ADHD Treatments For Adults
Most doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. They can help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants also can alleviate symptoms, but they do so slower.
Psychotherapy, along with cognitive behavioral therapy, aids adults to improve their planning and organization abilities. Psychotherapy and coaching can also enhance social functioning.
Medications
You can use medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people find they feel better after changing their diets or taking supplements. However they should only be taken under the supervision of a physician. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or family counseling are all viable solutions. Many adults suffering from ADHD struggle to stay on their medication. They should consult their doctor and ask for assistance. Certain medications are available over the counter, while others require prescription.
The majority of ADHD medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This decreases impulsivity and increases concentration. The most well-known medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They are thought to be the most effective in ADHD treatment, however they can cause side effects. Some of these side effects can be serious, for instance, cardiovascular problems. In addition, stimulants can cause the tics of blinking eyes or throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth in adolescents and children by a few months.
Nonstimulant medications can be prescribed to those who suffer from adverse reactions to stimulants that are not tolerated or are at risk of heart problems. These are typically dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. These medications are not as effective as stimulants, but are safe and do not contain the potential for abuse that many people have when taking stimulant medication.
You can try to reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a planned schedule, establishing and adhering to a budget, improving organizational skills, learning more about your condition and devising strategies to deal with your symptoms. It is recommended to talk with an expert to learn the best method to manage your condition, and you can find a wealth of information on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your relationships may be strained because of 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 help. 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 has significant emotional, social and occupational consequences. These include lower academic achievement as well as higher rates of job loss and transfer, and poor performance at work. Additionally, there are more car accidents, and higher divorce rates than the general population. Comorbidity between depression, anxiety and addiction to drugs is common among adults with ADHD. People with comorbid disorders might have more difficulty responding to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
It is important to have a detailed history of the patient, as many medical conditions can present symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Patients with seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning should be careful to be evaluated. Stimulant treatment is contraindicated in those who abuse drugs or with certain medical conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, arrhythmias and tachycardia (Greenhill 2001).).
Psychosocial therapy encompasses behavioral therapy and psychoeducation for adults with ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of informing patients about their condition and its effects on their lives. treating adhd in adults can also aid in improving self-esteem for patients who frequently suffer from stigmas, such as being perceived as inept or unintelligent.
The goal of behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is to improve their ability to organize their lives and help them learn better ways to manage their time. This will reduce the likelihood of missing appointments or making impulsive decisions that can cause difficulties at work, school or in their personal life. This kind of therapy can also help improve the effectiveness of one's interactions with their spouses, children and co-workers.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults who suffer from ADHD is designed to help people to change their negative behaviors. This type of therapy is extremely effective in improving the functioning of people suffering from ADHD, especially if coupled with psychoeducation and family therapy. By educating patients and their loved ones about ADHD it will reduce the frequency at which they blame each other for the problems caused by a person's inability to control his or her behavior. Classes that teach families and couples how to communicate better and resolve conflicts could help.
Counseling
A well-designed treatment plan will address the symptoms of ADHD and their impact on school, work and family. It includes non-stimulant and stimulant medications as well as psychosocial treatment, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT assists patients in changing their mental outlook on their behavior. It also teaches them skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant drugs are used to treat ADHD. They regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. There are a myriad of types of stimulant drugs, each with their own benefits and adverse effects. The two most common stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, which are available under many different names, such as Adderall and Ritalin. Other drugs used to treat ADHD include atomoxetine, which works by increasing the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells and viloxazine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are commonly used to treat ADHD in adults since they are more gradual in onset than stimulants. They are also available to people who can't take stimulants because of other health issues or experience severe side effects.
It's important to recognize that co-occurring disorders can cause symptoms of ADHD Therefore, the presence and severity of any other medical condition must be considered when determining an ADHD diagnosis. It's also crucial to rule out any physical causes for the symptoms, like thyroid disorders or vision and hearing issues.
Some patients may also be able reduce their ADHD symptoms by making changes to their diet. It is essential to consult with a doctor prior to eliminating any foods. This could result in nutritional deficiencies and should be done with the guidance of a physician or dietician. Another option is counseling which can help patients learn to manage their symptoms and build stronger relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses understand that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign that they are averse to love or malicious.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing for both the patient and the doctor. It's not uncommon for other mental health disorders to coexist with the disorder, and certain medications and medical conditions may cause symptoms that resemble the symptoms of ADHD.
Many of these issues can be solved with treatment or lifestyle changes. Someone suffering from ADHD may benefit from taking supplements or adjusting their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy will teach him how to better resist distractions, impulsiveness and increase his concentration. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can both help control emotions and increase concentration.
A thorough history of symptoms and a physical exam are crucial. A doctor can also assess patients for sleep apnea and hearing and vision problems, thyroid disorders as well as lead poisoning, drug or alcohol abuse. These evaluations will not only aid in determining the presence of an underlying disorder, but also decrease or eliminate the effects of other disorders that may contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
Most commonly, stimulants are prescribed by physicians for ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine Concerta and Adderall. Other non-stimulant drugs could include clonidine or guanfacine, which are blood pressure medications which can aid in reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity, but they might take longer to kick in and might have side effects like constipation, heartburn, and low sex drive.
treating adults with adhd suffering from ADHD frequently have trouble keeping appointments, are late for work, and make irrational choices which can strain the patience of even the most tolerant friends and relatives. Couples therapy and classes that focus on improving communication skills can help sufferers develop stable relationships.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction can all be a factor in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have discovered that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements can help them, but it's crucial to consult with a doctor before attempting these treatments. Doing so without a doctor's advice could result in nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.