symptoms. Consult a professional regarding the best ways to manage your ADHD. You will also find numerous useful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your relationships could be strained by your ADHD symptoms. Talking to a therapist about the way you interact with your coworkers or spouse and attending classes that teach conflict resolution can help. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how your ADHD affects you and recognizing that some of your behaviors are not a deliberate act of aggression.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has significant social, emotional and occupational effects on occupational, emotional and social. This includes lower academic performance as well as higher rates of job loss and transfer, and poor work performance. Additionally, there are more car accidents, and higher divorce rates than the general population. Comorbidity between depression, anxiety and addiction to substances is common in adults with ADHD. Those with comorbid disorders may be more difficult to respond to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A thorough patient history is vital, as many medical conditions can have symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Patients with seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning must be careful to be evaluated. Patients with active substance abuse or those suffering from particular medical conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure are contraindicated from receiving stimulant treatments (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their condition and its impact on their lives. Psychoeducation can also help improve self-esteem in patients who often are stigmatized, for example, being judged as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
The goal of behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD, is to improve their abilities to manage their time and help them learn better ways to organize their time. This can decrease the chance of missing appointments or making impulsive choices that can cause difficulties at work, school or in their private lives. This kind of therapy can also improve a person's relationships with their children, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults with ADHD is aimed at helping people change their negative behaviour patterns. This type of therapy is extremely efficient in improving the functioning of people with ADHD especially when it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. Through educating patients and their loved family members about ADHD it will reduce the amount of time they blame each other for the problems caused by the inability of a patient to control their behavior. Classes that help couples and families how to communicate more effectively and improve their conflict resolution skills can also help.
Counseling
A successful treatment strategy will address the symptoms of ADHD and their impact on school, work and the family. It will include both stimulant and nonstimulant drugs and psychosocial therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change the way they think about their behavior. It also helps patients learn to manage their symptoms, and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD boost and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They have been around for a long time and there are several different types of medications, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The two most popular stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, which are available under a variety of brand names such as Adderall and Ritalin. Viloxazine is a norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine enhances the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine as well as atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a less gradual start than stimulants. These drugs are also available to those who cannot take stimulants due to medical conditions or serious side effects.
It is important to remember that comorbid conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore the presence and severity of other conditions should be considered when diagnosing ADHD. It is important to eliminate physical causes of the symptoms, for example thyroid disorders, hearing and sight problems.
It's also worth noting that some patients might be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by altering their diet. But it's crucial to seek medical advice before eliminating any food items that could lead to nutritional deficiencies and should only be done with the help of a doctor or dietician. Another option is counseling, which can assist patients in learning to cope with their symptoms and develop stronger relationships with their families. Counseling can also help spouses realize that the patient's behaviors are not necessarily indicative of a lack of affection or a deliberate act of misconduct.
Education
Both patients and doctors are often confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD, and certain medical conditions and medications may also produce symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Many of these problems can be solved with treatments or lifestyle modifications. A person with ADHD may benefit from adjusting their diet or taking supplements to improve his eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy can teach him how to better resist distractions, impulsiveness, and improve the focus of his mind. 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 is crucial as is a physical examination. A physician can also test for sleep apnea as well as other disorders like issues with vision and hearing, thyroid disorders, alcohol or drug abuse, and lead poisoning. These tests can not only help determine the presence of a underlying disorder but also help reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders which may contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
The majority of stimulants are prescribed by doctors for ADHD. treating adult add include dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate as well as Concerta and Adderall. Other non-stimulant drugs include clonidine as well as Guanfacine. These blood pressure medicines can aid in reducing an impulsive and hyperactivity problem, but can take longer to work and may cause side effects such as constipation, heartburn and low sex desire.
ADHD patients tend to forget appointments, show up late for work and make uninformed choices that can cause stress to even the most patient family and friends members. Couples therapy or classes that help improve communication skills can help people build stable relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction all can play a part in managing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from the condition have found that removing certain foods or taking supplements aids them, however it's vital to talk to a doctor before attempting these treatments. Doing so without a doctor's advice could result in nutritional deficiencies and health issues.