ADHD Treatments For Adults
Most doctors recommend stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They aid in balancing levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants can alleviate symptoms, but they operate more slowly.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help adults learn skills to improve organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy can help improve social functioning.
Medicines
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people find they feel better after changing their diet or taking supplements. However they should only be taken under the supervision of a medical professional. Other treatments can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as counseling for families. Some adults with ADHD struggle to stay on their medication. They should consult their doctor and seek assistance. Certain medications can be purchased over the counter, while others require a prescription.
The majority of drugs prescribed for ADHD are effective in increasing the levels of dopamine in your brain, which decreases impulsivity and improves focus. Some of the most common medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. These are considered to be the most effective in ADHD treatment, but they can cause side effects. Some of these adverse effects can be serious, such as cardiovascular problems. Stimulant medications can also cause tics such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth by a few months in teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant drugs are prescribed to those who suffer from uncontrollable side effects from stimulants, or those at risk of heart disease. These are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These medications are not as effective as stimulants, but are safe and don't offer the risk of abuse that some people experience with stimulant medications.
You can try to reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a structured schedule, creating and adhering to a budget, enhancing organizational skills, learning more about your disorder, and developing strategies to manage your symptoms. Talk to a doctor about the best methods to manage your disorder. You can also find many helpful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your ADHD symptoms can strain your relationships. You can improve your relationships by speaking to a therapist and taking classes in conflict resolution. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how your ADHD affects you and understanding that some of your actions are not intentionally mean-spirited.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can result in profound emotional, social and occupational repercussions. These include lower academic achievements as well as higher rates of job failure and transfer and poor work performance. Additionally, there are more car accidents, and higher divorce rates than the general population. Adults with ADHD are more likely to be suffering from depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs. Those with comorbid disorders may have more difficulty responding to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A detailed patient history is crucial, as a variety of medical conditions may have symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Patients with developmental disorders, seizure disorders, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning must be careful to be evaluated. Patients who abuse substances, or those with particular medical conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure should refrain from receiving stimulant treatment (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy is a form of therapy that includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychoeducation involves teaching patients about their condition, including its effects on different areas of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can also aid in improving self-esteem for patients who frequently are stigmatized, for example, being perceived as inept or unintelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to help patients learn how to organize their time and tasks as well as improving their ability to organize their lives. This will reduce the likelihood of missing appointments or making decisions impulsively that can cause issues at work, school or in their personal life. This type of therapy may help improve relationships with their spouse, children and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults suffering from ADHD focuses on helping people change their negative patterns of behavior. This type of therapy is extremely effective at improving the functioning of people with ADHD, particularly when combined with psychoeducation for families and family therapy. The process of educating patients and loved ones about ADHD can help reduce the frequency of blaming each other for the problems caused by the patient's inability control his or her own behavior. Classes that teach families and couples how to communicate better and resolve conflicts can be helpful.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan for ADHD will tackle the symptoms and their impact on family, work and school. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant medication, as in addition to psychosocial treatment, 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.
Stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD boost and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. There are many different types of stimulant medications, each with their own advantages and side-effects. The two most popular stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine that are available under many different brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. Other drugs used to treat ADHD include atomoxetine, which works by increasing the amount of a substance in the brain that passes messages between brain cells and viloxazine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine and viloxazine are often used to treat ADHD in adults due to the fact that they have a slower onset than stimulants. These drugs are also available to those who are unable to take stimulants due other health issues or severe side effects.
It is important to remember that comorbidities can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore the presence and severity of other conditions must be taken into consideration when diagnosing ADHD. It is also essential to rule out any physical reasons for the symptoms, like an underlying thyroid disorder or vision and hearing issues.
It's also worth noting that some patients might be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by changing their diet. However, secret info to seek medical advice prior eliminating any food items which could cause nutritional deficiencies and should only be done with the help of a physician or dietician. Another option is counseling which helps patients manage their symptoms and develop stronger relationships with their families. 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 confusing for both the patient and the doctor. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD, and certain medical conditions and medications can also cause symptoms that resemble ADHD.
Lifestyle or treatment changes can help with many of these issues. A person suffering from ADHD could benefit from taking supplements or adjusting their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy can help him to better resist the temptations and impulsiveness that can distract him, improve his focus and develop self-control. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, both of which can help control emotions and increase concentration.
A thorough history of symptoms and a physical examination are crucial. A doctor can also examine the patient for sleep apnea and hearing and vision problems, thyroid disorders as well as lead poisoning, drug or alcohol abuse. In addition to determining the presence of an underlying cause, these tests can help rule out or limit the effects of other conditions that could cause an individual's ADHD-like behavior.
If a doctor prescribes medication for ADHD the most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants, like dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant medications could include guanfacine and clonidine which are blood pressure medications that can help with impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they may take longer to begin working and may cause adverse effects such as constipation, heartburn and low sexual drive.
ADHD patients tend to forget appointments, arrive late to work and make uninformed choices that can cause stress to even the most patient of family and friends members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on improving communication skills can help patients develop stable relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction all can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from the condition have found that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements helps them, however it's vital to consult with a doctor before trying these methods. Making these decisions without a physician's guidance could lead to nutritional deficiencies and health issues.