ADHD Treatments For Adults
The majority of doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. They can help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers inside the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine, (Strattera), can also reduce symptoms but work slower.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults develop skills to improve organization and planning. Psychotherapy and coaching are also effective in improving social functioning.
Medicines
You can take medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people may be able to improve their condition through a change in their diet or taking supplements, but they should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor. Other treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and counseling for families. Some adults with ADHD struggle to stay on their medication. They should speak to their doctor and seek assistance. Certain medications are available for purchase over the counter and others require prescriptions.
The majority of medicines prescribed for ADHD help by increasing the levels of dopamine within your brain, which decreases the impulsivity and increases focus. The most commonly used medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. They are thought to be the most effective ADHD treatment, however they can cause side effects. Some of these adverse effects can be severe, like cardiovascular problems. In addition, stimulants can cause the tics of blinking eyes or throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth in children and adolescents by several months.
Nonstimulant medications are prescribed to patients who experience intolerable side-effects from stimulants, or are at risk of developing heart disease. These medications are primarily dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants however they are safe and don't offer the risk of abuse that certain people experience when taking stimulant medication.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms by adhering to a schedule, creating and sticking to an exact budget, enhancing your organizational skills, learning about your disorder and creating strategies to deal with your symptoms. treating add in adults is important to speak with an expert to find out the best way to manage your condition, and you can find many useful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your relationships may be strained due to your ADHD symptoms. Talking to a therapist about the way you interact with your family members or friends and attending classes that teach conflict resolution can be helpful. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how your ADHD affects you, and also recognizing that some of your behavior are not intended to be mean-spirited.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can have significant emotional, social, and occupational effects. This can lead to lower academic achievement as well as higher rates of job loss and transfer, poor performance at work as well as more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population (Spencer and co. 2007). Comorbidity of depression, anxiety and addiction to substances is common among adults with ADHD. Those with comorbid conditions may be less responsive to stimulant medications (Barkley & Gordon 2002).
A thorough patient history is crucial, as a variety of medical conditions may have symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Patients with seizures, developmental disorders sleep apnea, and thyroid disorders should be evaluated more closely. Patients who abuse substances, or those with particular medical conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure should refrain from receiving stimulant therapy (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy includes behavioral therapy and psychoeducation for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their condition, including its effects on different aspects of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can also help improve self-esteem among patients who typically face stigma, such as being viewed as lazy or less intelligent.
The goal of behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is to improve their ability to organize their lives and help them learn better ways to manage their time. This will reduce the chance of missing appointments or making impulsive choices that can cause problems in school, at work, or with their personal lives. This type of therapy could also improve a person's relationships with their family, friends, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults suffering from ADHD is focused on helping people to change their negative patterns of behavior. This kind of therapy is extremely effective in improving the functioning of those with ADHD, especially if it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. The process of educating patients and loved ones about ADHD can help reduce the frequency of blaming each other for the problems caused by the patient's inability to control his or her own behaviors. Classes that train couples and families to communicate more effectively and to develop techniques for conflict resolution can help.
Counseling
A good treatment plan will address the signs of ADHD and their effects on school, work and family. It will include both stimulant and nonstimulant drugs and psychosocial therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change the way they think about their behavior. It also teaches them how to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
Stimulant medication is used to treat ADHD. They regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. There are a myriad of types of stimulant medications, each with their own advantages and side-effects. The two most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine, which are sold under many brand names, including Ritalin and Adderall. Other drugs used to treat ADHD include atomoxetine, which is a stimulant that increases the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain that passes messages between brain cells and viloxazine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are both used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a more gradual development than stimulants. These medications are also available for those who are unable to take stimulants due to medical conditions or serious adverse effects.
It's important to note that comorbid disorders can mimic the symptoms of ADHD So the severity and presence of any other medical condition must be considered when making an ADHD diagnosis. It's important to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, including thyroid disorders, hearing or sight problems.
It's also important to note that some patients might be able reduce their ADHD symptoms by changing their diet. It is essential to consult with a doctor prior to eliminating any food. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and should only be done under the supervision of a physician or dietician. Another option is counseling which can assist patients in learning to cope with their symptoms and build better relationships with their families. Counseling can also help spouses understand that the patient's actions are not necessarily a sign of lack of love or willful misconduct.
Education
Both patients and doctors are susceptible to being misled by the diagnosis of ADHD. It's not uncommon for different mental health disorders to coexist the disorder, and certain medications and medical conditions may cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
Lifestyle changes or treatment can help with many of these issues. A person with ADHD could benefit from changing their diet or taking supplements to improve their eating habits, for example. Behavioral therapy could help the person to be more resistant to distractions and impulsiveness, improve his concentration and self-control. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or the practice of mindfulness meditation that can help manage emotions and increase focus.
A thorough history of symptoms is important and so is a physical exam. A physician can also evaluate a patient for sleep apnea and hearing and thyroid problems, vision issues or lead poisoning as well as drug or alcohol abuse. These tests can help to determine the presence of an underlying disorder, but also reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders that may contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
Most commonly, stimulants are prescribed by physicians for ADHD. These include dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate as well as Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant medications include clonidine and guanfacine. These blood pressure medicines can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, but can take longer to work and have side effects such as constipation, heartburn and low sexual desire.
ADHD patients tend to forget appointments, show up late for work and make irrational choices that can cause stress to even the most patient family and friends members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on improving communication skills can help people establish stable relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction can all play a role in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have reported that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it's crucial to speak with a doctor prior to attempting any of these therapies. Doing so without a doctor's guidance could lead to nutritional deficiencies and health issues.