ADHD Treatments For Adults
Most doctors recommend stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They can help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Antidepressants, as well as Atomoxetine (Strattera), can also help alleviate symptoms, but they work more slowly.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults develop techniques to improve organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy are also able to improve social functioning.
Medicines
If you have ADHD, you can benefit from medication to manage your symptoms. Some people notice they feel better after altering their diet or taking supplements. However they should only be used under the guidance of a medical professional. Other options include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and family counseling. Many adults suffering from ADHD struggle to stay on their medication. They should consult their doctor and ask for assistance. Some medications are available over-the-counter and some require prescriptions.
The majority of the medicines prescribed for ADHD are effective in increasing the levels of dopamine within your brain, which reduces impulsivity and improves concentration. Some of the most popular medications are stimulants like methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. They are believed to be the most effective for ADHD treatment, however they can cause side effects. Some of these side effects can be severe, like cardiovascular problems. Stimulant medications can also cause the tics of blinking eyes or throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth in adolescents and children by a few months.
Nonstimulant medicines are prescribed for people who have intolerable side effects from stimulants or are at risk of heart problems. These are typically norepinephrine, dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. These aren't as effective as stimulants, however they are safe and don't carry the potential for abuse that some people are prone to with stimulant medications.
You can try to reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a structured schedule, making and sticking to a budget, enhancing the organization skills, learning more about your disorder and devising strategies to deal with your symptoms. Talk to a professional about the best ways 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 due to your ADHD symptoms. You can improve your relationships by speaking with a therapist or taking classes in conflict resolution. You can improve your relationships with your spouse or co-workers by helping them understand your ADHD and by letting them know that your behavior is not intentional.
Therapy
ADHD as an adult can have significant social, emotional, and occupational consequences. These include lower academic achievement and higher rates of job failure and transfer and poor performance at work. Additionally, there are more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population. Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, or abuse of substances. People with comorbid conditions might have a harder time responding to stimulant medication (Barkley & Gordon, 2002).
A detailed patient history is essential, since many medical conditions may have symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Patients with seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea thyroid disorders and lead poisoning must be careful to be evaluated. Patients who abuse substances or with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure should refrain from receiving stimulant treatment (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their condition and its effects on their lives. Psychoeducation can also help improve self-esteem for patients who frequently suffer from stigmas, such as being judged as inept or unintelligent.
The aim of a behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is to enhance their ability to organize their lives and help them learn better ways to manage their time. This can reduce the likelihood of missing appointments or making impulsive choices which can lead to problems at school, work or in their personal lives. This type of therapy may improve the relationship of a person with their family, friends, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults with ADHD is geared towards helping people change their negative behaviour patterns. This type of therapy can be extremely effective in improving the functioning of those with ADHD particularly when it is it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. The process of educating patients and loved ones about ADHD can help decrease the frequency of blaming each other for the problems caused by the person's inability to control his or her behavior. Classes that teach families and couples how to communicate better and resolve conflicts can be beneficial.
Counseling
A good treatment strategy will address the symptoms of ADHD and their effects on school, work and the family. It will include non-stimulant and stimulant medications as along with psychosocial treatment, notably cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change the way they think about their behavior. It also teaches them how to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD boost and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They've been around for a long period of time, and there are several different kinds of drugs, each with its own benefits and side effects. The two most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, which are available under a variety of names, such as Adderall and Ritalin. Other medications that treat ADHD are atomoxetine, which helps by increasing the amount of a substance in the brain that passes messages between brain cells and viloxazine which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a more gradual start than stimulants. These medications are also available to those who are unable to take stimulants due other medical conditions or serious adverse effects.
It is important to remember that comorbid disorders can mimic the symptoms of ADHD So the severity and frequency of any other conditions should be taken into consideration when making the ADHD diagnosis. It is important to determine the cause of the symptoms, including thyroid disorders, hearing and sight problems.
It's also important to note that some patients may be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by changing their diet. But it's crucial to seek medical advice before cutting out any foods which could result in nutritional deficiencies. It should only be done with the guidance of a physician or dietician. Counseling can also help patients cope with their symptoms, and improve their relationships with their family. Counseling can help spouses recognize that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign that they are not loving or malicious.
Education
Patients and doctors alike are often confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. Other mental disorders can coexist with ADHD, and certain medical conditions and medications may also produce symptoms that resemble ADHD.
Lifestyle changes or treatment can help with many of these issues. A person with ADHD might benefit from taking supplements or adjusting 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 therapy (CBT) or the practice of mindfulness meditation, both of which can help manage emotions and increase focus.
A thorough history of the symptoms is crucial as is a physical exam. A physician can also check for sleep apnea, as well as other conditions such as issues with vision and hearing, thyroid disorders, alcohol or drug abuse, and lead poisoning. These evaluations will not only aid in determining the presence of a underlying disorder but also reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders that could contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
Most commonly, stimulants are prescribed by physicians for ADHD. These include dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate as well as Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant medications could include guanfacine and clonidine which are blood pressure medicines that can help with hyperactivity and impulsivity, however they could take longer to begin working and may cause adverse effects such as constipation, heartburn, and low sexual drive.
People suffering from ADHD often forget appointments and are often late to work and make irrational decisions that strain the patience of even the most forgiving family members and friends. secret info and classes that concentrate on improving communication skills can help patients develop stable relationships.
Exercise, diet, and stress reduction can all play a part in managing ADHD symptoms. Some people with the condition have found that removing certain foods or taking supplements aids them, but it's important to talk to a doctor before trying these methods. Doing so without a doctor's advice could result in nutritional deficiencies and other health problems.