ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the first treatment that doctors recommend. They can help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants may help reduce symptoms, but they operate more slowly.
Psychotherapy, along with cognitive behavioral therapy, aids adults improve their planning and organization abilities. Coaching and psychotherapy are also capable of improving social functioning.
Medications
If you suffer from ADHD you may benefit from medication to alleviate the symptoms. Some people find they feel better after changing their diet or taking supplements. However they should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT), or family counseling are all viable treatment options. Some adults with ADHD struggle to stick to their medication. They should speak to their doctor and ask for assistance. Certain medications are available over the counter and some require a prescription.
Most ADHD medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This decreases impulsivity and improves concentration. The most well-known medications are stimulants, like methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. They are believed to be the most effective in ADHD treatment, but they do have side effects. Cardiovascular problems are some of the more serious side effects. In addition, stimulants can cause tics, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth in children and adolescents by several months.
Nonstimulant medicines are prescribed to patients who suffer from insufferable side-effects of stimulants, or 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 however they are safe and don't contain the potential for abuse that certain people experience when taking stimulant medication.
You can decrease your ADHD symptoms by following an established schedule, making and adhering to the strict guidelines of a budget, enhancing your organization skills, understanding about your condition and implementing strategies to deal with your symptoms. Consult a professional regarding the best ways to manage your disorder. You can also find many 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 spouse or co-workers and taking classes to learn conflict resolution can help. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how ADHD affects you and understanding that some of your behavior are not intended to be mean-spirited.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has significant social, emotional and occupational consequences. These include lower academic success as well as more frequent failure to get a job and transfer, poor work performance as well as more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population (Spencer et al 2007). Comorbidity of depression, anxiety and substance abuse are common among adults with ADHD. Patients with comorbid disorders could have a harder time responding to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
It is essential to take a detailed medical history of the patient as many medical conditions can have symptoms similar to ADHD. treatment for adhd adults with developmental disorders, seizure disorder sleep apnea, and thyroid disorders need to be evaluated more closely. Patients who abuse substances, or those with particular medical conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure are contraindicated from receiving stimulant therapy (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their condition and its impact on their lives. Psychoeducation can help patients boost their self-esteem, particularly those who are often stigmatized as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to teach patients better ways to manage their time and work and improve their ability to organize their lives. This can reduce the chances of missing appointments or making decisions impulsively that could cause problems in school, at work, or with their personal lives. This type of therapy can also help improve the effectiveness of one's interactions with children, spouses and coworkers.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD focuses on helping people to change their behavior patterns that are harmful to them. This type of therapy can be extremely effective in improving the functioning of people suffering from ADHD particularly when it is coupled with psychoeducation and family therapy. Educating patients and their close friends about ADHD can help reduce the tendency to blame one another for problems caused by the person's inability to control his or her own behavior. full report that train couples and families how to communicate more effectively and develop techniques for conflict resolution can help.
Counseling
A good treatment plan for ADHD will tackle the symptoms and their impacts on the family, work and school. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant medication and psychosocial therapy, notably cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT assists patients in changing their way of thinking about their behavior. It also helps patients learn how to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant drugs are used to treat ADHD. They help to regulate and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. There are many different types of stimulant medications, all with their own advantages and adverse effects. The two most common stimulants are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate that are available under a variety of brand names such as Adderall and Ritalin. Viloxazine is a selective reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine enhances the amount of a brain chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are both used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a less gradual start than stimulants. These drugs are also available to those who cannot take stimulants due other health issues or severe adverse effects.
It is important to remember that comorbid disorders can mimic the symptoms of ADHD, so the severity and presence of any other conditions should be taken into consideration when making the ADHD diagnosis. It's also crucial to rule out any physical causes of the symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or hearing and vision problems.
It's also important to note that some patients might be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by altering their diet. It's important to consult with a doctor prior to eliminating any foods. This could result in nutritional deficiencies and should be done under the guidance of a doctor or dietician. Counseling can also assist patients cope with their symptoms, and also improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses realize that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign they are averse to love or malicious.
Education
Patients and doctors alike are often confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. It is not uncommon for other mental health disorders to coexist with the disorder. Additionally, certain medications and medical conditions can cause symptoms that resemble those of ADHD.
Many of these problems can be addressed with treatments or lifestyle adjustments. A person with ADHD may benefit from adjusting their diet or taking supplements to improve their eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy will help him learn how to manage distractions, impulsiveness, and improve the focus of his mind. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness meditation practice both of which can help manage emotions and increase attention.
A thorough medical history and a physical exam are crucial. A doctor can also look for sleep apnea, as well as other conditions like issues with vision and hearing thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol abuse and lead poisoning. These tests can not only help determine the presence of an underlying disorder, but also reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders that could contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
If a doctor prescribes medication for ADHD The most popular ones are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant medications include clonidine and guanfacine. These blood pressure medicines can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, but might take longer to effect and may cause side effects such as heartburn, constipation, and low sex desire.
People with ADHD frequently forget appointments or are late for work and make irrational decisions that can be a challenge for even the most patient friends and relatives. Couples therapy or classes that improve communication skills can help patients establish stable relationships.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction all can play a part in managing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have found that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements can help them, however it's vital to consult a physician before attempting these treatments. If you decide to do this without consulting with a physician, it could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.