ADHD Treatments For Adults
The majority of doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. adult add treatments help balance levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants also may help alleviate symptoms, but they operate slower.
Psychotherapy, similar to cognitive behavioral therapy, helps adults improve their planning and organizational abilities. Coaching and psychotherapy can also help improve social functioning.
Medications
If you suffer from ADHD, you can benefit from medication to alleviate your symptoms. Some people might find that they get better by altering their diet or taking supplements, however these should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. Other treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and counseling for families. Certain adults suffering from ADHD struggle to adhere to their medication. They should talk to their doctor and request assistance. Certain medications can be purchased over the counter, while others require a prescription.
Most ADHD medications help by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This reduces impulsivity and increases concentration. Some of the most popular medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. These are considered to be the most effective for ADHD treatment, but they do have side effects. Cardiovascular problems are some of the most serious adverse effects. Stimulant medication may also cause the appearance of tics, like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth by a few month in teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant medications are prescribed to those who suffer from uncontrollable side effects from stimulants, or are at risk of heart disease. These are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine or alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These aren't as effective as stimulants, however they are safe and don't have the potential for abuse as some people are prone to with stimulant drugs.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms by following a schedule, creating and sticking to the strict guidelines of a budget, enhancing your organizational skills, learning about your disorder and developing strategies to manage your symptoms. It is important to speak with an expert to learn the best method to manage your disorder, and you will find plenty of helpful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your ADHD symptoms can affect your relationships. You can improve your relationships by speaking with an therapist and attending classes on conflict resolution. You can improve your relationships with your family members or friends by helping them understand your ADHD and making them aware that your behavior isn't malicious.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has serious occupational, emotional and social effects on occupational, emotional and social. These include lower academic achievement and higher rates of job failure and transfer and poor work performance. There are also more car accidents, and higher divorce rates than the general population. Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, or addiction to drugs. Patients with multiple conditions may be less responsive to stimulant medications (Barkley & Gordon 2002).
A thorough history of the patient is crucial, as a variety of medical conditions can have symptoms similar to symptoms of ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders sleep apnea, thyroid disorders need to be evaluated more closely. Treatment with stimulants is not recommended in patients who are addicted to drugs or in those with certain medical conditions, like heart disease, high blood pressure, arrhythmias and tachycardia (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their condition and its effects on their lives. Psychoeducation can help patients boost their self-esteem, especially those who are frequently viewed as lazy or less intelligent.
The purpose of the therapy for adults who suffer from ADHD, is to improve their organizational skills and teach them better ways to manage their time. This can help to reduce the risk of not attending appointments or making impulsive decisions which can lead to problems at school, work or in their personal lives. This kind of therapy could also help improve the effectiveness of an individual's interactions with spouses, children and coworkers.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults with ADHD is designed to help individuals change their behaviour patterns. This kind of therapy is extremely efficient in improving the functioning of those suffering from ADHD, particularly when combined with family therapy and psychoeducation. Informing patients and close friends about ADHD can reduce the likelihood of blaming one another for problems caused by the patient's inability control his or her behavior. Classes that help couples and families how to communicate more effectively and to develop techniques for conflict resolution can be helpful.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan for ADHD will tackle the symptoms and their impacts on the family, work, and school. It will include non-stimulant and stimulant medications as along with psychosocial treatment, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change the way they think about their behavior. adult treatment for adhd helps them develop skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They have been around for a long time, and there are several different types of medications each with its distinct advantages and negative effects. The two most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, which are sold under various brand 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. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a slower start than stimulants. They also are available to people who can't use stimulants due to other health problems or who suffer from serious side effects.
It is important to be aware that comorbidities can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore the severity and presence of other conditions must be taken into consideration when diagnosing ADHD. It's important to determine the cause of the symptoms, including thyroid disorders, hearing or sight problems.
It's also important to note that some patients may be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by changing their diet. But it's crucial to seek medical advice prior eliminating any food items which could result in nutritional deficiencies and should only be done with the guidance of a physician or dietician. Another option is counseling which can help patients learn to manage their symptoms and build better relationships with their families. Counseling can also help spouses realize that the patient's actions are not necessarily a sign of a lack of love or willful infractions.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be a bit confusing for both the patient and the doctor. Other mental disorders can coexist with ADHD and certain medical conditions and medications can also cause symptoms that mimic ADHD.
Lifestyle changes or treatment can help with many of these issues. A person with ADHD might benefit from adjusting diet or taking supplements to improve their eating habits, for example. Behavioral therapy can teach him to resist the temptations and impulsiveness that can distract him, improve his concentration and self-control. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can both aid in controlling emotions and improve concentration.
A thorough history of symptoms is important, as is a physical exam. A physician can also check for sleep apnea as well as other conditions such as issues with vision and hearing, thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol abuse and lead poisoning. These assessments will not only aid in determining 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 physicians for ADHD. They include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine Concerta and Adderall. Other non-stimulant drugs could include clonidine or guanfacine, which are blood pressure drugs that can help with hyperactivity and impulsivity, but they could take longer to kick in and might have adverse effects such as heartburn, constipation and low sex drive.
People with ADHD often have trouble keeping appointments, are late for work and make irrational decisions that can be a challenge for even the most tolerant friends and relatives. Couples therapy or classes to improve communication skills can help people build stable relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction all can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people with ADHD have found that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it's important to consult a doctor prior to attempting any of these therapies. Doing so without a doctor's guidance could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.