ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the first treatment most doctors recommend. They aid in balancing levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants also may help alleviate symptoms, but they work more slowly.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults develop techniques to improve organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy can help improve social functioning.
Medicines
If you have ADHD you may benefit from taking medication to treat your symptoms. Some people might find that they get better by altering their diet or taking supplements, however these should only be utilized under a doctor's guidance. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or family counseling are all possible treatment options. Certain adults with ADHD are unable to stay on medication, but they should talk with their doctors and ask for assistance. Some medications can be purchased over-the-counter while others need prescription.
Most ADHD medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This reduces impulsivity, and increases concentration. Some of the most popular medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They are believed to be the most effective for ADHD treatment, but they do have side effects. Some of these side effects can be serious, such as cardiovascular problems. The stimulant medication can also trigger tics, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth in adolescents and children by just 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 include dopamine reuptake inhibitors, norepinephrine or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. These medications are not as effective as stimulants, but are safe and don't contain the potential for abuse that some people experience when taking stimulant medication.
You can decrease your ADHD symptoms by following an established schedule, making and sticking to a strict budget, improving your organization skills, understanding about your condition and implementing strategies to deal with your symptoms. Talk to a doctor about the best strategies to manage your ADHD. You will also find numerous 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 with a therapist and taking conflict resolution classes. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how your ADHD affects you and recognizing that some of your actions are not a deliberate act of aggression.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has serious emotional, social and occupational consequences for occupational, emotional and social. This includes lower academic performance and higher rates of job failure and transfer and poor performance at work. Additionally, there are more car accidents, and higher divorce rates than the general population. The comorbidity of anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs is common among adults with ADHD. Patients with multiple conditions may have a harder time responding to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon, 2002).
It is essential to take an extensive medical history of the patient as many medical conditions can manifest symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea thyroid disorders and lead poisoning should be careful to be evaluated. Patients who are active in their addiction to substances or those suffering from certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure are contraindicated from receiving stimulant treatment (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation involves teaching patients about their disorder as well as its effects on different aspects of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can also help improve self-esteem among patients who typically face stigma, such as being perceived as inept or unintelligent.
The purpose of the therapy for adults who suffer from ADHD is to enhance their ability to organize their lives and teach them better ways to manage their time. This can reduce the chances of missing appointments or making impulsive choices that can cause problems in school, at work or with their personal lives. This kind of therapy can also improve a person's relationships with their children, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is focused on helping people to change their negative patterns of behavior. This kind of therapy is extremely efficient in improving the functioning of people suffering from ADHD, particularly when combined with psychoeducation for families and family therapy. Through educating patients and their loved family members about ADHD, it can reduce the frequency at which they blame each other for the difficulties caused by a person's inability to control their behavior. Classes that teach couples and families how to communicate more effectively and improve their strategies for resolving conflicts can be beneficial.
Counseling
A good treatment plan for ADHD will address the symptoms and their impact on family, work and school. It will include non-stimulant and stimulant medication as along with psychosocial treatment, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change the way they think about their behavior. this page helps them develop skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They have been around for a long period of time, and there are many kinds of drugs each with its distinct advantages and negative effects. The two most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine, which are sold under various brand names, including Ritalin and Adderall. Viloxazine is a norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine enhances the quantity of a brain chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine as well as atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD among adults, as they have a less gradual development than stimulants. These medications are also available to people who are unable to take stimulants due other health conditions or severe adverse effects.
It's important to note that co-occurring disorders can cause symptoms of ADHD So the severity and frequency of any other condition should be considered when making the ADHD diagnosis. It's important to eliminate physical causes of the symptoms, for example thyroid disorders, hearing or sight problems.
It's also important to note that some patients might be able reduce their ADHD symptoms by changing their diet. However, it's essential to seek medical advice prior cutting out any food, as this can lead to nutritional deficiencies. This should only be done with the assistance of a doctor or a dietician. Counseling can help patients manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family. Counseling can also assist spouses in understanding that the patient's actions are not necessarily a sign of lack of love or a deliberate act of infractions.
Education
Both patients and doctors can be confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD, and certain medical conditions and medications may also produce symptoms that mimic ADHD.
Lifestyle changes or treatment can help with many of these issues. For instance, a person suffering from ADHD might benefit from adjusting diet or taking supplements to improve his eating habits, for example. Behavioral therapy can teach the person to be more resistant to the temptations and impulsiveness that can distract him, improve the focus of his mind and develop self-control. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can aid in controlling emotions and improve concentration.
A thorough history of the symptoms and a physical exam are crucial. add adult treatment can also assess the patient for sleep apnea and hearing and thyroid problems, vision issues or lead poisoning as well as alcohol or drug abuse. These evaluations can not only help determine the presence of a underlying disorder but also decrease or eliminate the effects of other disorders which can contribute to the ADHD-like behavior.
Most often, stimulants are prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. They include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine Concerta and Adderall. Other non-stimulant drugs include clonidine as well as guanfacine. These blood pressure medicines can aid in reducing an impulsive and hyperactivity problem, but might take longer to effect and may cause side effects such as constipation, heartburn, and low sexual desire.
People with ADHD often miss appointments and are often late to work, and make irrational choices which can strain the patience of even the most forgiving friends and relatives. Couples therapy or classes that improve communication skills can help sufferers build solid relationships.
Exercise, diet, and stress reduction all can play a part in managing ADHD symptoms. Some people with the condition have discovered that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements helps them, but it's crucial to talk to a doctor before attempting these treatments. If you decide to do this without consulting with a physician, it could lead to nutritional deficiency and other health issues.