ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the first option that doctors recommend. They aid in balancing the levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine (Strattera) are also able to reduce symptoms, but they do so slower.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults develop skills to improve organization and planning. Coaching and treating adult add can enhance social functioning.
Medicines
If you suffer from ADHD you may benefit from medications to alleviate your symptoms. Some people discover that they improve by altering their diet or taking supplements, but these should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT), or family counseling are all viable treatment options. Some adults with ADHD are unable to stay on medication however, they should speak with their doctors and ask for help. Some medications can be purchased over-the-counter while others need prescription.
Most ADHD medications help by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This reduces impulsivity, and increases concentration. Some of the most popular medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Although they are considered the most effective treatment for ADHD, they also have side consequences. Some of these side effects could be serious, for instance, cardiovascular issues. Stimulant medications can also cause antics, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications can also delay growth by a few months in children and teenagers.
Nonstimulant drugs are prescribed to people who suffer from uncontrollable side effects from stimulants, or who are at risk of heart disease. These medications are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors, norepinephrine or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. They aren't as efficient as stimulants, but they are safe and don't carry the risk of abuse that some people are prone to with stimulant medication.
You can lessen your ADHD symptoms by adhering to a schedule, creating and adhering to the strict guidelines of a budget, enhancing your organization skills, understanding about your disorder and developing strategies to address your symptoms. Consult a professional regarding the best strategies to manage your disorder. You will also find numerous useful resources on the site of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your relationships may be strained due to your ADHD symptoms. You can improve your relationships by speaking to an therapist and attending classes in conflict resolution. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how your ADHD affects you and understanding that some of your behavior are not intended to be mean-spirited.
Therapy
ADHD as an adult can have significant social, emotional, and occupational effects. These include lower academic achievements as well as higher rates of job failure and transfer and poor work performance. Additionally, there are more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population. Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression or substance abuse. Those with comorbid conditions may have a harder time responding to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
It is crucial to obtain a detailed medical history of the patient because a wide range of medical conditions could have symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients with developmental disorders, seizure disorder sleep apnea, thyroid disorders should be evaluated more closely. The use of stimulants is not recommended for patients with active substance abuse or with certain medical conditions, including heart disease or high blood pressure, arrhythmias and tachycardia (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy encompasses 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 improve self-esteem among patients who typically suffer from stigmas, such as being perceived as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
The purpose of the therapy for adults who suffer from ADHD, is to improve their organizational skills and help them learn better ways to organize their time. This will to reduce the risk of not attending appointments or making decisions impulsively which can lead to difficulties at work, school or in their personal lives. This kind of therapy can also improve a person's relationships with their children, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults who suffer from ADHD is designed to help people change their negative behavior patterns. This kind of therapy can be very effective in improving the functioning of people suffering from ADHD especially when it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. By educating patients and their loved ones about ADHD it can decrease the frequency at which they blame each other for the problems caused by a person's inability to manage his or her behavior. Classes that teach couples and families to communicate more effectively and develop techniques for conflict resolution can be helpful.
Counseling
A well-designed treatment plan will address the signs of ADHD and their impact on school, work and the family. treating add in adults will include both stimulant and nonstimulant drugs and psychosocial therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT assists patients to alter their way of thinking about their behavior. It also helps them develop skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. There are a myriad of types of stimulant medications, all with their own benefits and adverse effects. The two most common stimulants are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate that are available under various brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. Viloxazine is a norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine increases the quantity of a brain chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine as well as atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD among adults, as they have a less gradual onset than stimulants. These medications are also available to those who cannot take stimulants due to medical conditions or serious adverse effects.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbid conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, the presence and severity other conditions should be considered when diagnosing ADHD. It is important to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, for example thyroid disorders, hearing or sight problems.
Some patients may also be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by making changes to their diet. It is essential to consult with a doctor prior to eliminating any foods. This could lead to nutritional deficiencies, and should only be done with the guidance of a dietician or doctor. Counseling can also help patients manage their symptoms, and improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can also help spouses understand that the patient's behaviors are not necessarily a sign of lack of love or willful wrongdoing.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing for both doctors and patients. It is not uncommon for other mental health disorders to coexist the disorder, and some medications and medical conditions may cause symptoms that resemble the symptoms of ADHD.
Lifestyle or treatment changes can solve a lot of these issues. A person with ADHD may benefit from adjusting their diet or taking supplements to improve their eating habits, for example. Behavioral therapy could help him to better resist distractions and impulsiveness, improve the focus of his mind and develop self-control. A doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can both help control emotions and increase concentration.
A thorough history of the symptoms and a physical exam are important. A doctor can also look for sleep apnea as well as other conditions like problems with vision and hearing thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol abuse as well as lead poisoning. These evaluations can not only help determine the presence of a underlying disorder but also reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders which can contribute to the ADHD-like behavior.
If a doctor suggests medication for ADHD The most popular ones are stimulants like dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant drugs might include guanfacine or clonidine, which are blood pressure drugs that can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they may take longer to begin working and might have negative side effects like constipation, heartburn, and low sex drive.
ADHD patients are often unable to remember appointments, arrive late to work, and make irrational decisions which can stress even the most patient family and friends members. Couples therapy and classes focusing on improving communication skills can help sufferers develop stable relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction could all be a factor in managing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have found that removing certain foods or taking supplements helps them, however it's vital to consult with a doctor before trying these therapies. Doing so without a doctor's direction could result in nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.