ADHD Treatments For Adults
Most doctors recommend stimulants, such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. They help balance the levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Antidepressants, as well as Atomoxetine (Strattera), can also reduce symptoms but work slower.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults develop techniques to improve organization and planning. Psychotherapy and coaching are also effective in improving social functioning.
Medicines
If you have ADHD, you can benefit from medications to treat your symptoms. Some people might find that they get better through a change in their diet or taking supplements, however these should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family counseling are all viable treatment options. Some people with ADHD have difficulty staying on medication, but they should talk to their doctor and ask for help. Some medications are available over-the-counter, while others require prescriptions.
Most ADHD medications are based on increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. This decreases impulsivity and improves concentration. The most commonly used medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. Although they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD but they can also trigger side negative effects. Cardiovascular problems are some of the more serious adverse effects. Stimulant medication may also cause symptoms like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth by a few month in teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant medications are prescribed to patients who suffer from insufferable side-effects of stimulants, or who are at risk of developing heart disease. These are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine or alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants, but are safe and do not have the abuse potential that many people have with stimulant drugs.
You can lessen your ADHD symptoms by following a schedule, creating and sticking to the strict guidelines of a budget, enhancing your organization skills, gaining knowledge about your condition and implementing strategies to deal with your symptoms. Talk to a professional about the best strategies to manage your ADHD. You can also find a wealth of helpful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your relationships can be strained because of your ADHD symptoms. You can improve your relationships by speaking to a therapist or taking classes on conflict resolution. You can improve your relationships with your spouse or co-workers by having them understand your ADHD and letting them know that your behavior isn't intentional.
complementary adhd treatments in adulthood has serious occupational, emotional and social consequences. These include lower academic achievements, higher rates for job loss and transfer, and poor work performance. There are also more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population. The comorbidity of anxiety, depression and addiction to substances is common in adults with ADHD. Those with comorbid conditions may be less responsive to stimulant medications (Barkley & Gordon 2002).
A thorough history of the patient is vital, as many medical conditions may have symptoms similar to symptoms of ADHD. Patients with developmental disorders, seizure disorders, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning should be cautiously assessed. Patients with active substance abuse or with particular medical conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure are contraindicated from receiving stimulant treatments (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy is a form of therapy that includes behavioral therapy and psychoeducation for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their condition and its effects on their lives. Psychoeducation can also help improve self-esteem in patients who often suffer from stigmas, such as being perceived as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
The goal of behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is to enhance their abilities to manage their time and help them learn better ways to organize their time. This will decrease the chance of missing appointments or making impulsive choices which can lead to difficulties at work, school or in their personal lives. This type of therapy can also help improve the effectiveness of one's interactions with spouses, children and co-workers.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is focused on helping individuals change their negative patterns of behavior. This type of therapy can be extremely efficient in improving the performance of those with ADHD particularly when it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. Informing patients and loved ones about ADHD can help decrease the likelihood of blaming one another for problems caused by the patient's inability to control his or her own behaviors. Classes that train couples and families how to communicate more effectively and improve their conflict resolution skills can also be beneficial.
Counseling
A well-planned treatment plan for ADHD will address the symptoms and their impact on family, work and school. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant drugs and psychosocial therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT assists patients to alter 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 increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. There are a variety of stimulant medications, all with their own advantages and side-effects. The two most popular 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 are atomoxetine, which works by increasing the amount of a substance in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells and viloxazine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and Atomoxetine are frequently used to treat ADHD in adults due to the fact that they have a slower onset than stimulants. They are also available for those who aren't able to take stimulants because of other health issues or have serious side effects.
It's important to recognize that co-occurring disorders can cause symptoms of ADHD Therefore, the severity and presence of any other medical condition should be taken into consideration when determining an ADHD diagnosis. It is also essential to rule out any physical reasons for the symptoms, such as an underlying thyroid disorder or problems with hearing and vision.
It's also important to note that some patients may be able reduce their ADHD symptoms by altering their diet. However, it's essential to seek medical advice prior to eliminating any food items which could lead to nutritional deficiencies. This should only be done with the guidance of a doctor or dietician. Counseling can help patients deal with their symptoms, and also improve their relationships with their family. Counseling can help spouses understand that the patient's behavior is not necessarily a sign that they are unloving or malicious.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing for both doctors and patients. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD and certain medications and medical conditions may also produce symptoms that mimic ADHD.
Lifestyle or treatment changes can resolve many of these issues. For instance, a person suffering from ADHD may benefit from adjusting their diet or taking supplements to improve their eating habits, for example. Behavioral therapy can help the person to be more resistant to distractions and impulsiveness, increase his concentration and self-control. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can both aid in controlling emotions and improve concentration.
A thorough history of symptoms is essential, as is a physical examination. A physician can also check for sleep apnea and other conditions like issues with vision and hearing, thyroid disorders, alcohol or drug abuse as well as lead poisoning. In addition to determining the presence of an underlying cause these tests can help rule out or limit the effects of other disorders that could cause an individual's ADHD-like behavior.
If a doctor prescribes medication for ADHD, the most common ones are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, including methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant medications include clonidine and Guanfacine. These blood pressure medication can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, but can take longer to work and may cause negative side effects, such as constipation, heartburn and a lack of sex.
ADHD patients tend to forget appointments, arrive late to work, and make irrational decisions which can stress even the most patient of family and friends members. Couples therapy or classes to improve communication skills can help patients establish stable relationships.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction can all 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 consult a physician before trying these therapies. If you decide to do this without consulting with a physician, it could lead to nutritional deficiency and other health issues.