ADHD Treatments For Adults
Most doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. They help balance the levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Antidepressants, as well as Atomoxetine (Strattera) can reduce symptoms but work more slowly.
Psychotherapy, similar to cognitive behavioral therapy, aids adults develop their planning and organization skills. Psychotherapy and coaching are also capable of improving social functioning.
Medicines
You can take medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people feel better after changing their diets or taking supplements. However, these should only ever be taken under the supervision of a doctor. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family counseling are all viable solutions. Certain adults with ADHD struggle to adhere to medication however, they should speak to their doctor and seek help. Certain medications are available on the internet, while others require prescriptions.
The majority of the drugs prescribed for ADHD work by increasing the levels of dopamine in your brain, which decreases impulsivity and enhances concentration. Some of the most popular medications are stimulants like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. While they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD but they can also trigger adverse consequences. Some of these side effects can be severe, like cardiovascular issues. The stimulant medication can also trigger tics such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth in adolescents and children by just a few months.
Nonstimulant drugs are often prescribed to people who suffer from adverse reactions to stimulants that are not tolerated or are at risk of heart problems. These medications include norepinephrine, dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. These aren't as effective as stimulants, however they are safe and don't carry the potential for abuse as some people have with stimulant drugs.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms by following the prescribed schedule, creating and sticking to the strict guidelines of a budget, enhancing your organization skills, understanding about your condition and implementing strategies to address your symptoms. Consult a professional regarding the best strategies to manage your disorder. You can also find a wealth of useful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your ADHD symptoms can cause stress in your relationships. You can improve your relationships by speaking with an therapist and attending classes in conflict resolution. You can improve your relationships with your family members or friends by helping them understand your ADHD and by telling them that your behavior isn't intentional.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can result in significant social, emotional, and occupational repercussions. These include lower academic success and higher rates of job failure and transfer, poor performance at work as well as a higher number of car accidents, and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer and co. 2007). Comorbidity between depression, anxiety and substance abuse are common among adults with ADHD. Patients with multiple conditions may have a harder time responding to stimulant medication (Barkley & Gordon, 2002).
It is essential to take a detailed medical history of the patient as many medical conditions can have symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients with developmental disorders, seizure disorder sleep apnea, and thyroid disorders need to be evaluated more carefully. Patients who are active in their addiction to substances, or those with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease and high blood pressure are contraindicated from receiving stimulant treatment (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 different areas of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can also improve self-esteem in patients who often are stigmatized, for example, being viewed as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to teach patients how to organize their time and tasks, improving their ability to organize their lives. This can reduce the chances of missing appointments or making decisions that are impulsive and could create problems at school, at work or with their personal lives. This type of therapy could help improve relationships with their children, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults who suffer from ADHD is geared towards helping individuals change their behavior patterns. This type of therapy is extremely efficient in improving the performance of people suffering from ADHD particularly when it is it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. Through educating patients and their loved ones about ADHD, it can reduce the amount of time they blame each other for the problems caused by a patient's inability manage his or her behavior. Classes that train couples and families to communicate more effectively and improve their conflict resolution skills can also be beneficial.
Counseling
A good treatment strategy will address the symptoms of ADHD and their impact on school, work and the family. It will include non-stimulant and stimulant medication as along with psychosocial treatment, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients to change their mental outlook on their behavior. It also helps them develop skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant drugs are used to treat ADHD. They regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They have been around for a long period of time, and there are a variety of kinds of medications each with its own benefits and side effects. The two most popular stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine that are available under various names, such as Adderall and Ritalin. Viloxazine is a norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine boosts the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are commonly used to treat ADHD in adults due to the fact that they have a slower onset than stimulants. They are also available to those who aren't able to take stimulants because of other health issues or experience severe adverse effects.
It is important to remember 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 important to eliminate physical causes of the symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, hearing or sight problems.
It's also important to note that some patients might be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by changing their diet. However, it's essential to seek medical advice before cutting out any foods, as this can result in nutritional deficiencies. This should only be done with the assistance of a physician or dietician. Counseling can also help patients deal with their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family. Counseling can help spouses realize that the patient's behavior is not necessarily a sign that they are unloving or malicious.
Education
Both patients and doctors are often confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. Other mental disorders can coexist with ADHD, and certain medications and medical conditions may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Lifestyle or treatment changes can solve a lot of these issues. A person suffering from ADHD might benefit from taking supplements or adjusting their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy will help him learn how to better resist distractions, impulsiveness and increase his focus. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can aid in controlling emotions and improve concentration.
A thorough history of symptoms is essential and so is a physical examination. A doctor can also assess the patient for sleep apnea and hearing and vision problems, thyroid disorders or lead poisoning as well as alcohol or drug abuse. In addition to determining the presence of an underlying cause, these tests can help identify or lessen the effects of other conditions that could cause a patient's ADHD-like behavior.
Most commonly, stimulants are prescribed by physicians for ADHD. add in adults treatment include dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate as well as Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant drugs might include clonidine or guanfacine, which are blood pressure drugs that can help with hyperactivity and impulsivity, but they may take longer to kick in and might have side effects like constipation, heartburn and low sexual drive.
People suffering from ADHD frequently miss appointments or are late for work, and make irrational choices that strain the patience of even the most tolerant friends and relatives. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on improving communication skills can help people develop stable relationships.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction all be a factor in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have found that avoiding certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it's important to consult a doctor prior to trying any of these therapies. If you decide to do this without consulting with a physician it could result in nutritional deficiency and other health issues.