ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the first option that doctors recommend. They can help regulate levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine, (Strattera) can reduce symptoms, but they do so slower.
Psychotherapy, along with cognitive behavioral therapy, can help adults develop their organizational and planning abilities. Coaching and psychotherapy are also able to improve social functioning.
Medicines
You can take medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people may discover that they improve by altering their diet or taking supplements, however these should only be used under a doctor's guidance. treatment for add can include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy (CBT) as well as counseling for families. Certain adults suffering from ADHD struggle to adhere to their medication. They should consult their doctor and request assistance. Certain medications are available for purchase over the counter and some require prescriptions.
The majority of ADHD medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This reduces impulsivity, and improves concentration. The most well-known medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Although they are considered the most effective treatment for ADHD, they also have side consequences. Cardiovascular problems are some of the more serious adverse effects. The stimulant medication can also trigger symptoms like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth in adolescents and children by just a few months.
Nonstimulant medications are prescribed to people who experience intolerable side-effects from stimulants, or those at risk of heart disease. These medications are primarily dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. They're not as effective as stimulants, however they are safe and don't carry the potential for abuse as certain people experience with stimulant drugs.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms by following an established schedule, making 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 ways to manage your disorder. You can also find many useful resources on the site of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your relationships can be strained by your ADHD symptoms. You can improve your relationships by speaking to an therapist and attending classes on conflict resolution. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how your ADHD affects you and understanding that some of your behavior are not intended to be mean-spirited.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can result in significant social, emotional, and occupational repercussions. This includes lower academic performance and higher rates of job loss and transfer, poor work performance as well as a higher number of car accidents, and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer and co. 2007). Adults with ADHD are more likely to be suffering from depression, anxiety or abuse of substances. People with comorbid conditions might have a harder time responding to stimulant medication (Barkley & Gordon 2002).
It is essential to take an in-depth background of the patient since a variety of medical conditions may manifest symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning must be cautiously assessed. Patients with active substance abuse or those suffering from certain medical conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure should refrain from receiving stimulant therapy (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of teaching patients about their condition, including its effects on different aspects of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can help patients improve their self-esteem, especially those who are often viewed as lazy or less intelligent.
The aim of a behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is to improve their abilities to manage their time and teach them how to organize their time. This can decrease the chance of missing appointments or making impulsive choices which can lead to difficulties at work, school or in their private lives. This type of therapy can aid in improving the effectiveness of an individual's interactions with children, spouses and coworkers.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD focuses on helping people to change their behavior patterns that are harmful to them. This kind of therapy is very efficient in improving the performance of those suffering from ADHD especially when it is combined with family therapy and psychoeducation. Informing patients and loved ones about ADHD can help decrease the tendency to blame one another for problems caused by the patient's inability to control their own behaviors. Classes that teach couples and families to communicate more effectively and improve their techniques for conflict resolution can be beneficial.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan for ADHD will focus on the symptoms and their effects on work, family and school. It will include non-stimulant and stimulant medication as along with psychosocial treatment, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients to 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 medication is used to treat ADHD. They balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. There are a variety of stimulant medications, each with their own advantages and side-effects. The two most common stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, which are sold under many different names, such as Adderall and Ritalin. Viloxazine is a selective reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine boosts the amount of a brain chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are commonly used to treat ADHD in adults due to the fact that they are less likely to cause symptoms than stimulants. These drugs are also available for those who are unable to take stimulants due to health conditions or severe adverse effects.
It's important to note that multiple disorders can resemble the symptoms of ADHD, so the severity and frequency 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 vision and hearing issues.
Some patients may also be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms through diet changes. It is essential to consult with a doctor prior to eliminating any food. This could lead to nutritional deficiencies, and should only be done under the guidance of a dietician or doctor. Counseling can help patients deal with their symptoms and improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses understand that the patient's behavior is not necessarily a sign that they are unloving or malicious.
Education
Both patients and doctors are susceptible to being misled by the diagnosis of ADHD. It's not uncommon for other mental health conditions to coexist with the disorder, and some medications and medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
Many of these issues can be resolved by treatments or lifestyle modifications. Someone suffering from ADHD could benefit from changing their diet or taking supplements to improve his eating habits, for example. Behavioral therapy can teach him how to better resist distractions, impulsiveness and increase the focus of his mind. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or the practice of mindfulness meditation, both of which can help control emotions and increase focus.
A thorough history of the symptoms is crucial, as is a physical exam. A physician can also test for sleep apnea, as well as other conditions such as hearing and vision issues, thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol abuse, and lead poisoning. These tests can help to determine the presence of a underlying disorder but also reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders which could contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
Most commonly, stimulants are prescribed by physicians for ADHD. They include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine Concerta and Adderall. Other non-stimulant drugs could include guanfacine or clonidine, which are blood pressure medications that can help with hyperactivity and impulsivity, however they may take longer to begin working and may cause negative side effects like heartburn, constipation and low sexual drive.
ADHD patients often forget appointments, arrive late to work, and make irrational decisions that can strain even the most patient family and friends members. Couples therapy or classes that improve communication skills can help people establish solid relationships.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction can all aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from the condition have discovered that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements aids them, however it's vital to consult with a doctor before trying these therapies. If you try this without consulting with a physician it could result in nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.