ADHD Treatments For Adults
The majority of doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. They can help regulate levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Antidepressants, as well as Atomoxetine (Strattera) are also able to help alleviate symptoms, but they work slower.
Psychotherapy, similar to cognitive behavioral therapy, aids adults develop their organizational and planning abilities. Coaching and psychotherapy are also capable of improving social functioning.
Medicines
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people feel better after altering their diet or taking supplements. However, these should only ever be administered under the supervision of a doctor. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) or family counseling are all viable treatment options. Some people with ADHD are unable to stay on medication, but they should talk with their doctors and ask for help. Certain medications can be purchased on the internet, while others require prescription.
Most ADHD medications help by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This reduces impulsivity and improves concentration. Some of the most common drugs are stimulants like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. These are considered to be the most effective for ADHD treatment, however they can have adverse effects. Heart problems are among 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 in teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant medications are prescribed to people who suffer from insufferable side-effects of stimulants, or those at risk of developing heart disease. These are typically dopamine reuptake inhibitors, norepinephrine or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. These medications are not as effective as stimulants, but are safe and do not have the abuse potential that many people have with stimulant medications.
You can decrease your ADHD symptoms by adhering to the prescribed schedule, creating and adhering to a strict budget, improving your organization skills, understanding about your disorder and creating strategies to address your symptoms. It is important to speak with an expert to find out the best way to manage your disorder, and you will find plenty of helpful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your relationships can be strained due to your ADHD symptoms. Talking to a therapist about how you interact with your family members or friends and taking classes that teach conflict resolution can be helpful. You can improve your relationships with your coworkers or spouse by having them understand your ADHD and making them aware that your behavior isn't intentional.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has significant social, emotional and occupational effects on occupational, emotional and social. This includes lower academic performance and higher rates of job loss and transfer, and poor work performance. There are also more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population. Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression or substance abuse. Those with comorbid disorders may have a harder time responding to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A thorough patient history is essential, since many medical conditions may have symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Patients with seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning should be careful to be evaluated. Treatment with stimulants is not recommended in patients who are addicted to drugs or in those with certain medical conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, arrhythmias and tachycardia (Greenhill 2001).).
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of teaching patients about their disorder as well as its effects on different areas of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can help patients build their self-esteem, particularly those who are often viewed as lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to teach patients how to organize their time and tasks, improving their ability to organize their lives. This can help to reduce the risk of not attending appointments or making decisions impulsively which can lead to problems at school, work or in their personal lives. This type of therapy could also improve a person's relationships with their spouse, children and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults suffering from ADHD focuses on helping people to change their behavior patterns that are harmful to them. This kind of therapy can be very effective in improving the functioning of people suffering from ADHD especially when it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. By educating patients and loved family members about ADHD it can decrease the frequency at which they blame each other for the problems caused by the inability of a patient to control his or her behavior. Classes that teach couples and families how to communicate more effectively and manage conflicts can help.
Counseling
A good treatment plan for ADHD will tackle the symptoms and their impacts on the family, work, and school. treating adhd in adults will include both stimulant and nonstimulant drugs as well as psychosocial therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients to change their thinking about their behavior. It also teaches patients how to manage their symptoms, and improve their relationships with their 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 drugs, each with their own benefits and side-effects. The two most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine that are available under many different brand names such as Adderall and Ritalin. Viloxazine is a selective reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine boosts the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine as well as atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD among adults, as they have a slower onset than stimulants. These drugs are also available to those who are unable to take stimulants due to health issues or severe adverse effects.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbid conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Therefore the severity and presence of other conditions should be considered when diagnosing ADHD. It's also important to rule out any physical causes of the symptoms, like thyroid disorders or problems with hearing and vision.
Some patients may also be able reduce their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. However, it's essential to seek medical advice before cutting out any foods which could cause nutritional deficiencies. This should only be done with the help of a doctor or a dietician. Counseling can also assist patients deal with their symptoms, and improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses realize that the patient's behavior is not necessarily a sign that they are averse to love or malicious.
Education
Both patients and doctors are susceptible to being misled by the diagnosis of ADHD. It's not uncommon for other mental health conditions to coexist with the disorder. Additionally, certain medications and medical conditions may also produce symptoms that mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
Many of these issues can be solved with treatments or lifestyle modifications. Someone suffering from ADHD could benefit by taking supplements or altering their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy will help him learn how to manage distractions, impulsiveness and increase his concentration. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or the practice of mindfulness meditation both of which can help control emotions and increase focus.
A complete history of symptoms is important, as is a physical exam. A doctor can also examine patients for sleep apnea, hearing and thyroid problems, vision problems, lead poisoning and drug or alcohol abuse. These tests can help to determine the presence of an underlying disorder, but also reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders which could contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
Most commonly, stimulants are prescribed by physicians for ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant medications include clonidine and Guanfacine. These blood pressure medications can reduce an impulsive and hyperactivity problem, but may take longer to work and can cause side effects such as heartburn, constipation, and a lack of sex.
People with ADHD often have trouble keeping appointments and are often late to work and make irrational decisions that can be a challenge for even the most forgiving friends and relatives. Couples therapy or classes that improve communication skills can help sufferers develop solid relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction can all play a part in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have discovered that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements helps them, but it's crucial to consult with a doctor before attempting these treatments. If you do this without a doctor's advice could result in nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.