ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the first treatment most doctors recommend. They help balance levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants may help alleviate symptoms, but they do so more slowly.
Psychotherapy, similar to cognitive behavioral therapy, can help adults develop their organizational and planning skills. Psychotherapy and coaching can also enhance social functioning.
Medicines
If you have ADHD, you can benefit from medications to treat your symptoms. Some people find they feel better after altering their diet or taking supplements. However they should only be administered under the supervision of a physician. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or family counseling are all possible treatments. Some people with ADHD are unable to stay on medication, but they should talk to their doctors and ask for assistance. Some medications are available over-the-counter, while others require the prescription of a doctor.
treating adults with adhd help by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This decreases impulsivity and improves concentration. The most popular medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Although they are considered the most effective treatment for ADHD however, they can also cause side effects. Some of these side effects can be severe, like cardiovascular issues. Stimulant medication may also cause symptoms like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth by a few month in children and teenagers.
Nonstimulant medications can be prescribed for people who have adverse reactions to stimulants that are not tolerated or are at risk of developing heart issues. These are typically dopamine reuptake inhibitors, norepinephrine or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants, but are safe and do not contain the potential for abuse that many people have with stimulant medications.
You can try to reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a structured schedule, establishing and adhering to a budget, enhancing organizational skills, learning more about your condition, and developing strategies for dealing with your symptoms. It is recommended to talk with an expert to find out the best approach to managing your condition, and you can find many useful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your ADHD symptoms can affect your relationships. You can improve your relationships by talking to a therapist or taking classes in conflict resolution. You can improve your relationships with your spouse or co-workers by having them understand your ADHD and making them aware that your behavior isn't malicious.
Therapy
ADHD as an adult can have profound emotional, social and occupational consequences. These include lower academic achievements as well as higher rates of transfer and job failure, as well as poor work performance. Additionally, there are more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population. Adults with ADHD are more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression or substance abuse. Those with comorbid conditions may be less responsive to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon, 2002).
A detailed patient history is vital, as many medical conditions may have symptoms similar to symptoms of ADHD. Patients suffering from developmental disorders, seizure disorders, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning must be cautiously assessed. The use of stimulants is not recommended for patients with active substance abuse or in those with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, tachycardia and arrhythmias (Greenhill 2001).).
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of teaching patients about their disorder and its impact on different areas of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can help patients build their self-esteem, particularly those who are frequently viewed as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to help patients learn better ways of organizing their time and activities as well as improving their ability to organize their lives. This can reduce the chances of missing appointments and making decisions impulsively that could result in problems at school, at work or with their personal lives. This type of therapy can also help improve the effectiveness of a person's interactions with children, spouses and co-workers.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD focuses on helping people modify their negative patterns of behavior. This type of therapy can be extremely effective in improving the functioning of people suffering from ADHD particularly when it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. By educating patients and loved family members about ADHD, it can reduce the frequency at which they blame each other for the difficulties caused by a person's inability to control his or her behavior. Classes that teach couples and families to communicate more effectively and develop conflict resolution skills can also help.
Counseling
A well-designed treatment plan will address the symptoms of ADHD and their effects on school, work and family. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant medication and psychosocial therapy, specifically 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 are used to treat ADHD. They help to regulate and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They have been around for a long time, and there are a variety of kinds of drugs each with their distinct advantages and negative effects. The two most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine, which are available under a variety of brand names including Ritalin and Adderall. Other drugs used to treat ADHD include atomoxetine, which helps by increasing the amount of a substance in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells, and viloxazine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are both used to treat ADHD among adults, as they have a slower development than stimulants. These drugs are also available for those who are unable to take stimulants due to other health issues or severe side effects.
It is important to remember that comorbidities can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore the presence and severity of other conditions should be considered when diagnosing ADHD. It is essential to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, hearing or sight problems.
treating adult add 's also important to note that some patients might be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by altering their diet. However, it's essential to seek medical advice prior to eliminating any food items which could result in nutritional deficiencies. It should only be done with the guidance of a doctor or a dietician. Another option is counseling which can help patients learn to manage their symptoms and establish better relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses realize that the patient's behavior is not necessarily a sign they are not loving or malicious.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be a bit confusing for both patients and doctors. It's not uncommon for different mental health conditions to coexist with the disorder. Additionally, certain medications and medical conditions can cause symptoms that resemble those of ADHD.
Many of these problems can be resolved by treatment or lifestyle adjustments. A person with ADHD could benefit from changing their diet or taking supplements to improve his eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy will help him learn how to better resist distractions, impulsiveness and increase his concentration. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, both of which can help control emotions and increase concentration.
A complete history of symptoms is crucial, as is a physical examination. A doctor can also assess a patient for sleep apnea and hearing and thyroid problems, vision problems or lead poisoning as well as alcohol or drug abuse. These assessments can not only help determine the presence of a underlying disorder but also decrease or eliminate the effects of other disorders which can contribute to the ADHD-like behavior.
Most often, stimulants are prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. These include dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate as well as Concerta and Adderall. Other non-stimulant drugs could include clonidine or guanfacine, which are blood pressure medications which can aid in reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity, however they could take longer to start working and could cause adverse effects such as constipation, heartburn and low sexual drive.
ADHD patients tend to forget appointments, arrive late for work and make irrational choices that can strain even the most patient of family and friends members. Couples therapy or classes that improve communication skills can help people establish stable relationships.
Exercise, diet, and stress reduction all play a role in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have found that avoiding certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it is important to consult a doctor prior to attempting any of these methods. If you try this without consulting a doctor, it could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.