ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the first treatment most doctors recommend. They can help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers inside the brain. Antidepressants, as well as Atomoxetine (Strattera) can help alleviate symptoms, but they work slower.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, aids adults develop their organizational and planning abilities. Coaching and psychotherapy can help improve social functioning.
adhd treatment for adults
If you have ADHD and are suffering from it, you could benefit from medications to manage your symptoms. Some people find that they get better through a change in their diet or taking supplements, however these should only be used under the guidance of a physician. Other options include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as family counseling. Some people with ADHD have difficulty staying on medication However, they should talk with their doctors and seek help. Certain medications are available over the counter, while others require a prescription.
The majority of ADHD medications are based on increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. This decreases impulsivity and increases concentration. Some of the most common medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. Although they are considered the most effective treatment for ADHD, they also have side effects. Some of these adverse effects can be severe, like cardiovascular problems. The stimulant medication can also trigger tics, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth in adolescents and children by a few months.
Nonstimulant drugs are often prescribed for people who have adverse reactions to stimulants that are not tolerated or are at risk of developing heart issues. These medications include dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. They're not as effective as stimulants, but they are safe and don't have the potential for abuse that some people are prone to with stimulant drugs.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a planned schedule, making and sticking to a budget, developing your organizational skills, gaining knowledge about your disorder and devising strategies for dealing with your symptoms. You should talk to a professional to learn about the best way to manage your condition. You will find plenty of helpful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your relationships can be strained due to your ADHD symptoms. Talking with a therapist about how you interact with your family members or friends and attending classes that teach conflict resolution can be helpful. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how 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 consequences. These include lower academic achievement as well as higher rates of job failure and transfer and poor performance at work. There are also more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population. Comorbidity between depression, anxiety and addiction to substances is common among adults with ADHD. People with comorbid disorders might have a harder time responding to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A thorough patient history is essential, since many medical conditions may have symptoms similar to symptoms of ADHD. Patients with seizures, developmental disorders sleep apnea, and thyroid disorders must be assessed more carefully. Treatment with stimulants is not recommended in patients with active substance abuse or with certain medical conditions, including heart disease, 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 as well as its effects on different aspects of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can also help improve self-esteem in patients who often face stigma, such as being judged as inept or unintelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to teach patients better ways to manage their time and work as well as improving their ability to organize their lives. This will reduce the chance of missing appointments or making decisions that are impulsive and could create problems at school, at work or with their personal lives. This type of therapy may improve the relationship of a person with their family, friends, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults suffering from ADHD is focused on helping people modify their behavior patterns that are harmful to them. This type of therapy is extremely efficient in improving the functioning of those suffering from ADHD particularly when it is paired with psychoeducation and family therapy. By educating patients and their loved ones about ADHD it can decrease the amount of time they blame each other for the issues caused by a person's inability to manage his or her behavior. Classes that teach couples and families to communicate more effectively and develop strategies for resolving conflicts can help.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan will address the signs of ADHD and their effects on school, work, and family. It will include non-stimulant and stimulant medications as along with psychosocial treatment, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change their thinking about their behavior. It also helps patients learn 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 referred to as neurotransmitters. They've been around for a long time and there are several different kinds of medications each with its distinct advantages and negative effects. The two most common stimulants are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate that are available under various brand names such as Adderall and Ritalin. Viloxazine is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine boosts the amount of a brain chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. Atomoxetine and viloxazine are often used to treat ADHD in adults since they are more gradual in onset than stimulants. They also are available to people who can't take stimulants because of other health problems or who suffer from severe side effects.
It is important to remember that co-occurring disorders can cause symptoms of ADHD So the severity and frequency of any other conditions must be considered when making the ADHD diagnosis. It is also essential to rule out any physical causes of the symptoms, such as an underlying thyroid disorder or problems with hearing and vision.
Some patients may also be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms through diet changes. It is essential to consult with a doctor prior to eliminating any food. This could lead to nutritional deficiencies and should be done under the supervision of a dietician or doctor. Another option is counseling which helps patients manage their symptoms and develop stronger relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses understand that the patient's behavior is not necessarily a sign that they are unloving or malicious.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing for both the patient and the doctor. It's not uncommon for different mental health disorders to coexist with the disorder, and certain medications and medical conditions can also produce symptoms that mimic those of ADHD.
Many of these problems can be addressed with treatments or lifestyle adjustments. A person suffering from ADHD may benefit from taking supplements or changing their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy will teach him how to resist distractions, impulsiveness and improve his focus. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness-based meditation practice, both of which can help control emotions and increase focus.
A thorough history of symptoms and a physical exam are crucial. A doctor can also examine a patient for sleep apnea, hearing and vision problems, thyroid disorders as well as lead poisoning, alcohol or drug abuse. In addition to determining if there is a possibility of a root cause, these evaluations can assist in determining or lessen the effects of other disorders that might cause an individual's ADHD-like behavior.
If a doctor prescribes medication for ADHD the most commonly prescribed ones are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant drugs include clonidine and Guanfacine. These blood pressure medicines can help with an impulsive and hyperactivity problem, but might take longer to effect and may cause negative side effects, such as constipation, heartburn, and a lack of sex.
People suffering from ADHD often miss appointments, are late for work, and make irrational choices which can strain the patience of even the most tolerant friends and relatives. Couples therapy and classes that focus on improving communication skills can help people develop stable relationships.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction all play a role in managing ADHD symptoms. Some people with the condition have found that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements aids them, but it's important to consult a physician before trying these methods. If you do this without a doctor's advice could result in nutritional deficiencies and other health problems.