Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Treatment for adhd in adults includes therapy, medication and family support. Clinical trials are available to test new treatments for ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD are most likely to benefit from stimulant drugs. However, they must be closely monitored. This includes monthly clinical appointments and regular examinations of symptoms.
Medicines
A variety of medications can be utilized to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD in adults. These medications are called psychostimulants, and they work by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain that transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will select the best medication for you and determine the most appropriate dosage and time to take it. It may take a while to find the right dosage and medication that will control your symptoms.
Stimulants are usually the first medication doctors prescribe for adults suffering from ADHD. They increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in your brain, which increase your ability to focus and manage impulses. The medications are available in short-, medium-and long-acting varieties. Short-acting stimulants can last up to up to 6 hours. Intermediate-acting medications last 8-10 hours. Long-acting stimulants last from 8 to 16. Long-acting stimulants are less likely to cause side effects than intermediate- or shorter-acting medications. However, they can still cause sleepiness and change in appetite.
Nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine, (Strattera) are used to treat adult ADHD when stimulants don't perform or cause undesirable side effects. These medications don't affect your norepinephrine or dopamine however, they can increase the amount of norepinephrine and improve your ability to concentrate. The capsules are taken one or twice a day.
Some adults with ADHD suffer from co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety. These conditions are referred to as comorbidities and may affect your response to ADHD treatment. It is important to address any comorbidities prior to starting treatment for ADHD. People with a history substance abuse disorder are more likely to misuse psychostimulants. adhd adult treatment is why it is generally recommended to wait until the person has stopped using substances before considering treatment with stimulants for ADHD.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a method of therapy that involves talking and discussing topics that cause distress or anxiety to a person. The therapist gives advice based upon his or her qualifications, experience, training, and therapeutic philosophy. Psychotherapy can be short-term, (a couple of weeks or months) or addressing more immediate issues, or longer-term. The therapist and patient determine the length and frequency of treatment.
The use of psychotherapy and medications together is a highly effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy can assist people improve their time management, organizational skills, and prioritizing. It can also teach strategies to manage emotions like anger and frustration. Medication can reduce symptoms and increase focus, leading to more effective and efficient academic and work performance.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be affected by co-existing conditions, particularly mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Before starting treatment for ADHD it is crucial to treat any co-existing disorders. Treatment of co-existing disorders may require different types and doses of medication than the ones used to treat ADHD.
A person suffering from ADHD may also suffer from hypertension. Selecting a medication that addresses the ADHD symptoms but doesn't alter the patient's hypertension that is controlled requires knowledge of how various medications affect people over time, as well as an understanding of the interactions between various medications.
It's important that you locate a therapist who has had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD and with whom you feel at ease. It is important to schedule your first few sessions at times when you won't be distracted by work or family obligations.
Counseling
Adults with ADHD face a variety of challenges in their lives, such as difficulties at work and in relationships. They also may experience frustration, blame and anger that have accumulated in their lives because of their symptoms. Psychosocial treatments can aid patients and their families develop new abilities, attitudes and ways of communicating.
Psychotherapy can also include cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals modify their thinking and behavior. It involves goal-setting, skill training and practice, and methods of teaching to improve organization and self-esteem. It can be done in a private or in a group. Certain studies have demonstrated that treatment for metacognitive disorders can reduce symptoms and improve performance in adults with ADHD (Stevenson et al 2002).
Some people with ADHD might also require counseling to help them overcome certain life issues. These issues could include family conflicts, aggressive or impulsive behavior, and difficulties in dealing with disappointments and failures. Counseling can help you develop the skills to help deal with these situations and increase communication and problem-solving skills. It can also help improve interpersonal relationships, especially in marriages and other long-term partnerships.
Other forms of psychotherapy for ADHD are family therapy and supportive group therapy. These therapies can help families cope and develop skills to lessen conflict and improve communication when dealing with a child suffering from ADHD. It can also help parents recognize the symptoms and develop parenting strategies that encourage positive outcomes for their children.
Adults with ADHD should discuss their medication regularly with their doctors and also disclose any other medications, including over-the drug products. Certain medications can cause side effects or interact with other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough assessment and diagnosis, it is essential to monitor the patient to ensure that he/she receives the benefits of the medication and doesn't suffer from side adverse effects. It is recommended that patients be examined for a first clinical examination within 30 days of starting treatment and monthly thereafter. This allows for the proper titration of psychostimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamines to a safe, effective dose. This permits accurate recording of the patient's reaction and assists in avoiding keeping sensitive patients on doses that are not sufficient (slow metabolism) or forcing those who require higher doses onto unnecessarily high levels (rapid metabolizers).
For adults who are unable to respond effectively to stimulant medications or suffer from uncontrollable side effects, the use of non-stimulant drugs may be indicated. This usually involves the use atomoxetine or other methylphenidate-related alternatives.
Adults with ADHD typically suffer from comorbid disorders like mood disorder or anxiety disorder, substance abuse issues or depression. They may also have medical conditions like hearing or vision problems, or chronic sleep disorders. It is essential to identify and evaluate such conditions as part of the initial evaluation for ADHD since these can have significant effects on functional impairment in adults.
ADHD can also be controlled through marital therapy. Spouses often report that they feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities to care for their spouses who have ADHD and may become resentful and angry due to this. The way to reduce resentment is by enhancing the understanding of the illness, and helping them understand that the symptoms aren't caused by an absence of willfulness or love. Couples who undergo this type of therapy tend to have better functioning families.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy for adults with ADHD is generally advised. It should include a cognitive and behavioral component. Behavioral therapy helps patients improve their organizational skills, focus and manage impulsive behavior. It helps patients manage their home, work and social settings in more productive ways. Psychotherapy helps patients to understand how their condition affects various aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help reduce the self-doubt and shame that are often experienced by adults with ADHD who are viewed as inept or unintelligent.
Many psychiatric disorders mimic ADHD symptoms. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders and depression. If it is necessary the presence of any other psychiatric disorders should be analyzed to determine whether ADHD symptoms are caused by them.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated using the combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been proven that a combination of psychotherapy and medication yields better results than either treatment by itself. Future controlled studies will aim to track and evaluate functional improvements, such as improved functioning in school, the workplace, and interpersonal relations.