ADHD Treatments For Adults
The majority of doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They can help regulate levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants may help alleviate symptoms, but they work more slowly.
Psychotherapy, similar to cognitive behavioral therapy, can help adults to improve their planning and organization abilities. Coaching and psychotherapy are capable of improving social functioning.
Medicines
You can take medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people may find that they get better by altering their diet or taking supplements, but these should only be used under a doctor's guidance. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) or family counseling are all possible solutions. Some adults with ADHD struggle to stay on their medication. They should speak to their doctor and request assistance. Certain medications are available over-the-counter while others need prescriptions.
The majority of medications prescribed for ADHD work by increasing the levels of dopamine in your brain, which reduces impulsivity and enhances concentration. Some of the most popular medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. These are considered to be the most effective for ADHD treatment, however they can have adverse effects. Some of these side effects can be serious, such as heart problems. Stimulant medications can also cause antics, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth by a few month for teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant medicines are prescribed to those who suffer from uncontrollable adverse effects from stimulants or are at risk of heart problems. These medications are mostly 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 potential for abuse that some people have with stimulant medications.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms by adhering to an established schedule, making and adhering to the strict guidelines of a budget, enhancing your organization skills, gaining knowledge about your condition and implementing strategies to deal with your symptoms. You should talk to an expert to learn the best way to manage your condition. You can find a wealth of information on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your relationships may be strained by your ADHD symptoms. Talking with a therapist about how you interact with your coworkers or spouse and taking classes that teach conflict resolution can help. You can improve your relationships with your family members or friends by helping them understand your ADHD and making them aware that your behavior is not intentional.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can have profound emotional, social and occupational consequences. These include lower academic success as well as more frequent failure to get a job and transfer, poor work performance as well as a higher number of car accidents, and higher divorce rates than the general population (Spencer and co. 2007). Comorbidity between depression, anxiety and substance abuse are common among adults with ADHD. additional hints with comorbid disorders might have a harder time responding to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
It is essential to take an in-depth background of the patient because a wide range of medical conditions could manifest symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients with seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea thyroid disorders and lead poisoning should be more careful to be evaluated. Stimulant treatment is contraindicated in those who abuse drugs or those suffering from certain medical conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, arrhythmias and tachycardia (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 often stigmatized as inept or unintelligent.
The goal of the therapy for adults who suffer from ADHD is to enhance their ability to organize their lives and help them learn better ways to organize their time. This will reduce the chance of missing appointments and making decisions impulsively that could cause problems in school, at work or with their personal lives. This type of therapy may also improve a person's relationships with their children, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults with ADHD is geared towards helping individuals change their behavior patterns. This kind of therapy is very effective at improving the functioning of people suffering from ADHD especially when it is combined with family therapy and psychoeducation. By educating patients and their loved ones about ADHD it will reduce the frequency with which they blame each other for the difficulties caused by a patient's inability manage his or her behavior. Classes that teach couples and families how to communicate more effectively and resolve conflicts could help.
Counseling
A good treatment plan for ADHD will tackle the symptoms and their effects on work, family and school. It includes non-stimulant and stimulant medication as along with psychosocial treatment, specifically cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change the way they think about their behavior. It also helps patients learn how to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant medication is used to treat ADHD. They help to regulate and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. There are a myriad of types of stimulant drugs, each with their own benefits and negative side effects. The two most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, which are sold under many brand names including Ritalin and Adderall. Viloxazine is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine increases the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells. Atomoxetine and viloxazine are often used to treat ADHD in adults due to the fact that they are more gradual in onset than stimulants. These drugs are also available to people who cannot take stimulants due to health conditions or severe side effects.
It is important to be aware that comorbidities can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore the presence and severity of other conditions must be taken into consideration when diagnosing ADHD. It is important to determine the cause of the symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, hearing and sight problems.
It's also important to note that some patients may be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by changing their diet. However, it's important to seek medical advice prior to cutting out any foods, as this can cause nutritional deficiencies and should only be done with the help of a physician or dietician. Counseling can also assist patients manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family. Counseling can also help spouses realize that the patient's behaviors are not necessarily a sign of a lack of affection or willful wrongdoing.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be a bit confusing for both doctors and patients. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD, and certain medical conditions and medications may also produce symptoms that resemble ADHD.
Lifestyle or treatment changes can resolve many of these issues. Someone suffering from ADHD could benefit by taking supplements or altering their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy can help the person to be more resistant to distractions and impulsiveness, improve his concentration and self-control. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness meditation practice, both of which can help control emotions and increase attention.
A complete history of symptoms is crucial, as is a physical examination. A doctor can also assess the patient for sleep apnea, hearing or vision problems, thyroid disorders as well as lead poisoning, drug or alcohol abuse. These evaluations can help to determine the presence of an underlying disorder but also help reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders that could contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
Most commonly, stimulants are prescribed by physicians for ADHD. These include dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, Concerta and Adderall. Other non-stimulant drugs include clonidine as well as guanfacine. These blood pressure medicines can reduce an impulsive and hyperactivity problem, but can take longer to work and can cause negative side effects, such as constipation, heartburn, and low sex desire.
ADHD patients tend to forget appointments, arrive late for work and make uninformed choices which can stress even the most patient of family and friends members. Couples therapy or classes that improve communication skills can help people establish stable relationships.
Diet, exercise, and stress reduction all can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have found that removing certain foods or taking supplements helps them, however it's vital to talk to a doctor before trying these therapies. If you try this without consulting with a physician, it could lead to nutritional deficiency and other health issues.