ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the first treatment most doctors recommend. They can help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Antidepressants, as well as Atomoxetine (Strattera) can reduce symptoms but work more slowly.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, helps adults develop their organizational and planning skills. Psychotherapy and coaching can also improve social functioning.
Medicines
You can take medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people might discover that they improve through a change in their diet or taking supplements, but these should only be utilized under a doctor's guidance. Other options include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and counseling for families. Certain adults with ADHD have difficulty staying on medication However, they should talk to their doctors and seek help. Certain medications are available over-the-counter while others need a prescription.
Most ADHD medications are based on increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. This reduces impulsivity, and improves concentration. Some of the most popular medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Although they are considered the most effective treatment for ADHD, they also have adverse negative effects. Cardiovascular problems are some of the most serious adverse effects. Stimulant medications can also cause tics such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth by a few month for teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant drugs are often prescribed for people who have uncontrollable adverse effects from stimulants or are at risk of developing heart issues. These are typically dopamine reuptake inhibitors, norepinephrine or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants but are safe and do not offer the risk of abuse that certain people experience with stimulant drugs.
You can attempt to lessen your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a well-planned schedule, creating and adhering to a budget, improving the organization skills, learning more about your condition and devising strategies for dealing with your symptoms. Talk to a doctor about 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 relationships can be strained by your ADHD symptoms. You can improve your relationships by speaking to an therapist and attending classes in conflict resolution. You can improve your relationships with your coworkers or spouse by letting them know about your ADHD and by letting them know that your behavior isn't intentional.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has significant social, emotional and occupational consequences. This includes lower academic performance and higher rates of job loss and transfer, and poor performance at work. There are also more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population. Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs. People with comorbid disorders might be more difficult to respond to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A thorough history of the patient is crucial, as a variety of medical conditions can have symptoms similar to symptoms of ADHD. Patients with seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning must be carefully evaluated. Stimulant treatment is contraindicated in patients who are addicted to drugs or those suffering from certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, tachycardia and arrhythmias (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of informing patients about their disorder 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.
The aim of a behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is to improve their organizational skills and help them learn better ways to organize their time. This will decrease the chance of missing appointments or making decisions impulsively that could cause issues at work, school or in their personal life. This type of therapy may also improve a person's relationships with their children, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD focuses on helping people to change their behavior patterns that are negative. This kind of therapy is extremely effective at improving the functioning of people with ADHD especially when it is combined with psychoeducation for families and family therapy. Educating treatment for adult adhd and their significant others about ADHD can help reduce the tendency to blame each other for the problems caused by the patient's inability to manage his or her behavior. Classes that teach couples and families how to communicate more effectively and resolve conflicts could be beneficial.
Counseling
A well-designed treatment plan will address the signs of ADHD and their impact on school, work, and the family. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant medications as well as psychosocial therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients to change their thinking about their behavior. It also teaches them skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant medications are used to treat ADHD. They regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They've been around for a long time and there are several different kinds of medications each with its own benefits and side effects. The two most common stimulants are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate that are available under various brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. Other medications that treat ADHD are atomoxetine, which is a stimulant that increases the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells, and viloxazine, which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine as well as atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a slower onset than stimulants. These drugs are also available for those who are unable to take stimulants due to other health issues or severe side 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's also important to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, such as an underlying thyroid disorder or vision and hearing issues.
Some patients may also be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms through diet changes. It is essential to consult a physician prior to eliminating any food. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies, and should only be done with the guidance of a doctor or dietician. Another option is counseling, which can assist patients in learning to manage their symptoms and build stronger relationships with their families. Counseling can also help spouses realize that the patient's behavior is not necessarily indicative of a lack of love or a deliberate act of wrongdoing.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be a bit confusing for both the patient and the doctor. Other mental disorders can coexist with ADHD and certain medical conditions and medications can also cause symptoms that resemble ADHD.
Many of these issues can be resolved by treatment or lifestyle changes. Someone suffering from ADHD could benefit from changing their diet or taking supplements to improve his eating habits, for example. Behavioral therapy can teach him to resist the temptations and impulsiveness that can distract him, improve his focus and develop self-control. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness meditation practice that can help control emotions and increase attention.
A thorough history of the symptoms is crucial, as is a physical examination. A doctor can also assess the patient for sleep apnea, hearing or thyroid problems, vision issues, lead poisoning and drug or alcohol abuse. In addition to determining if there is a possibility of a root cause, these tests can help rule out or lessen the effects of other conditions that could cause an individual's ADHD-like behavior.
When a doctor recommends medication for ADHD, the most common ones are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Other non-stimulant drugs include clonidine as well as guanfacine. These blood pressure medication can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, but may take longer to work and may cause side effects such as heartburn, constipation, and a lack of sex.
People with ADHD often forget appointments, are late for work, and make irrational choices that strain the patience of even the most forgiving friends and relatives. Couples therapy and classes that focus on improving communication skills can help patients establish stable relationships.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction can all aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have discovered that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements can help them, but it's crucial to talk to a doctor before trying these methods. If you try this without consulting with a physician, it could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.