ADHD Treatments For Adults
Most doctors recommend stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine. They aid in balancing levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine (Strattera) are also able to help alleviate symptoms, but they work slower.
Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults acquire techniques to improve organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy are also effective in improving social functioning.
Medications
You can take medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people find that they get better by altering their diet or taking supplements, however these should only be utilized under a doctor's guidance. Other treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and counseling for families. Many adults suffering from ADHD struggle to adhere to their medication. They should speak to their doctor and ask for assistance. Some medications can be purchased on the internet, while others require prescription.
The majority of medicines prescribed for ADHD help by increasing the levels of dopamine inside your brain, which decreases impulsivity and enhances focus. Some of the most common medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. Although they are considered the most effective treatment for ADHD however, they can also cause side effects. Heart problems are among the more serious side effects. In addition, stimulants can cause symptoms like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth in children and adolescents by several months.
Nonstimulant medicines are prescribed to patients who suffer from uncontrollable side effects from stimulants, or who are at risk of developing heart disease. These medications include dopamine reuptake inhibitors, norepinephrine or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. These medications are not as effective as stimulants, but are safe and do not have the abuse potential that certain people experience when taking stimulant medication.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms by following a schedule, creating and sticking to a strict budget, improving your organizational skills, learning about your condition and implementing strategies to address your symptoms. Talk to a professional about the best ways to manage your ADHD. You can also find a wealth of useful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your ADHD symptoms can cause stress in your relationships. Talking to a therapist about how you interact with your family members or friends and taking classes that teach conflict resolution can help. You can improve your relationships with your family members or friends by having them understand your ADHD and by making them aware that your behavior isn't malicious.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has significant occupational, emotional and social consequences. This includes lower academic performance, higher rates of job failure and transfer, poor work performance as well as a higher number of car accidents, and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer et al 2007). Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from depression, anxiety or abuse of substances. Those with comorbid disorders may have more difficulty responding to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A detailed patient history is essential, since many medical conditions may have symptoms similar to symptoms of ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea thyroid disorders and lead poisoning should be more cautiously assessed. Treatment with stimulants is not recommended in patients who are addicted to drugs or in those with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease and high blood pressure arrhythmias and tachycardia (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 the effects it has on their lives. Psychoeducation can help patients improve their self-esteem, especially those who are often stigmatized as being lazy or less intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to help patients learn better ways of organizing their time and activities as well as improving their ability to organize their lives. This can help reduce the risk of missing appointments or making decisions that are impulsive and could create problems at the workplace, at school or with their personal lives. This kind of therapy can also improve the effectiveness of a person's interactions with their spouses, children and coworkers.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is focused on helping individuals modify their behavior patterns that are negative. This type of therapy is extremely effective in improving the functioning of people suffering from ADHD, especially if combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. Informing patients and loved ones about ADHD can reduce the tendency to blame one another for the issues caused by the person's inability to control his or her own behavior. Classes that train couples and families how to communicate more effectively and improve their strategies for resolving conflicts can be beneficial.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan for ADHD will focus on the symptoms and their impacts on the family, work, and school. It will include non-stimulant and stimulant medications as well as psychosocial treatment, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change the way they think about their behavior. It also teaches them skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
Stimulant drugs are used to treat ADHD. They help to regulate and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They've been around for a long period of time, and there are a variety of kinds of drugs, each with its distinct advantages and negative effects. The two most common stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine that are available under various names, such as Adderall and Ritalin. Other medications that treat ADHD include atomoxetine, which works by increasing the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells and viloxazine, which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine and viloxazine are often used to treat ADHD in adults due to the fact that they are less likely to cause symptoms than stimulants. They are also available for those who cannot take stimulants due other health conditions or severe adverse effects.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbid conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore the severity and presence of other conditions must be taken into consideration when diagnosing ADHD. It's also crucial to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or problems with hearing and vision.
Some patients may also be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by making changes to their diet. It is important to consult with a doctor prior to eliminating any food. treating adult add could result in nutritional deficiencies and should only be done under the guidance of a dietician or doctor. Counseling can also help patients manage their symptoms, and also improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can also help spouses realize that the patient's actions are not necessarily indicative of a lack of affection or willful infractions.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be a bit confusing for both doctors and patients. It's not uncommon for other mental health disorders to coexist the disorder. Additionally, certain medications and medical conditions may cause symptoms that resemble those of ADHD.
Many of these issues can be addressed with treatment or lifestyle changes. Someone suffering from ADHD might benefit from adjusting diet or taking supplements to improve his eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy can help him to resist the temptations and impulsiveness that can distract him, improve his focus and develop self-control. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can both aid in controlling emotions and improve concentration.
A complete history of symptoms is crucial as is a physical examination. A doctor can also examine patients for sleep apnea, hearing or thyroid problems, vision issues or lead poisoning as well as alcohol or drug abuse. In addition to determining the existence of an underlying cause these evaluations can help rule out or limit the effects of other disorders that might cause a patient's ADHD-like behavior.
Most often, stimulants are prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. These include dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate as well as Concerta and Adderall. Other non-stimulant drugs include clonidine as well as Guanfacine. These blood pressure medication can aid in reducing an impulsive and hyperactivity problem, but may take longer to work and can cause adverse effects like heartburn, constipation, and low sexual desire.
People suffering from ADHD often 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 or classes that improve communication skills can help sufferers build solid relationships.
Exercise, diet, and stress reduction all can help in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from ADHD have discovered that avoiding certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it is important to consult a doctor prior to trying any of these treatments. Making these decisions without a physician's guidance could lead to nutritional deficiencies and health issues.