ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the first option that doctors recommend. They help balance levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants also help to alleviate symptoms, but they do so slower.
Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults develop strategies to improve their organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy can also enhance social functioning.
Medications
You can take medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people notice they feel better after changing their diets or taking supplements. However they should only be taken under the supervision of a physician. Other treatments can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family counseling. Some adults with ADHD struggle to stick to their medication. They should consult their doctor and ask for assistance. Certain medications can be purchased on the internet, while others require a prescription.
Most ADHD medications are based on increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. This reduces impulsivity and increases concentration. The most well-known medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. While they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD, they also have adverse effects. Heart problems are among the more serious adverse effects. The stimulant medication can also trigger symptoms like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth in children and adolescents by several months.
Nonstimulant drugs are often prescribed to those who suffer from adverse reactions to stimulants that are not tolerated or are at risk of heart issues. These medications are primarily dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. They aren't as efficient as stimulants, however they are safe and don't carry the risk of abuse that certain people experience with stimulant medication.
You can decrease your ADHD symptoms by following a schedule, creating and sticking to an exact budget, enhancing your organization skills, gaining knowledge about your disorder and developing strategies to manage your symptoms. Talk to a doctor 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 relationships could be strained because of your ADHD symptoms. Talking to a therapist about how you interact with your spouse or co-workers and taking classes that teach conflict resolution can help. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how your ADHD affects you and understanding that some of your behaviors are not a deliberate act of aggression.
Therapy
ADHD as an adult can have significant emotional, social, and occupational effects. These include lower academic success, higher rates of job loss 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 colleagues 2007). The comorbidity of anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs is prevalent among adults suffering from ADHD. Patients with multiple conditions may have a harder time responding to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A detailed patient history is essential, since many medical conditions can manifest similar to symptoms of ADHD. Patients with seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning must be carefully evaluated. Patients who are active in their addiction to substances, or those with certain medical conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure should refrain from receiving stimulant therapy (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy encompasses psychoeducation and behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychoeducation involves teaching patients about their disorder, including its effects on different areas of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can also help improve self-esteem for patients who frequently are stigmatized, for example, being perceived as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to teach patients how to organize their time and activities and improve their organizational skills. This can help reduce the risk of missing appointments or making decisions impulsively that could result in problems at school, at work or with their personal lives. This kind of therapy can also improve the effectiveness of an individual's interactions with spouses, children and coworkers.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults suffering from ADHD focuses on helping people change their negative patterns of behavior. This kind of therapy can be extremely efficient in improving the performance of those suffering from ADHD particularly when it is it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. By educating patients and their loved ones about ADHD, it can reduce the frequency with which they blame each other for the difficulties caused by the inability of a patient to manage his or her behavior. Classes that teach couples and families how to communicate more effectively and improve their techniques for conflict resolution can be beneficial.
Counseling
A good treatment plan will address the symptoms of ADHD and their effects on work, school, and family. It includes non-stimulant and stimulant medication as well as psychosocial treatment, notably cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT assists patients in changing their mental outlook on their behavior. It also teaches them how to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
Stimulant medications are used to treat ADHD. They help to regulate and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They've been around for a long time and there are a variety of types of medications each with their own benefits and side effects. The two most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, which are available under many different brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. Viloxazine is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine enhances the amount of a brain chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a less gradual development than stimulants. They also are available to people who can't use stimulants due to other health problems or who have severe side effects.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbidities can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore the presence and severity of other conditions should be considered when diagnosing ADHD. It is also essential to rule out any physical causes for the symptoms, such as a thyroid disorder or hearing and vision problems.
It's also worth noting that some patients may be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by altering 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 under the guidance of a physician or dietician. Counseling can also assist patients manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family. Counseling can also help spouses understand that the patient's behavior is not necessarily a sign of a lack of love or a deliberate act of infractions.
Education
Patients and doctors alike are often confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. It is not uncommon for other mental health disorders to coexist with the disorder. Additionally, certain medications and medical conditions may cause symptoms that resemble those of ADHD.
Many of these issues can be resolved by treatment or lifestyle modifications. add adult treatment suffering from ADHD may benefit by taking supplements or altering their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy will teach him how to resist distractions, impulsiveness and improve the focus of his mind. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can both aid in controlling emotions and improve concentration.
A complete history of symptoms is essential, as is a physical exam. A physician can also test for sleep apnea as well as other conditions such as problems with vision and hearing thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol abuse as well as lead poisoning. These tests will not only aid in determining the presence of a underlying disorder but also reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders that may contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
Most often, stimulants are prescribed by physicians for ADHD. They include dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant drugs might include clonidine or guanfacine, which are blood pressure drugs which can aid in reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity, but they might take longer to start working and might have negative side effects like constipation, heartburn and low sex drive.
ADHD patients often forget appointments, arrive late for work and make irrational choices that can cause stress to even the most patient family and friends members. Couples therapy or classes that improve communication skills can help people build stable relationships.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction can all be a factor in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from ADHD have found that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it's essential to consult with a physician prior to attempting any of these therapies. If you try this without consulting with a physician this could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.