ADHD Treatments For Adults
Most doctors recommend stimulants, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine. They aid in balancing levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants can reduce symptoms, but they do so more slowly.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults develop skills to improve organization and planning. Psychotherapy and coaching are also capable of improving social functioning.
Medications
If you suffer from ADHD and are suffering from it, you could benefit from medications to manage the symptoms. Some people find that they get better by altering their diet or taking supplements, but these should only be used under a doctor's guidance. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT), or family counseling are all viable treatment options. Some adults with ADHD struggle to stay on their medication. They should speak to their doctor and ask for assistance. Certain medications are available for purchase over the counter and some require a prescription.
Most ADHD medications help by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This reduces impulsivity and increases concentration. The most well-known medications are stimulants like methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. They are believed to be the most effective in ADHD treatment, however they can have adverse effects. Heart problems are among the most serious adverse effects. The stimulant medication can also trigger the appearance of tics, like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications can also delay growth by a few months in children and teenagers.
Nonstimulant drugs are prescribed to those who suffer from uncontrollable side effects from stimulants, or who are at risk of heart disease. These medications are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. These aren't as effective as stimulants, but they are safe and don't have the potential for abuse as certain people experience with stimulant medications.
You can try to reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a structured schedule, making and sticking to a budget, developing the organization skills, learning more about your disorder and implementing strategies for dealing with your symptoms. Talk to a professional about the best methods to manage your disorder. You will also find numerous helpful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your ADHD symptoms can strain your relationships. You can improve your relationships by speaking with a therapist and taking conflict resolution classes. You can improve your relationships with your spouse or co-workers by having them understand your ADHD and by making them aware that your behavior is not intentional.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has significant occupational, emotional and social effects on occupational, emotional and social. This includes lower academic performance, more frequent failure to get a job and transfer, poor performance at work as well as more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population (Spencer and colleagues 2007). Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs. Patients with multiple conditions may be less responsive to stimulant medications (Barkley & Gordon 2002).
A detailed patient history is vital, as many medical conditions may have symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Patients suffering from developmental disorders, seizure disorder, sleep apnea and thyroid disorders need to be evaluated more closely. Patients who abuse substances, or those with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure are not recommended from receiving stimulant treatments (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their disorder and its impact on their lives. treatments for adhd can help patients build their self-esteem, especially those who are often 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 how to organize their time. This will to reduce the risk of not attending appointments or making impulsive choices that can cause issues at work, school or in their private lives. This type of therapy may also improve a person's relationships with their spouse, children and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults suffering from ADHD focuses on helping people to change their behavior patterns that are harmful to them. This type of therapy is very effective at improving the functioning of those suffering from ADHD, particularly when combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. The process of educating patients and significant others about ADHD can help decrease the likelihood of blaming each other for the problems caused by the patient's inability control their own behavior. Classes that help couples and families how to communicate more effectively and improve their conflict resolution skills can also help.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan for ADHD will tackle the symptoms and their effects on work, family, and school. It should include stimulant and nonstimulant drugs as well as psychosocial therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT assists patients to alter their thinking about their behavior. It also teaches them skills 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 known as neurotransmitters. There are many different types of stimulant medications, all with their own benefits and negative side effects. The two most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, which are available under a variety of brand names, including Ritalin and Adderall. Other medications that treat ADHD include atomoxetine, which helps by increasing the amount of a chemical in the brain that passes messages between brain cells, and viloxazine which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are commonly used to treat ADHD in adults because they are more gradual in onset than stimulants. They are also available to people who cannot take stimulants due to medical conditions or serious side effects.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbid conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Therefore the severity and presence of other conditions must be taken into consideration when diagnosing ADHD. It's also important to rule out physical causes for the symptoms, like an underlying thyroid disorder or vision and hearing issues.
Certain patients may be able reduce their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. It is essential to consult a doctor before eliminating any foods. This could result in nutritional deficiencies and should only be done under the supervision of a physician or dietician. Counseling can help patients cope with their symptoms, and also improve their relationships with their family. Counseling can help spouses understand that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign that they are averse to love or malicious.
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 may cause symptoms that resemble ADHD.
Many of these problems can be solved with treatments or lifestyle changes. Someone suffering from ADHD might benefit from adjusting diet or taking supplements to improve his eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy could help the person to be more resistant to the temptations and impulsiveness that can distract him, improve his focus and develop self-control. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can both help control emotions and increase concentration.
A thorough medical history and a physical examination are important. A doctor can also examine patients for sleep apnea, hearing and thyroid problems, vision issues as well as lead poisoning, drug or alcohol abuse. These assessments can help to determine the presence of an underlying disorder but also help reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders that can contribute to the ADHD-like behavior.
If a doctor prescribes medication for ADHD The most popular medications are stimulants, like dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, including methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Other non-stimulant drugs could include guanfacine or clonidine, which are blood pressure drugs that can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, however they could take longer to kick in and may cause side effects like constipation, heartburn and low sexual drive.
ADHD patients often forget appointments, arrive late for work and make uninformed choices that can cause stress to even the most patient family and friends members. Couples therapy and classes focusing on improving communication skills can help patients establish stable relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction all can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from ADHD have discovered that avoiding certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it's crucial to speak with a doctor prior to trying any of these methods. Doing so without a doctor's direction could result in nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.