ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the first option that doctors recommend. They help balance levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants may help reduce symptoms, but they work more slowly.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help adults learn skills to improve organization and planning. Psychotherapy and coaching are also able to improve social functioning.
Medications
You can use medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people may find that they get better by altering their diet or taking supplements, however they should only be taken under the guidance of a physician. Other treatments can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and family counseling. Certain adults with ADHD struggle to adhere to medication, but they should talk with their doctors and ask for assistance. Some medications are available over-the-counter and some require the prescription of a doctor.
The majority of ADHD medications help by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This reduces impulsivity and improves concentration. The most well-known drugs are stimulants, like methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. Although they are considered the most effective treatment for ADHD however, they can also cause adverse consequences. Some of these side effects can be serious, for instance, cardiovascular issues. The stimulant medication can also trigger antics, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth in children and adolescents by a few months.
Nonstimulant medicines are prescribed for people who have uncontrollable adverse effects from stimulants or are at risk of heart issues. These are mostly norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants however they are safe and don't offer the risk of abuse that some people experience with stimulant drugs.
You can lessen your ADHD symptoms by adhering to a schedule, creating and sticking to the strict guidelines of a budget, enhancing your organization skills, gaining knowledge about your condition and implementing strategies to deal with your symptoms. Consult a professional regarding the best methods to manage your disorder. You will also find numerous useful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your ADHD symptoms can affect your relationships. You can improve your relationships by speaking with a therapist and taking classes in conflict resolution. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how ADHD affects you and recognizing that some of your behavior are not intended to be mean-spirited.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can result in significant emotional, social, and occupational effects. These include lower academic achievements, higher rates for job failure and transfer and poor performance at work. There are also more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population. Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety or substance abuse. Patients with comorbid disorders could have a harder time responding to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A detailed patient history is vital, as many medical conditions can manifest similar to those of ADHD. Patients with developmental disorders, seizure disorder sleep apnea, thyroid disorders should be evaluated more carefully. Patients with active substance abuse, or those with certain medical conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure are contraindicated from receiving stimulant treatments (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their condition as well as its effects on various aspects of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can also improve self-esteem among patients who typically are stigmatized, for example, being judged as inept or unintelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to help patients learn better ways to manage their time and work and improve their organizational skills. This will reduce the chance of missing appointments or making decisions impulsively that could result in problems at school, at work or with their personal lives. This type of therapy could improve the relationship of a person with their children, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults who suffer from ADHD is designed to help people change their negative behaviors. This type of therapy is extremely efficient in improving the performance of those with ADHD particularly when it is it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. Educating patients and their close friends about ADHD can reduce the tendency to blame one another for the issues caused by the person's inability to control his or her own behavior. Classes that train couples and families how to communicate more effectively and to develop strategies for resolving conflicts can be helpful.
Counseling
A well-designed treatment plan will address the signs of ADHD and their effects on work, school, and family. It will include both stimulant and nonstimulant medication as well as psychosocial therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change their thinking about their behavior. It also teaches them how to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. There are many different types of stimulant medications, all with their own benefits and side-effects. The two most popular stimulants are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, which are available under various brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. Other medications that treat ADHD are atomoxetine. It works by increasing the amount of a chemical in the brain that passes messages between brain cells, and viloxazine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine as well as atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a more gradual start than stimulants. They are also available to people who can't use stimulants due to other health problems or who have serious adverse effects.
It is important to remember that multiple disorders can resemble the symptoms of ADHD, so the severity and frequency of any other conditions should be taken into consideration when making an ADHD diagnosis. It's also important to rule out physical causes for the symptoms, such as an underlying thyroid disorder 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. It is essential to consult a doctor before eliminating any food. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies, and should only be done under the guidance of a doctor or dietician. Another option is counseling, which can help patients learn to cope with their symptoms and build better relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses understand that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign they are averse to love or malicious.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be a bit confusing for both doctors and patients. Other mental disorders can coexist with ADHD, and certain medical conditions and medications may also produce symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Lifestyle changes or treatment can resolve many of these issues. Someone suffering from ADHD may benefit from taking supplements or adjusting their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy can teach him how to better resist distractions, impulsiveness, and improve his focus. A doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness meditation practice, both of which can help manage emotions and increase focus.
A thorough history of symptoms and a physical examination are important. A doctor can also look for sleep apnea, as well as other conditions such as hearing and vision issues thyroid disorders, alcohol or drug abuse, and lead poisoning. In addition to determining the presence of an underlying cause these evaluations can help rule out or limit the effects of other disorders that might contribute to a patient's ADHD-like behavior.
When a doctor recommends medication for ADHD the most commonly prescribed ones are stimulants like dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant drugs might include guanfacine or clonidine, which are blood pressure drugs which can aid in reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity, however they might take longer to begin working and could cause side effects like constipation, heartburn and low sexual drive.
ADHD patients often forget appointments, arrive late to work and make uninformed choices that can strain even the most patient of family and friends members. Couples therapy or classes that improve communication skills can help sufferers build solid relationships.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction all play a role in managing ADHD symptoms. Certain people with ADHD have reported 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. Making treating add in adults without a physician's guidance could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.