ADHD Treatments For Adults
Most doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. They can help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers inside the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants also may help alleviate symptoms, but they work more slowly.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, helps adults improve their planning and organizational skills. Psychotherapy and coaching are also effective in improving social functioning.
Medications
If you have ADHD you may benefit from taking medication to treat your symptoms. Some people discover that they improve through a change in their diet or taking supplements, however these should only be utilized under a doctor's guidance. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or family counseling are all viable treatment options. Some adults with ADHD struggle to stay on their medication. They should consult their doctor and request assistance. Certain medications are available over the counter and some require prescriptions.
The majority of the medications prescribed for ADHD work by increasing the levels of dopamine in your brain, which reduces impulsivity and improves focus. The most well-known medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. These are considered to be the most effective in ADHD treatment, however they do have side effects. Some of these side effects could be serious, such as heart problems. The stimulant medication can also trigger tics, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. adhd symptoms and treatment may also delay growth in adolescents and children by a few months.
Nonstimulant medications can be prescribed to those who suffer from adverse reactions to stimulants that are not tolerated or are at risk of developing heart problems. These are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These medications are not as effective as stimulants however they are safe and do not have the abuse potential that many people have when taking stimulant medication.
You can lessen your ADHD symptoms by following a schedule, creating and adhering to a strict budget, improving your organizational skills, learning about your condition and implementing strategies to deal with your symptoms. Consult a professional regarding the best strategies to manage your ADHD. You can also find a wealth of useful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your ADHD symptoms can cause stress in your relationships. Talking to a therapist about the way you interact with your coworkers or spouse and taking classes that teach conflict resolution can help. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how ADHD affects you and understanding that some of your actions are not intended to be mean-spirited.
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, poor performance at work as well as more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population (Spencer et al 2007). The comorbidity of anxiety, depression and substance abuse are prevalent among adults suffering from ADHD. People with comorbid disorders might have more difficulty responding to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
It is important to have a detailed medical history of the patient as many medical conditions can manifest symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients with seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea and thyroid disorders need to be evaluated more carefully. Stimulant treatment is contraindicated in patients with active substance abuse or with certain medical conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, arrhythmias and tachycardia (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 the effects it has on their lives. Psychoeducation can help patients improve their self-esteem, especially those who are frequently viewed as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to help patients learn how to organize their time and tasks, improving their skills in organizing. This can reduce the chances of missing appointments and making impulsive choices that can create problems at school, at work or with their personal lives. This type of therapy can aid in improving the effectiveness of one's interactions with spouses, children and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults with ADHD is geared towards helping people to change their negative behaviour patterns. This type of therapy is extremely effective in improving the functioning of people suffering from ADHD especially when combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. Informing patients and significant others about ADHD can help decrease the likelihood of blaming each other for the problems caused by the person's inability to manage his or her own behavior. Classes that teach families and couples how to communicate better and resolve conflicts can help.
Counseling
A good treatment plan will address the symptoms of ADHD and their impact on school, work and family. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant drugs as well as psychosocial therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change their thinking about their behavior. It also teaches patients how to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD boost and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. There are a variety of stimulant medications, each with their own benefits and negative side effects. The two most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. These are available under a variety of brand names, including Ritalin and Adderall. Viloxazine is a selective reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine increases the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are commonly used to treat ADHD in adults due to the fact that they have a slower onset than stimulants. These drugs are also available for those who are unable to take stimulants due other health issues or severe adverse effects.
It is important to be aware that comorbid conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Therefore the severity and presence of other conditions should be considered when diagnosing ADHD. It's important to determine the cause of the symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, hearing and sight problems.
Some patients may also be able reduce their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. It's important to consult with a doctor prior to eliminating any foods. This could result in nutritional deficiencies and should be done with the guidance of a doctor or dietician. Counseling can help patients deal with their symptoms, and also improve their relationships with their families. 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. It is not uncommon for other mental health disorders to coexist with the disorder. Additionally, certain medications and medical conditions can cause symptoms that resemble those of ADHD.
Many of these issues can be resolved by treatments or lifestyle adjustments. A person with ADHD might benefit from adjusting diet or taking supplements to improve their eating habits, for example. Behavioral therapy can teach him how to manage distractions, impulsiveness and increase his focus. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness meditation practice both of which can help control emotions and increase attention.
A thorough history of symptoms is essential and so is a physical exam. A doctor can also assess the patient for sleep apnea, hearing and vision problems, thyroid disorders as well as lead poisoning, drug or alcohol abuse. These tests can help to determine the presence of a underlying disorder but also reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders which may contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
Most often, stimulants are prescribed by doctors for ADHD. They include dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate as well as Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant drugs include clonidine and Guanfacine. These blood pressure medications can help with the impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they can take longer to work and can cause side effects such as constipation, heartburn, and a lack of sex.
People with ADHD often miss appointments and are often late to work, and make irrational choices that can be a challenge for even the most patient family members and friends. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on improving communication skills can help patients develop stable relationships.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction all can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from the condition have found that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements can help them, however it's vital to talk to a doctor before trying these methods. If you decide to do this without consulting with a physician this could lead to nutritional deficiency and other health issues.