ADHD Treatments For Adults
Most doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. adults adhd treatment aid in balancing the levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants can reduce symptoms, but they do so more slowly.
Psychotherapy, along with cognitive behavioral therapy, helps adults improve their planning and organizational skills. Psychotherapy and coaching can also help improve social functioning.
Medicines
You can use medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people find they are more comfortable after changing their diet or taking supplements. However, these should only ever be administered under the supervision of a physician. Other treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy (CBT) as well as counseling for families. Some adults with ADHD struggle to adhere to medication, but they should talk to their doctor and seek help. Certain medications are available for purchase over the counter, while others require prescriptions.
Most ADHD medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This decreases impulsivity and increases concentration. Some of the most common medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. Although they are considered the most effective treatment for ADHD however, they can also cause negative side negative effects. Cardiovascular issues are among the more serious side effects. In addition, stimulants can cause the appearance of tics, like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications can also delay growth by a few months for teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant medications can be prescribed to those who suffer from intolerable side effects from stimulants or are at risk of heart problems. These are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants however they are safe and do not contain the potential for abuse that many people have when taking stimulant medication.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a well-planned schedule, establishing and adhering to a budget, improving the organization skills, learning more about your disorder, and developing strategies for dealing with your symptoms. Consult a professional regarding the best methods to manage your disorder. You can also find a wealth of useful resources on the site of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your relationships can be strained by your ADHD symptoms. Talking with a therapist about how you interact with your spouse or co-workers and taking classes to learn conflict resolution can help. 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 social, emotional and occupational consequences for occupational, emotional and social. These include lower academic achievement, higher rates for job failure and transfer and poor performance at work. Additionally, there are more car accidents, and higher divorce rates than the general population. The comorbidity of anxiety, depression and addiction to substances is common in adults with ADHD. Those with comorbid disorders may have a harder time responding to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
It is essential to take a detailed medical history of the patient since a variety of medical conditions may manifest symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients with seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea thyroid disorders and lead poisoning must be carefully evaluated. Treatment with stimulants is not recommended in patients who are addicted to drugs or those suffering from certain medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure, arrhythmias and tachycardia (Greenhill 2001).).
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation involves teaching patients about their condition, including its effects on different areas of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can help patients build their self-esteem, particularly those who are often stigmatized as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
The goal of the therapy for adults who suffer from ADHD, is to improve their organizational skills and help them learn better ways to organize their time. This will reduce the chance of missing appointments or making decisions that are impulsive and could cause problems in school, at work, or with their personal lives. This kind of therapy can also improve the effectiveness of an individual's interactions with their spouses, children and coworkers.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults suffering from ADHD focuses on helping people to change their negative patterns of behavior. This type of therapy is very efficient in improving the performance of people suffering from ADHD especially when it is combined with family therapy and psychoeducation. Educating patients and their loved ones about ADHD can reduce the frequency of blaming one another for problems caused by the person's inability to manage his or her own behavior. Classes that help couples and families how to communicate more effectively and to develop techniques for conflict resolution can help.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan will address the symptoms of ADHD and their impact on school, work and the family. It will include both stimulant and nonstimulant medication as well as psychosocial therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT assists patients in changing 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 medications used to treat ADHD increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They've been around for a long time, and there are a variety of kinds of medications, each with its own benefits and side effects. The two most common stimulants are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, which are available under a variety of brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. Other drugs used to treat ADHD are atomoxetine, which helps by increasing the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells, and viloxazine, which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are commonly used to treat ADHD in adults since they are more gradual in onset than stimulants. They are also available to those who aren't able to take stimulants due to other health problems or who have serious adverse effects.
It is important to be aware that comorbid conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, the presence and severity other conditions must be taken into consideration when diagnosing ADHD. It is also essential to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, like an underlying thyroid disorder or problems with hearing and vision.
Certain patients may be able reduce their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. It is essential to consult with a doctor prior to eliminating any foods. This could lead to nutritional deficiencies, and should only be done under the supervision of a dietician or doctor. Counseling can also assist patients deal with their symptoms, and also improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses recognize that the patient's behavior is not necessarily a sign that they are not loving or malicious.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing for both the patient and the doctor. It is not uncommon for other mental health disorders to coexist the disorder. Additionally, certain medications and medical conditions can cause symptoms that resemble those of ADHD.
Lifestyle or treatment changes can solve a lot of these issues. A person suffering from ADHD could benefit from taking supplements or changing their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy will help him learn how to better resist distractions, impulsiveness and improve the focus of his mind. A doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or the practice of mindfulness meditation both of which can help manage emotions and increase attention.
A thorough history of symptoms and a physical exam are important. A doctor can also examine patients for sleep apnea, hearing or vision problems, thyroid disorders or lead poisoning as well as alcohol or drug abuse. In addition to determining the presence of an underlying cause, these tests can help rule out or reduce the effects of other conditions that could contribute to a patient's ADHD-like behavior.
Most commonly, stimulants are prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. They include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant medications could include guanfacine and clonidine which are blood pressure drugs that can help with impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they might take longer to begin working and might have adverse effects such as constipation, heartburn, and low sexual drive.
ADHD patients are often unable to remember appointments, show up late for work, and make irrational decisions 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 patients establish stable relationships.
Exercise, diet, and stress reduction all can help in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have found that avoiding certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it's crucial to speak with a doctor first before trying any of these methods. Making these decisions without a physician's advice could result in nutritional deficiencies and health issues.