ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the first option that doctors recommend. They help balance the levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine (Strattera) are also able to help alleviate symptoms, but they work slower.
Psychotherapy, similar to cognitive behavioral therapy, aids adults develop their organizational and planning abilities. Psychotherapy and coaching are also able to improve social functioning.
Medications
You can take medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people might be able to improve their condition by changing their diet or taking supplements, however these should only be utilized under the supervision of a doctor. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) or family counseling are all viable treatments. Some adults with ADHD struggle to adhere to medication however, they should speak to their doctors and ask for help. Some medications are available over-the-counter and some require the prescription of a doctor.
The majority of ADHD medications are based on increasing the levels of dopamine 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, however they can have adverse effects. Heart problems are among the most serious side effects. In addition, stimulants can cause tics, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications can also delay growth by a few month in children and teenagers.
Nonstimulant medicines are prescribed to those who suffer from uncontrollable adverse effects from stimulants or are at risk of developing heart problems. These medications are primarily norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants however they are safe and do not have the abuse potential that many people have when taking stimulant medication.
You can lessen your ADHD symptoms by following the prescribed schedule, creating and sticking to the strict guidelines of a budget, enhancing your organization skills, understanding about your disorder and creating strategies to address your symptoms. Talk to a doctor about the best ways to manage your disorder. You will also find numerous useful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your relationships may be strained due to your ADHD symptoms. You can improve your relationships by speaking to a therapist and taking conflict resolution classes. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how ADHD affects you, and also recognizing that some of your behaviors are not a deliberate act of aggression.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can have significant social, emotional, and occupational effects. These include lower academic achievements and higher rates of transfer and job failure, as well as poor work performance. There are also more car accidents, and higher divorce rates than the general population. The comorbidity of anxiety, depression and substance abuse are common in adults with ADHD. People with comorbid conditions might be more difficult to respond to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
It is essential to take an in-depth history of the patient, since a variety of medical conditions may present symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Patients with seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning must be carefully evaluated. Patients with active substance abuse or those suffering from certain medical conditions, such as heart disease and high blood pressure are not recommended from receiving stimulant therapy (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their condition, including its effects on different areas of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can also help improve self-esteem in patients who often face stigma, such as being perceived as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to help patients learn better ways to manage their time and tasks, improving their organizational skills. This can help to reduce the risk of not attending appointments or making impulsive decisions that could cause issues at work, school or in their private lives. This type of therapy could improve the relationship of a person with their spouse, children and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults suffering from ADHD focuses on helping people to change their behavior patterns that are harmful to them. This type of therapy can be very effective in improving the functioning of those with ADHD, especially if it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. By 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 the inability of a patient to manage his or her behavior. Classes that train couples and families how to communicate more effectively and develop conflict resolution skills can also be beneficial.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan will address the symptoms of ADHD and their impact on work, school, and family. It should include stimulant and nonstimulant medication as well as psychosocial therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients to change their mental outlook on their behavior. It also teaches them skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD boost and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They have been around for a long time and there are several different kinds of medications each with its distinct advantages and negative effects. The two most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. These are sold under various brand names, including Ritalin and Adderall. Viloxazine is a norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. adult adhd treatments increases the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a less gradual development than stimulants. They also are available to people who can't use stimulants due to other health issues or have severe side effects.
It's important to note that multiple disorders can resemble the symptoms of ADHD, so the severity and presence of any other medical condition must be considered when determining the ADHD diagnosis. It is important to determine the cause of the symptoms, including thyroid disorders, hearing or sight problems.
It's also worth noting that some patients might be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by altering their diet. However, it's essential to seek medical advice before cutting out any food, as this can lead to nutritional deficiencies. It should only be done with the help of a physician or dietician. Another option is counseling, which can help patients learn to manage their symptoms and develop better relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses realize that the patient's behavior is not necessarily a sign that they are unloving or malicious.
Education
Both doctors and patients can be confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD and certain medical conditions and medications can also cause symptoms that resemble 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 help him learn how to better resist distractions, impulsiveness, and improve his focus. A doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness meditation practice both of which can help manage emotions and increase attention.
A thorough medical history and a physical examination are crucial. A doctor can also assess the patient for sleep apnea, hearing or thyroid problems, vision problems as well as lead poisoning, drug or alcohol abuse. These tests can not only help determine the presence of an underlying disorder but also help reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders which can contribute to the ADHD-like behavior.
Most often, stimulants are prescribed by doctors for ADHD. They include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant drugs include clonidine and guanfacine. These blood pressure medications can help with hyperactivity and impulsivity, but can take longer to work and can cause side effects such as constipation, heartburn and low sex desire.
People with ADHD often miss appointments or are late for work, and make irrational choices that strain the patience of even the most forgiving family members and friends. Couples therapy or classes that help improve communication skills can help patients establish solid relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction all can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people with ADHD have found that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it's essential to consult with a physician prior to trying any of these therapies. If you decide to do this without consulting a doctor this could lead to nutritional deficiency and other health issues.