ADHD Treatments For Adults
Most doctors recommend stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine. They help balance the levels of two chemical messengers inside the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants can alleviate symptoms, but they do so more slowly.
Psychotherapy, along with cognitive behavioral therapy, helps adults develop their planning and organizational skills. Coaching and psychotherapy are able to improve social functioning.
Medications
You can take medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people be able to improve their condition by altering their diet or taking supplements, but these should only be utilized under the supervision of a doctor. Other treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as family counseling. Some adults with ADHD are unable to stay on medication However, they should talk to their doctor and seek help. Certain medications are available for purchase over the counter and some require a prescription.
The majority of ADHD medications are based on increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. This decreases impulsivity and increases concentration. The most popular medications are stimulants like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. While they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD, they also have negative side consequences. Some of these side effects could be serious, such as cardiovascular issues. The stimulant medication can also trigger the tics of blinking eyes or throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth in children and adolescents by several months.
Nonstimulant medicines are prescribed to people who experience intolerable side-effects from stimulants, or are at risk of developing heart disease. These medications are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors, norepinephrine or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. These medications are not as effective as stimulants however they are safe and don't have the abuse potential that some people experience with stimulant drugs.
You can attempt to lessen your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a planned schedule, creating and adhering to a budget, improving organizational skills, learning more about your disorder and implementing strategies to manage your symptoms. It is recommended to talk with an expert to learn the best method to manage your condition. You will find plenty of helpful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your ADHD symptoms can strain your relationships. Talking to a therapist about the way you interact with your coworkers or spouse and taking classes to learn conflict resolution can be helpful. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how your ADHD affects you and recognizing that some of your behavior are not intentionally mean-spirited.
Therapy
ADHD as an adult can have profound emotional, social and occupational repercussions. These include lower academic success as well as higher rates of job loss and transfer, poor performance at work, more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population (Spencer et al 2007). The comorbidity of anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs is common among adults with ADHD. Patients with comorbid disorders could have a harder time responding to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
It is essential to take an extensive medical history of the patient since a variety of medical conditions may have symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea thyroid disorders and lead poisoning should be carefully evaluated. Patients with active substance abuse, or those with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure are contraindicated from receiving stimulant therapy (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy is a form of therapy that includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of informing patients about their disorder and its impact on their lives. Psychoeducation can also help improve self-esteem in patients who often are stigmatized, for example, being judged as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to help patients learn how to organize their time and tasks as well as improving their ability to organize their lives. This will reduce the chance of missing appointments or making decisions impulsively that could create problems at school, at work, or with their personal lives. This kind of therapy can aid in improving the effectiveness of a person's interactions with their spouses, children and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults who suffer from ADHD is designed to help people to change their negative behaviors. This type of therapy is very effective at improving the functioning of those suffering from ADHD particularly when it is paired with psychoeducation for families and family therapy. By educating patients and loved ones about ADHD it can decrease the frequency with which they blame each other for the difficulties caused by a patient's inability control his or her behavior. Classes that teach couples and families how to communicate more effectively and develop conflict resolution skills can also help.
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 medications as along with psychosocial treatment, specifically cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change their thinking about their behavior. It also helps them develop skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. There are a myriad of types of stimulant drugs, each with their own benefits and adverse effects. The two most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. These are sold under various brand names, including Ritalin and Adderall. Viloxazine is a norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine boosts the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells. Atomoxetine and viloxazine are often used to treat ADHD in adults due to the fact that they have a slower onset than stimulants. These drugs are also available for those who cannot take stimulants due other medical conditions or serious adverse effects.
It's important to note that co-occurring disorders can cause symptoms of ADHD So the severity and presence of any other medical condition should be taken into consideration when determining the ADHD diagnosis. It's also crucial to rule out any physical causes of the symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or hearing and vision problems.
It's also important to note that some patients might be able reduce their ADHD symptoms by altering their diet. But it's crucial to seek medical advice prior to eliminating any food items, as this can lead to nutritional deficiencies. It should only be done with the help of a physician or dietician. Counseling can also help patients manage their symptoms, and improve their relationships with their family. Counseling can also assist spouses in understanding that the patient's behaviors are not necessarily indicative of a lack of affection or a deliberate act of wrongdoing.
Education
Patients and doctors alike can be confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. It is not uncommon for other mental health disorders to coexist with the disorder, and some medications and medical conditions can cause symptoms that resemble those of ADHD.
Treatment or lifestyle changes can solve a lot of these issues. Someone suffering from ADHD may benefit from adjusting their diet or taking supplements to improve his eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy will help him learn how to resist distractions, impulsiveness and improve his concentration. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness meditation practice both of which can help manage emotions and increase focus.
A thorough history of symptoms is important as is a physical exam. A doctor can also assess patients for sleep apnea, hearing or vision problems, thyroid disorders or lead poisoning as well as alcohol or drug abuse. These assessments will not only aid in determining the presence of an underlying disorder but also decrease 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 like dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant medications include clonidine and Guanfacine. These blood pressure medications can help with an impulsive and hyperactivity problem, but may take longer to work and may cause adverse effects like constipation, heartburn and low sexual desire.
made my day tend to forget appointments, show up late for work, and make irrational decisions which can stress even the most patient of friends and family members. Couples therapy or classes that improve communication skills can help patients build solid relationships.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction can all play a part in managing ADHD symptoms. Certain people with ADHD have discovered that avoiding 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 a doctor's guidance could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.