ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the first option that doctors recommend. They help balance the levels of two chemical messengers inside the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants also can reduce symptoms, but they operate more slowly.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, helps adults to improve their organizational and planning abilities. Coaching and psychotherapy are also effective in improving social functioning.
Medicines
If you have ADHD you may benefit from taking medication to alleviate the symptoms. Some people might be able to improve their condition by altering their diet or taking supplements, but they should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor. Other treatments can include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy (CBT), and counseling for families. Certain adults with ADHD struggle to adhere to medication, but they should talk with their doctors and seek help. Some medications are available over-the-counter, while others require the prescription of a doctor.
The majority of the drugs prescribed for ADHD work by increasing the levels of dopamine in your brain, which reduces impulsivity and improves focus. Some of the most popular drugs are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They are believed to be the most effective in ADHD treatment, however they can cause side effects. Cardiovascular problems are some of the most serious adverse effects. Stimulant medication may also cause the appearance of tics, like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth in adolescents and children by several months.
Nonstimulant drugs are often prescribed for people who have intolerable side effects from stimulants or are at risk of heart issues. These are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine 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 some people experience when taking stimulant medication.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a well-planned schedule, establishing and adhering to a budget, improving your organizational skills, gaining knowledge about your condition and devising strategies to manage your symptoms. Consult a professional regarding the best strategies 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 cause stress in your relationships. Talking with a therapist about how you interact with your family members or friends and taking classes that teach conflict resolution can be helpful. You can improve your relationships with your coworkers or spouse by having them understand your ADHD and telling them that your behavior is not malicious.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can result in profound emotional, social and occupational consequences. This includes lower academic performance, higher rates of job loss and transfer, poor performance at work as well as more car accidents and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer et al 2007). Comorbidity between depression, anxiety and addiction to substances is common among adults with ADHD. Patients with comorbid disorders could have more difficulty responding to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A thorough history of the patient is vital, as many medical conditions can manifest similar to those of ADHD. Patients with seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea and thyroid disorders should be evaluated more closely. The use of stimulants is not recommended for patients who are addicted to drugs or in those with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, arrhythmias and tachycardia (Greenhill 2001).).
Psychosocial therapy is a form of therapy that includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of teaching patients about their condition, including its effects on different areas of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can help patients boost their self-esteem, particularly those who are frequently viewed as being inept or unintelligent.
The goal of behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD, is to improve their organizational skills and teach them how to organize their time. This will decrease the chance of missing appointments or making decisions impulsively that can cause difficulties at work, school or in their personal lives. This kind of therapy can also improve the effectiveness of a person's interactions with children, spouses and coworkers.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults suffering from ADHD is focused on helping people modify their behavior patterns that are negative. This type of therapy can be extremely effective in improving the functioning of those with ADHD especially when coupled with psychoeducation and family therapy. Educating patients and their close friends about ADHD can help reduce the frequency of blaming one another for the issues caused by the person's inability to control his or her behavior. Classes that teach couples and families how to communicate better and resolve conflicts can be helpful.
Counseling
A good treatment strategy will address the symptoms of ADHD and their impact on school, work, and the family. treatment of add will include both stimulant and nonstimulant drugs and psychosocial therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change their thinking about their behavior. It also helps them develop skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. There are a myriad of types of stimulant medications, each with their own benefits and negative side effects. The two most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine. They are sold under many brand names, including Ritalin and Adderall. Other medications that treat ADHD are atomoxetine. It works by increasing the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells and viloxazine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine and viloxazine are often used to treat ADHD in adults because they are less likely to cause symptoms than stimulants. They are also available to those who aren't able to take stimulants due to other health issues or suffer from serious side effects.
It's important to recognize that multiple disorders can resemble the symptoms of ADHD, so the presence and severity of any other conditions should be considered when making the ADHD diagnosis. It is essential to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, including thyroid disorders, hearing and sight problems.
It's also worth noting that some patients might be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by changing their diet. It is essential to consult a physician prior to eliminating any foods. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies, and should only be done under the supervision of a doctor or dietician. Counseling can help patients deal with their symptoms, and also improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can also help spouses understand that the patient's actions are not necessarily a sign of a lack of affection or willful wrongdoing.
Education
Patients and doctors alike can be confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. Other mental disorders can coexist with ADHD, and certain medications and medical conditions may also produce symptoms that resemble ADHD.
Many of these problems can be solved with treatment or lifestyle adjustments. Someone suffering from ADHD could benefit from changing their diet or taking supplements to improve their eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy can help him to resist distractions and impulsiveness, improve his concentration and self-control. A doctor might suggest 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 essential. A physician can also test for sleep apnea and other conditions such as problems with vision and hearing thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol abuse as well as lead poisoning. In addition to determining the presence of an underlying cause these evaluations can help identify or lessen the effects of other disorders that might contribute to a patient's ADHD-like behavior.
If a doctor suggests medication for ADHD The most popular ones are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, including methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant drugs include clonidine and guanfacine. treatment for add in adults can reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they can take longer to work and can cause adverse effects like constipation, heartburn, and a lack of sex.
ADHD patients are often unable to remember appointments, arrive late to work and make irrational choices that can strain even the most patient family and friends members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on improving communication skills can help people establish stable relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction can all play a part in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from the condition have found that removing certain foods or taking supplements aids them, but it's important to talk to a doctor before attempting these treatments. If you decide to do this without consulting a doctor this could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.