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 and Atomoxetine (Strattera), can also reduce symptoms but work more slowly.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults acquire strategies to improve their organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy can also help improve social functioning.
Medicines
You can use medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people may discover that they improve by altering their diet or taking supplements, however they should only be taken under the guidance of a physician. Other treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy (CBT) and family counseling. Some people with ADHD have difficulty staying on medication However, they should talk with their doctors and seek help. Some medications are available over-the-counter and others require a 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, methylphenidate and others. These are considered to be the most effective in ADHD treatment, but they can have adverse effects. Some of these adverse effects can be serious, for instance, cardiovascular issues. Stimulant medication may also cause the appearance of tics, like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth in children and adolescents by a few months.
Nonstimulant medications can be prescribed for people who have intolerable side effects from stimulants or are at risk of developing heart problems. These medications are mostly norepinephrine, dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. These aren't as effective as stimulants, but they are safe and don't carry the potential for abuse that certain people experience with stimulant drugs.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms by adhering to a schedule, creating and adhering to the strict guidelines of a budget, enhancing your organization skills, gaining knowledge about your disorder and developing strategies to address 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 site of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your relationships may be strained because of your ADHD symptoms. Talking to a therapist about the way you interact with your family members or friends and taking classes that teach conflict resolution can help. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how your ADHD affects you and understanding that some of your behaviors are not intended to be mean-spirited.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can have significant social, emotional and occupational consequences. This includes lower academic performance, higher rates for job loss and transfer, and poor performance at work. There are also more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population. Comorbidity of depression, anxiety and substance abuse are prevalent among adults suffering from ADHD. People with comorbid conditions might be less responsive to stimulant medications (Barkley & Gordon, 2002).
It is important to have an extensive 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 carefully evaluated. Treatment with stimulants is not recommended in those who abuse drugs or those suffering from certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, tachycardia and arrhythmias (Greenhill 2001).).
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of informing patients about their disorder and its impact on their lives. Psychoeducation can also help improve self-esteem for patients who frequently face stigma, such as being viewed as lazy or less intelligent.
The goal of behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is to enhance their organizational skills and teach them how to manage their time. This will reduce the chance of missing appointments or making impulsive choices that can result in problems at the workplace, at school or with their personal lives. This kind of therapy could also improve the effectiveness of an individual's interactions with their spouses, children and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is aimed at helping individuals change their behavior patterns. This type of therapy is extremely efficient in improving the performance of those suffering from ADHD, especially if combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. Through educating patients and their loved ones about ADHD it will reduce the amount of time they blame each other for the issues caused by the inability of a patient to control their behavior. Classes that train couples and families to communicate more effectively and develop techniques for conflict resolution can be beneficial.
Counseling
A good treatment plan for ADHD will address the symptoms and their effects on work, family, and school. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant medications and psychosocial therapy, notably cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change their thinking about their behavior. It also helps patients learn to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They've been around for a long period of time, and there are several different kinds of drugs, each with its own benefits and side effects. The two most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine, which are available under a variety of brand names including Ritalin and Adderall. Viloxazine is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine enhances the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are used to treat ADHD among adults, as they have a slower onset than stimulants. These drugs are also available for those who are unable to take stimulants due other health issues or severe side effects.
It is important to be aware that comorbidities can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore the presence and severity of other conditions should be considered when diagnosing ADHD. It is essential to eliminate physical causes of the symptoms, for example thyroid disorders or hearing and sight problems.
It's also worth noting that some patients may be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by changing their diet. But it's crucial to seek medical advice prior eliminating any food items that could result in nutritional deficiencies. It should only be done with the guidance of a physician or dietician. Another option is counseling which can assist patients in learning to manage their symptoms and establish better relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses understand that the patient's behavior is not necessarily a sign that they are not loving or malicious.
Education
Both doctors and patients are often confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. It is not uncommon for other mental health disorders to coexist the disorder. Additionally, certain medications and medical conditions may cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
Treatment or lifestyle changes can resolve many of these issues. A person with ADHD might benefit from adjusting diet or taking supplements to improve his eating habits, for example. Behavioral therapy will teach him how to resist distractions, impulsiveness and improve the focus of his mind. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can aid in regulating emotions and increase concentration.
A thorough medical history and a physical examination are crucial. A doctor can also look for sleep apnea and other disorders like issues with vision and hearing, thyroid disorders, alcohol or drug abuse as well as lead poisoning. These evaluations can help to determine the presence of an underlying disorder but also help reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders which may contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
Most commonly, stimulants are prescribed by doctors for ADHD. They include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant drugs include clonidine and guanfacine. Read the Full Post can reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they might take longer to effect and can cause negative side effects, such as constipation, heartburn, and low sex desire.
ADHD patients are often unable to remember appointments, arrive late to work and make uninformed choices that can cause stress to even the most patient of friends and family members. Couples therapy or classes that help improve communication skills can help patients build stable relationships.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction can all play a part in managing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from the condition have found that removing certain foods or taking supplements can help them, however it's vital to consult with a doctor before attempting these treatments. If you do this without a doctor's direction could result in nutritional deficiencies and health issues.