ADHD Treatments For Adults
The majority of doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They aid in balancing levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine (Strattera) can reduce symptoms, but they do so more slowly.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults acquire techniques to improve organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy are able to improve social functioning.
Medications
You can use medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people discover that they improve through a change in their diet or taking supplements, but these should only be utilized under the guidance of a physician. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or family counseling are all viable solutions. Some adults with ADHD struggle to stay on their medication. They should talk to their doctor and request assistance. Certain medications are available over the counter and others require the prescription of a doctor.
Most medicines prescribed for ADHD are effective in increasing the levels of dopamine in your brain, which decreases impulsivity and improves concentration. Some of the most common medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. These are considered to be the most effective ADHD treatment, however they can cause side effects. Cardiovascular problems are some of the most serious side effects. Stimulant medications can also cause the tics of blinking eyes or throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth in adolescents and children by just a few months.
Nonstimulant drugs are often prescribed for people who have adverse reactions to stimulants that are not tolerated or are at risk of developing heart problems. These medications are primarily dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants but are safe and don't contain the potential for abuse that many people have when taking stimulant medication.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a well-planned schedule, creating and adhering to a budget, developing the organization skills, learning more about your disorder and devising strategies to manage your symptoms. You should talk to a professional to learn about the best approach to managing your disorder, and you can find a wealth of information on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your relationships may be strained due to your ADHD symptoms. You can improve your relationships by speaking with an therapist and attending conflict resolution classes. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how ADHD affects you and recognizing that some of your actions are not intentionally mean-spirited.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can have profound emotional, social and occupational consequences. These include lower academic success as well as more frequent failure to get a job and transfer, poor performance at work, more car accidents and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer et al 2007). Comorbidity of depression, anxiety and addiction to drugs is common among adults with ADHD. People with comorbid conditions might be less responsive to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A thorough history of the patient is essential, since many medical conditions can have symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Patients with seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning should be more carefully evaluated. Stimulant treatment is contraindicated in patients who are addicted to drugs or with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, tachycardia and arrhythmias (Greenhill 2001).).
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of informing patients about their condition and the effects it has on their lives. Psychoeducation can also aid in improving self-esteem in patients who often suffer from stigmas, such as being judged as inept or unintelligent.
The purpose of behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD, is to improve their organizational skills and teach them better ways to manage their time. This can reduce the chances of missing appointments and making decisions that are impulsive and could cause problems in school, at work or with their personal lives. This type of therapy could also improve a person's relationships with their family, friends, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults who suffer from ADHD is aimed at helping people change their negative behaviour patterns. This kind of therapy is very effective at improving the functioning of those suffering from ADHD, particularly when combined with psychoeducation for families and family therapy. By educating patients and their loved ones about ADHD, it can reduce the amount of time they blame each other for the issues caused by the inability of a patient to control his or her behavior. Classes that train couples and families to communicate more effectively and improve their conflict resolution skills can also 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 drugs as well as psychosocial therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients to change their way of thinking about their behavior. It also helps them develop skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant medication is used to treat ADHD. They balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. There are a variety of stimulant medications, each with their own benefits and negative side effects. The two most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, which are sold under various brand names such as Adderall and Ritalin. Other medications used to treat ADHD include atomoxetine, which is a stimulant that increases the amount of a substance in the brain that passes messages between brain cells, and viloxazine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are used to treat ADHD among adults, as they have a slower start than stimulants. They are also available for those who aren't able to take stimulants because of other health problems or who experience serious side effects.
It's important to recognize that comorbid disorders can mimic the symptoms of ADHD Therefore, the severity and presence of any other conditions should be taken into consideration when making the ADHD diagnosis. It is essential to determine the cause of the symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, hearing or sight problems.
Certain patients may be able reduce their ADHD symptoms through diet changes. It is essential to consult a physician prior to eliminating any foods. This could result in nutritional deficiencies and should only be done with the guidance of a doctor or dietician. Another option is counseling which can assist patients in learning to manage their symptoms and build stronger relationships with their families. Counseling can also assist spouses in understanding that the patient's behaviors are not necessarily indicative of lack of love or a deliberate act of misconduct.
Education
Patients and doctors alike can be confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. It's not uncommon for different mental health conditions to coexist with the disorder, and some medications and medical conditions can also produce symptoms that mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
Many of these issues can be solved with treatments or lifestyle modifications. A person suffering from ADHD may benefit by taking supplements or altering their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy will teach him how to better resist distractions, impulsiveness, and improve the focus of his mind. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can both aid in controlling emotions and improve concentration.
A complete history of symptoms is important, as is a physical examination. A doctor can also examine the patient for sleep apnea, hearing or vision problems, thyroid disorders as well as lead poisoning, 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 can contribute to the ADHD-like behavior.
Most commonly, stimulants are prescribed by physicians for ADHD. These include dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate as well as Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant medications include clonidine and Guanfacine. treatments for add can reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they might take longer to effect and can cause negative side effects, such as constipation, heartburn and a lack of sex.
People with ADHD often miss appointments, are late for work and make irrational decisions which can strain the patience of even the most patient friends and relatives. Couples therapy or classes that improve communication skills can help people establish solid relationships.
Exercise, diet, and stress reduction all can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with the condition have discovered that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements can help them, however it's vital to consult a physician before trying these methods. If you do this without consulting with a physician this could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.