ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the first treatment that doctors recommend. They aid in balancing levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine, (Strattera) can reduce symptoms but work more slowly.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults acquire techniques to improve organization and planning. Psychotherapy and coaching can also enhance social functioning.
Medicines
If you have ADHD, you can benefit from taking medication to treat your symptoms. Some people feel better after altering their diet or taking supplements. However, these should only ever be used under the guidance of a medical professional. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family counseling are all possible solutions. Certain adults with ADHD have difficulty staying on medication however, they should speak with their doctors and ask for assistance. Some medications can be purchased on the internet, while others require prescriptions.
Most medications prescribed for ADHD help by increasing the levels of dopamine in your brain, which reduces impulsivity and improves focus. Some of the most popular drugs are stimulants like dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. While they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD, they also have negative side negative effects. Cardiovascular problems are some of the most serious adverse effects. Stimulant medications can also cause the tics of blinking eyes or throat clearing. treating adults with adhd may also delay growth by a few months for teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant drugs are often prescribed to people who suffer from uncontrollable adverse effects from stimulants or are at risk of heart issues. These are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. They aren't as efficient as stimulants, but they are safe and don't have the risk of abuse that certain people experience with stimulant medications.
You can try to reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a planned schedule, establishing and adhering to a budget, developing your organizational skills, gaining knowledge about your condition and devising strategies to manage your symptoms. It is important to speak with an expert to find out the best method to manage your condition, and you can find many useful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your relationships may be strained due to your ADHD symptoms. Talking to a therapist about the way you interact with your family members or friends and taking classes to learn conflict resolution can be helpful. You can improve your relationships with your family members or friends by having them understand your ADHD and letting them know that your behavior is not intentional.
Therapy
ADHD as an adult can have significant social, emotional, and occupational effects. This includes lower academic performance and higher rates of job failure and transfer, poor performance at work as well as more car accidents and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer and colleagues 2007). The comorbidity of anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs is common in adults with ADHD. Those with comorbid conditions may be more difficult to respond to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A thorough patient history is crucial, as a variety of medical conditions may have symptoms similar to symptoms of ADHD. Patients with seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning must be cautiously assessed. Stimulant treatment is contraindicated in those who abuse drugs or those suffering from certain medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure, arrhythmias and tachycardia (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy encompasses behavioral therapy and psychoeducation for adults with ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of teaching patients about their condition and its impact on different aspects of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can help patients improve their self-esteem, especially those who are frequently viewed as being lazy or less intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to help patients learn better ways to manage their time and activities and improve their skills in organizing. This will reduce the chance of missing appointments and making decisions impulsively that could cause problems in the workplace, at school or with their personal lives. This kind of therapy could also improve the effectiveness of an individual's interactions with their spouses, children and coworkers.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is focused on helping people modify their behavior patterns that are negative. This type of therapy is extremely effective at improving the functioning of those suffering from ADHD especially when it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. By educating patients and their loved family members about ADHD it will reduce the frequency with which they blame each other for the issues caused by a patient's inability control his or her behavior. Classes that teach families and couples how to communicate more effectively and manage conflicts can be beneficial.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan for ADHD will focus on the symptoms and their effects on work, family, and school. It will include non-stimulant and stimulant medication as along with psychosocial treatment, notably cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients to change their thinking about their behavior. It also helps patients learn how to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD boost and balance levels of brain chemicals known as 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 popular stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine that are available under a variety of brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. Other medications that treat ADHD are atomoxetine. It helps by increasing the amount of a chemical in the brain that passes messages between brain cells, and viloxazine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine as well as atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a more gradual start than stimulants. They are also available to people who are unable to take stimulants due other medical conditions or serious side effects.
It is important to remember that comorbid disorders can mimic the symptoms of ADHD Therefore, the presence and severity of any other condition must be considered when making the ADHD diagnosis. It is important to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, including thyroid disorders, hearing and sight problems.
Certain patients may be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. However, it's important to seek medical advice prior cutting out any food that could cause nutritional deficiencies. It should only be done with the assistance of a physician or dietician. Counseling can also assist patients deal with their symptoms, and also improve their relationships with their family. Counseling can also help spouses realize that the patient's behavior is not necessarily indicative of lack of love or a deliberate act of misconduct.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing for both patients and doctors. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD and certain medications and medical conditions can also cause 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 changing their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy can help him to resist distractions and impulsiveness, improve his concentration and self-control. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or the practice of mindfulness meditation, both of which can help control emotions and increase focus.
A complete history of symptoms is important as is a physical exam. A doctor can also assess patients for sleep apnea and hearing and thyroid problems, vision problems, lead poisoning and drug or alcohol abuse. These tests will not only aid in determining the presence of a underlying disorder but also decrease or eliminate the effects of other disorders which may contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
If a doctor suggests medication for ADHD the most commonly prescribed ones are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, including methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Other non-stimulant drugs include clonidine as well as guanfacine. These blood pressure medicines can help with an impulsive and hyperactivity problem, but might take longer to effect and may cause side effects such as heartburn, constipation, and low sexual desire.
People suffering from ADHD frequently forget appointments, are late for work, and make irrational choices that strain the patience of even the most forgiving family members and friends. Couples therapy and classes focusing on improving communication skills can help patients establish stable relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction all can help in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have found that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it is important to consult a doctor first before trying any of these methods. If you do this without consulting a doctor this could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.