ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the first treatment that doctors recommend. They can help regulate levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants may help reduce symptoms, but they work slower.
Psychotherapy, similar to cognitive behavioral therapy, aids adults to improve their planning and organization abilities. Coaching and psychotherapy are also able to improve social functioning.
Medicines
You can use medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people notice they feel better after altering their diet or taking supplements. However they should only be used under the guidance of a physician. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT), or family counseling are all possible treatments. Some people with ADHD struggle to adhere to medication, but they should talk with their doctors and ask for help. Some medications are available over-the-counter and others require prescriptions.
The majority of medicines prescribed for ADHD work by increasing the levels of dopamine in your brain, which decreases impulsivity and enhances concentration. The most popular medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They are believed to be the most effective ADHD treatment, but they can have adverse effects. Heart problems are among the most serious adverse effects. Stimulant medication may also cause tics, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth in adolescents and children by just a few months.
Nonstimulant drugs are often prescribed to people who suffer from uncontrollable adverse effects from stimulants or are at risk of developing heart problems. These are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine or alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. They're not as effective as stimulants, but they are safe and don't have the potential for abuse as certain people experience with stimulant drugs.
You can attempt to lessen your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a well-planned schedule, making and sticking to a budget, developing your organizational skills, gaining knowledge about your disorder, and developing strategies for dealing with your symptoms. Talk to a doctor about the best ways to manage your disorder. You can also find many useful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your ADHD symptoms can cause stress in your relationships. Talking with a therapist about how you interact with your coworkers or spouse and attending classes that teach conflict resolution can help. You can improve your relationships with your spouse or co-workers by having them understand your ADHD and by making them aware that your behavior is not intentional.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has significant emotional, social and occupational consequences. This includes lower academic performance, higher rates for transfer and job failure, as well as poor work performance. Additionally, there are more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population. Comorbidity of depression, anxiety and substance abuse are prevalent among adults suffering from ADHD. People with comorbid conditions might have a harder time responding to stimulant medications (Barkley & Gordon, 2002).
It is essential to take an extensive background of the patient as many medical conditions can present symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Patients suffering from developmental disorders, seizure disorders, sleep apnea thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning should be more careful to be evaluated. The use of stimulants is not recommended for those who abuse drugs or in those with certain medical conditions, like heart disease and 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 disorder and the effects it has on their lives. Psychoeducation can also improve self-esteem for patients who frequently face stigma, such as being viewed as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
The purpose of the therapy for adults who suffer from ADHD is to improve their ability to organize their lives and teach them how to manage their time. This will reduce the chance of missing appointments and making decisions impulsively that could result in problems at school, at work, or with their personal lives. This type of therapy can also improve the effectiveness of an individual's interactions with their spouses, children and coworkers.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults who suffer from ADHD is geared towards helping individuals change their behaviors. This kind of therapy is extremely effective at improving the functioning of people with ADHD particularly when it is paired with family therapy and psychoeducation. The process of educating patients and significant others about ADHD can reduce the likelihood of blaming one another for problems caused by the patient's inability to control their behavior. Classes that teach couples and families how to better communicate and resolve conflicts can help.
Counseling
A good treatment plan for ADHD will address the symptoms and their effects on work, family, and school. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant medication as along with psychosocial treatment, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change 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 are used to treat ADHD. They balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. There are a variety of stimulant medications, all with their own benefits and negative side effects. I Am Psychiatry are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, which are available under a variety of names, such as Adderall and Ritalin. Viloxazine is a norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine increases the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells. Atomoxetine and viloxazine are often used to treat ADHD in adults because they are less likely to cause symptoms than stimulants. These medications are also available to people who are unable to take stimulants due to other health issues or severe adverse effects.
It's important to note that comorbid disorders can mimic the symptoms of ADHD So the severity and presence of any other medical condition should be considered when determining the ADHD diagnosis. It is important to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, including thyroid disorders, hearing and sight problems.
Certain patients may be able reduce their ADHD symptoms by making changes to their diet. However, it's important to seek medical advice prior cutting out any food that could result in nutritional deficiencies. This should only be done with the guidance of a doctor or dietician. Counseling can also help patients deal with their symptoms, and improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can also help spouses realize that the patient's behaviors are not necessarily a sign of a lack of affection or a deliberate act of misconduct.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing for both patients and doctors. It is not uncommon for other mental health conditions to coexist with the disorder. Additionally, certain medications and medical conditions may cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
Many of these problems can be addressed with treatment or lifestyle adjustments. A person with ADHD may benefit from taking supplements or adjusting their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy could help him to resist distractions and impulsiveness, increase his focus and develop self-control. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness-based meditation practice, both of which can help control emotions and improve attention.
A thorough history of symptoms and a physical examination are important. A doctor can also examine a patient for sleep apnea, hearing and thyroid problems, vision issues or lead poisoning as well as alcohol or drug abuse. These assessments can not only help determine the presence of a underlying disorder but also reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders which could contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
The majority of 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 medications can reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they may take longer to work and can cause side effects such as heartburn, constipation, and low sex desire.
People suffering from ADHD frequently miss appointments, are late for work, and make irrational choices that can be a challenge for even the most tolerant family members and friends. Couples therapy and classes that focus on improving communication skills can help people develop stable relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction all be a factor in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from the condition have found that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements can help them, however it's vital to consult with a doctor before attempting these treatments. If you try this without consulting a doctor it could result in nutritional deficiency and other health issues.