ADHD Treatments For Adults
The majority of doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They can help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants can reduce symptoms, but they do so slower.
Psychotherapy, along with cognitive behavioral therapy, helps adults develop their planning and organizational skills. Coaching and psychotherapy are effective in improving social functioning.
Medicines
If you suffer from ADHD, you can benefit from medication to treat your symptoms. Some people may be able to improve their condition by altering their diet or taking supplements, however these should only be used under the guidance of a physician. Other treatments can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as family counseling. Some adults with ADHD are unable to stay on medication, but they should talk with their doctors and ask for help. Certain medications are available for purchase over the counter, while others require a prescription.
The majority of the medicines prescribed for ADHD are effective in increasing the levels of dopamine in your brain, which decreases the impulsivity and increases concentration. The most commonly used drugs are stimulants like dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. They are thought to be the most effective ADHD treatment, however they can cause side effects. Some of these adverse effects can be serious, for instance, cardiovascular problems. In addition, stimulants can cause symptoms like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth in children and adolescents by a few months.
Nonstimulant medicines are prescribed for people who have uncontrollable adverse effects from stimulants or are at risk of heart problems. These are mostly norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. These medications are not as effective as stimulants however they are safe and don't offer the risk of abuse that many people have with stimulant drugs.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a planned schedule, creating and adhering to a budget, developing your organizational skills, gaining knowledge about your condition and implementing strategies to deal with your symptoms. It is important to speak with an expert to learn the best method to manage your condition, and you will find plenty of helpful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your relationships could be strained due to your ADHD symptoms. Talking to a therapist about how you interact with your spouse or co-workers and attending classes that teach conflict resolution can help. You can improve your relationships with your family members or friends by helping them understand your ADHD and by letting them know that your behavior isn't malicious.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can have significant social, emotional, and occupational repercussions. These include lower academic success and higher rates of job loss and transfer, poor performance at work as well as more car accidents and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer and co. 2007). The comorbidity of anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs is common among adults with ADHD. Those with comorbid disorders may have a harder time responding to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A thorough patient history is vital, as many medical conditions may have symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning should be more carefully evaluated. Read the Full Write-up who are active in their addiction to substances, or those with particular medical conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure are not recommended from receiving stimulant treatments (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy encompasses behavioral therapy and psychoeducation for adults with ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of informing patients about their disorder and its impact on their lives. Psychoeducation can also help improve self-esteem among patients who typically suffer from stigmas, such as being perceived as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
The purpose of the therapy for adults who suffer from ADHD is to enhance their organizational skills and help them learn better ways to manage their time. This can help decrease the chance of missing appointments or making impulsive choices which can lead to difficulties at work, school or in their personal lives. This kind of therapy can help improve relationships with their family, friends, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is focused on helping people to change their negative patterns of behavior. This kind of therapy is extremely effective in improving the functioning of people suffering from ADHD especially when coupled with psychoeducation and family therapy. The process of educating patients and close friends about ADHD can help reduce the likelihood of blaming one another for the issues caused by the patient's inability to manage his or her behavior. Classes that help couples and families to communicate more effectively and develop strategies for resolving conflicts can be beneficial.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan will address the symptoms of ADHD and their effects on work, school, and the family. It includes non-stimulant and stimulant medication as along with psychosocial treatment, notably cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT assists patients to alter their thinking about their behavior. It also helps patients learn 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. They've been around for a long time and there are many kinds of medications each with its own benefits and side effects. The two most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine, which are available under a variety of brand names, including Ritalin and Adderall. Other medications used to treat ADHD are atomoxetine, which helps by increasing the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells, and viloxazine which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are both used to treat ADHD among adults, as they have a slower start than stimulants. These drugs are also available to those who are unable to take stimulants due to other health conditions or severe side effects.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbidities can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore the severity and presence of other conditions must be taken into consideration when diagnosing ADHD. It is important to determine the cause of the symptoms, for example thyroid disorders, hearing or sight problems.
Some patients may also be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by making changes to their diet. It is essential to consult a doctor before eliminating any food. This could lead to nutritional deficiencies, and should only be done with the guidance of a dietician or doctor. Counseling can also assist patients cope with their symptoms, and improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can also help spouses understand that the patient's behavior is not necessarily indicative of a lack of affection or a deliberate act of wrongdoing.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing for both doctors and patients. Other mental disorders can coexist with ADHD and certain medications and medical conditions may also produce symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Lifestyle or treatment changes can resolve many of these issues. Someone suffering from ADHD could benefit from taking supplements or adjusting their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy can teach him how to manage distractions, impulsiveness, and improve the focus of his mind. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness-based meditation practice both of which can help control emotions and increase attention.
A complete history of symptoms is important, as is a physical exam. A physician can also test for sleep apnea as well as other disorders like hearing and vision issues thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol abuse and lead poisoning. In addition to determining if there is a possibility of a root cause, these tests can help identify or lessen the effects of other disorders that might contribute to a patient's ADHD-like behavior.
If a doctor suggests medication for ADHD, the most common medications are stimulants, like dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, including methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant drugs include clonidine and guanfacine. These blood pressure medication can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, but can take longer to work and can cause side effects such as constipation, heartburn, and low sexual desire.
ADHD patients are often unable to remember appointments, show up late for 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 sufferers establish stable relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction can all aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have discovered that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it's essential to consult with a physician prior to attempting any of these therapies. If you decide to do this without consulting with a physician, it could lead to nutritional deficiency and other health issues.