ADHD Treatments For Adults
The majority of doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. They help balance the levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants help to alleviate symptoms, but they do so more slowly.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults acquire skills to improve organization and planning. Psychotherapy and coaching are also capable of improving social functioning.
Medicines
If you suffer from ADHD you may benefit from medications to treat your symptoms. add treatments for adults notice they feel better after altering their diets or taking supplements. However they should only be taken under the supervision of a physician. Other treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy (CBT), and counseling for families. Some adults with ADHD struggle to stick to their medication. They should speak to their doctor and request assistance. Certain medications are available for purchase over the counter and some require a prescription.
Most ADHD medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This decreases impulsivity and increases concentration. The most commonly used medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. While they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD but they can also trigger side negative effects. Some of these side effects could be severe, like cardiovascular problems. Stimulant medication may also cause symptoms like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth by a few month for teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant medications can be prescribed to those who suffer from adverse reactions to stimulants that are not tolerated or are at risk of developing heart problems. These medications are primarily norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants, but are safe and don't offer the risk of abuse that certain people experience with stimulant medications.
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, gaining knowledge about your condition and implementing strategies to address your symptoms. It is recommended to talk with a professional to learn about the best way to manage your disorder, and you will find plenty of helpful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your relationships can be strained because of your ADHD symptoms. You can improve your relationships by talking to a therapist and taking classes on conflict resolution. You can improve your relationships with your coworkers or spouse by helping them understand your ADHD and by making them aware that your behavior is not intentional.
Therapy
ADHD as an adult can have significant emotional, social, and occupational repercussions. This can lead to lower academic achievement and more frequent failure to get a job and transfer, poor performance at work, more car accidents and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer and colleagues 2007). Comorbidity between depression, anxiety and substance abuse are common among adults with ADHD. People with comorbid disorders might be more difficult to respond to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A detailed patient history is vital, as many medical conditions can manifest similar to symptoms of ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea thyroid disorders and lead poisoning should be more careful to be evaluated. Stimulant treatment is contraindicated in patients with active substance abuse or in those with certain medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure, arrhythmias and tachycardia (Greenhill 2001).).
Psychosocial therapy includes behavioral therapy and psychoeducation for adults with ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their disorder and the effects it has on their lives. Psychoeducation can also help improve self-esteem in patients who often are stigmatized, for example, being perceived as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
The goal of the therapy for adults who suffer from ADHD is to enhance their abilities to manage their time and teach them how to organize their time. This can reduce the chances of missing appointments and making decisions that are impulsive and could cause problems in school, at work or with their personal lives. This kind of therapy can also improve a person's relationships with their children, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults suffering from ADHD is focused on helping people change their behavior patterns that are harmful to them. This kind of therapy is extremely effective at improving the functioning of people with ADHD, particularly when combined with family therapy and psychoeducation. The process of educating patients and loved ones about ADHD can help reduce the tendency to blame one another for the issues caused by the person's inability to control his or her behavior. Classes that teach families and couples how to communicate more effectively and manage conflicts can be helpful.
Counseling
A good treatment plan for ADHD will address the symptoms and their impact on family, work, and school. It will include both stimulant and nonstimulant medication as well as psychosocial therapy, notably cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change their thinking about their behavior. It also helps patients learn 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 referred to as neurotransmitters. They have been around for a long time, and there are several different kinds of drugs, each with its distinct advantages and negative effects. The two most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine. These are sold under many brand names, including Ritalin and Adderall. Viloxazine is a norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine boosts the quantity of a brain chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a slower development than stimulants. They are also available for people who can't take stimulants because of other health issues or experience severe side 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 also crucial to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or problems with hearing and vision.
Certain patients may be able reduce their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. It is essential to consult a doctor before eliminating any food. This could result in nutritional deficiencies, and should only be done with the guidance of a physician or dietician. Counseling can help patients manage their symptoms, and also improve their relationships with their family. Counseling can help spouses understand that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign they are unloving or malicious.
Education
Both doctors and patients are often confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD, and certain medications and medical conditions can also cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Many of these issues can be addressed with treatments or lifestyle changes. A person suffering from ADHD may benefit from taking supplements or adjusting their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy can teach him to better resist distractions and impulsiveness, improve his concentration and self-control. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness meditation practice both of which can help manage emotions and increase attention.
A thorough history of symptoms and a physical exam are crucial. A doctor can also examine a patient for sleep apnea, hearing or vision problems, thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and alcohol or drug abuse. In addition to determining if there is a possibility of a root cause, these evaluations can help rule out or limit the effects of other disorders that could cause an individual's ADHD-like behavior.
If a doctor prescribes medication for ADHD the most commonly prescribed ones are stimulants, like dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, including methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant medications could include guanfacine or clonidine, which are blood pressure drugs that can help with hyperactivity and impulsivity, but they could take longer to start working and might have adverse effects such as constipation, heartburn, and low sexual drive.
ADHD patients often forget appointments, arrive late to work and make irrational choices that can strain even the most patient of friends and family members. Couples therapy or classes that improve communication skills can help people build stable relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction could all be a factor in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have found that removing certain foods or taking supplements can help them, but it's crucial to consult with a doctor before trying these methods. If you do this without consulting a doctor it could result in nutritional deficiency and other health issues.