ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the first option that doctors recommend. They help balance the levels of two chemical messengers inside the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants may help reduce symptoms, but they do so slower.
Psychotherapy, similar to cognitive behavioral therapy, aids adults improve their planning and organizational abilities. Coaching and psychotherapy can improve social functioning.
Medicines
You can use medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people find they feel better after changing their diets or taking supplements. However, these should only ever be used under the guidance of a medical professional. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family counseling are all possible treatment options. Many adults suffering from ADHD struggle to stick to their medication. They should speak to their doctor and request assistance. Some medications can be purchased on the internet, while others require a prescription.
Most ADHD medications help by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This reduces impulsivity, and increases concentration. Some of the most popular medications are stimulants like methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. Although they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD however, they can also cause side effects. adhd treatment in adults are some of the more serious side effects. The stimulant medication can also trigger antics, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth by a few months for teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant drugs are prescribed to those who experience intolerable side-effects from stimulants, or are at risk of heart disease. These are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine or alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. They aren't as efficient as stimulants, but they are safe and don't carry the risk of abuse that some people have with stimulant medications.
You can attempt to lessen your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a well-planned schedule, making and sticking to a budget, improving your organizational skills, gaining knowledge about your disorder and implementing strategies to deal with your symptoms. Consult a professional regarding the best methods to manage your ADHD. You can also find many useful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your ADHD symptoms can cause stress in your relationships. Talking with a therapist about how you interact with your spouse or co-workers and attending 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 behavior are not a deliberate act of aggression.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can have profound emotional, social and occupational effects. This includes lower academic performance and higher rates of job loss and transfer, poor performance at work, more car accidents and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer and co. 2007). The comorbidity of anxiety, depression and substance abuse are prevalent among adults suffering from ADHD. Patients with multiple conditions may have a harder time responding to stimulant medications (Barkley & Gordon, 2002).
It is crucial to obtain an in-depth history of the patient, because a wide range of medical conditions could manifest symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea thyroid disorders and lead poisoning should be more careful to be evaluated. Patients who are active in their addiction to substances, or those with particular medical conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure should refrain from receiving stimulant therapy (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of informing patients about their condition and its impact on their lives. Psychoeducation can also improve self-esteem for patients who frequently are stigmatized, for example, being judged as inept or unintelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to help patients learn better ways of organizing their time and tasks and improve their skills in organizing. This will reduce the chance of missing appointments and making decisions that are impulsive and could cause problems in school, at work, or with their personal lives. This kind of therapy could also help improve the effectiveness of a person's interactions with children, spouses and coworkers.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD focuses on helping people to change their negative patterns of behavior. This type of therapy is extremely effective at improving the functioning of people with ADHD particularly when it is paired with family therapy and psychoeducation. Educating patients and their significant others about ADHD can help reduce the likelihood of blaming each other for the problems caused by the patient's inability to manage his or her own behaviors. Classes that help couples and families to communicate more effectively and develop conflict resolution skills can also help.
Counseling
A good treatment plan will address the symptoms of ADHD and their effects on work, school, and the family. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant medications as in addition to psychosocial treatment, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients to change their thinking about their behavior. It also helps patients learn 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 known as neurotransmitters. They have been around for a long time, and there are many types of medications, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The two most popular stimulants are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, which are available under various names, such as Adderall and Ritalin. Viloxazine is a selective reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine enhances the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are both used to treat ADHD among adults, as they have a more gradual 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 crucial to keep in mind that comorbidities 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, including thyroid disorders, hearing and sight problems.
Some patients may also be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. However, it's important to seek medical advice prior to eliminating any food items which could lead to nutritional deficiencies and should only be done with the guidance of a doctor or a dietician. Another option is counseling, which can help patients learn to cope with their symptoms and establish better relationships with their families. Counseling can also help spouses realize that the patient's behaviors are not necessarily a sign of a lack of love or willful infractions.
Education
Both patients and doctors can be confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD, and certain medical conditions and medications can also cause symptoms that mimic ADHD.
Lifestyle or treatment changes can solve a lot of these issues. A person with ADHD could benefit from changing their diet or taking supplements to improve their eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy will help him learn how to better resist distractions, impulsiveness, and improve his concentration. 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 and a physical exam are essential. A physician can also evaluate patients for sleep apnea and hearing and thyroid problems, vision problems, lead poisoning and alcohol or drug abuse. In addition to determining the existence of an underlying cause, these evaluations can help rule out or reduce the effects of other disorders that might cause an individual's ADHD-like behavior.
Most commonly, stimulants are prescribed by doctors for ADHD. They include dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant medications include clonidine and Guanfacine. These blood pressure medications can reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they can take longer to work and can cause side effects such as heartburn, constipation, and a lack of sex.
People suffering from ADHD frequently miss appointments, are late for 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 people establish stable relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction all play a role in managing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have found that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it's essential to consult with a physician prior to trying any of these treatments. Doing so without a doctor's direction could result in nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.