ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the first option that doctors recommend. They aid in balancing levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants also may help alleviate symptoms, but they operate slower.
Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults acquire techniques to improve organization and planning. Psychotherapy and coaching can also enhance social functioning.
Medicines
If you suffer from ADHD, you can benefit from taking medication to treat your symptoms. Some people might find that they get better by changing their diet or taking supplements, however they should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) or family counseling are all viable solutions. Certain adults with ADHD are unable to stay on medication however, they should speak to their doctor and seek help. Certain medications are available for purchase over the counter and others require the prescription of a doctor.
The majority of drugs prescribed for ADHD help by increasing the levels of dopamine within your brain, which reduces impulsivity and enhances focus. Some of the most popular drugs are stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Although they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD however, they can also cause side negative effects. Some of these adverse effects can be severe, like cardiovascular problems. Stimulant medications can also cause tics such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications can also delay growth by a few month in children and teenagers.
Nonstimulant medicines are prescribed to people who suffer from uncontrollable adverse effects from stimulants or are at risk of heart problems. These medications include dopamine reuptake inhibitors, norepinephrine or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. These aren't as effective as stimulants, but they are safe and don't have the risk of abuse that some people have with stimulant medication.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a planned schedule, establishing and adhering to a budget, developing organizational skills, learning more about your disorder and devising strategies for dealing with your symptoms. You should talk to an expert to learn the best method to manage your disorder, and you will find plenty of helpful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your relationships could be strained by your ADHD symptoms. You can improve your relationships by talking to an therapist and attending classes on conflict resolution. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how ADHD affects you, and also recognizing that some of your behaviors are not intended to be mean-spirited.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can result in significant emotional, social, and occupational effects. These include lower academic success and higher rates of job failure and transfer, poor performance at work, more car accidents and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer and colleagues 2007). Comorbidity between depression, anxiety and addiction to substances is common among adults with ADHD. Patients with comorbid disorders could have more difficulty responding to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A thorough history of the patient is vital, as many medical conditions can have symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Patients with developmental disorders, seizure disorder sleep apnea, thyroid disorders need to be evaluated more closely. Stimulant treatment is contraindicated in those who abuse drugs or in those with certain medical conditions, like heart disease, high blood pressure, arrhythmias and tachycardia (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy encompasses behavioral therapy and psychoeducation for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of informing patients about their condition and its impact on their lives. Psychoeducation can also improve self-esteem among patients who typically face stigma, such as being judged as inept or unintelligent.
The goal of the therapy for adults who suffer from ADHD, is to improve their ability to organize their lives and teach them better ways to manage their time. This can help decrease the chance of missing appointments or making impulsive decisions that could cause difficulties at work, school or in their private lives. This type of therapy can aid in improving the effectiveness of one's interactions with children, spouses and co-workers.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults with ADHD is geared towards helping people change their negative behavior patterns. This kind of therapy is very efficient in improving the performance of those suffering from ADHD particularly when it is paired with psychoeducation for families and family therapy. Educating patients and their loved ones about ADHD can reduce the likelihood of blaming one another for the issues caused by the person's inability to manage his or her behavior. Classes that teach couples and families how to communicate more effectively and resolve conflicts could be helpful.
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 and psychosocial therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT assists patients to alter their mental outlook on their behavior. It also helps patients learn 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. They've been around for a long period of time, and there are many types of medications each with its own benefits and side effects. The two most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. They are sold under various brand names including Ritalin and Adderall. Other drugs used to treat ADHD are atomoxetine. It is a stimulant that increases 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. Atomoxetine and viloxazine are often used to treat ADHD in adults because they are less likely to cause symptoms than stimulants. These drugs are also available to those who cannot take stimulants due to health issues or severe adverse effects.
It is important to remember that comorbidities can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore the presence and severity of other conditions should be considered when diagnosing ADHD. It is also essential to rule out any physical causes of the symptoms, like thyroid disorders or problems with hearing and vision.
Some patients may also be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by making changes to their diet. However, it's important to seek medical advice prior to cutting out any food which could lead to nutritional deficiencies. It should only be done with the help of a physician or dietician. Another option is counseling, which helps patients cope with their symptoms and establish better relationships with their families. Counseling can also help spouses understand that the patient's behaviors are not necessarily indicative of lack of love or a deliberate act of infractions.
adhd in adults treatment and doctors alike are often confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD, and certain medical conditions and medications can also cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Treatment or lifestyle changes can solve a lot of these issues. A person with ADHD may benefit from adjusting their diet or taking supplements to improve his eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy could help him to resist distractions and impulsiveness, increase the focus of his mind and develop self-control. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can aid in controlling emotions and improve concentration.
A thorough history of symptoms is important as is a physical exam. A physician can also test for sleep apnea, as well as other conditions such as problems with vision and hearing thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol abuse and lead poisoning. These tests can help to determine the presence of a underlying disorder but also help reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders that may contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
The majority of stimulants are prescribed by doctors for ADHD. They include dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant medications include clonidine and guanfacine. These blood pressure medication can help with the impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they might take longer to effect and have side effects such as constipation, heartburn and low sexual desire.
ADHD patients often forget appointments, arrive late for work and make uninformed choices that can strain even the most patient of family and friends members. Couples therapy or classes that improve communication skills can help patients build solid relationships.
Exercise, diet, and stress reduction can all aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from the condition have found that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements can help them, but it's important to consult a physician before trying these methods. If you decide to do this without consulting with a physician, it could lead to nutritional deficiency and other health issues.