ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is associated with significant impairments of academic performance and social functioning. Adults who suffer from ADHD are at a higher risk of developing anxiety disorders, depression and substance abuse.
The medications that help improve ADHD symptoms by increasing neurotransmitters responsible for controlling attention and impulsivity appear to work. Trials of medication are typically conducted to determine which medications and at what dosages work best for each person.
Medication
Acute treatments, such as medication, can improve symptoms of ADHD in adults. The most effective medications improve the core ADHD symptoms by affecting neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. They work by increasing the availability of neurotransmitters at presynaptic receptors and decreasing their reuptake to prevent their breakdown. Practitioners aren't able to know ahead of time what medication is most effective for a particular person So, most adults undergo a medication trial. The process begins with a low dose that is gradually increasing over 3-7 days until the clinical benefits are observed.
A popular psychostimulant used to treat ADHD is methylphenidate. It comes in tablet, liquid or extended-release form (Concerta). Extended release is the most dependable because it isn't crushed and used for other purposes, like to gain a high. Adults who use stimulant medications may be afflicted with serious health issues. People who have a history of substance abuse or alcohol use should consult a mental health professional regarding the use of psychostimulants.
Stimulants can trigger mood swings and sleep disturbances. If these effects are present it is possible for a person to change to a different form of medication, or even stop it. The use of stimulants is not recommended for people with the history of having Tourette's disease severe aorexia, mental illnesses such as schizoaffective disorders and antisocial personality disorders, or certain medical conditions, such as high blood-pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers like bupropion (Wellbutrin XL), can improve mood and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity in some adults with ADHD. They act by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic transporter, allowing more of the substance to reach the brain. They can be used in combination with other ADHD medicines or by themselves.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often afflicted by disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can be treated with psychotherapy or non-medicated treatments like cognitive behavior therapy. This treatment helps the patient learn to manage their symptoms, increase their self-esteem, relationships, and improve their functioning. Some therapists have special training in treating adults with ADHD.
Counseling
One of the most important aspects of adhd treatment for adults is counseling, which is a form of psychotherapy. Talk therapy can help you manage anxiety and stress, enhance your relationships, and deal with your emotions. It can also teach you strategies to improve your self-control as well as reduce impulsive behaviors. Counseling can be conducted in person or via the phone.
Counseling may include cognitive behavioral therapy. holistic treatment for adhd teaches you to recognize and change negative thoughts and behavior that could contribute to ADHD symptoms. It may also include family or marital therapy which can help your loved ones cope with their feelings and discover ways to help your progress. Lifestyle coaching may be a part of the program in the training to manage ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty waking up in the morning and getting through the day without feeling groggy or annoyed. A therapist can recommend a schedule for sleep, which could include an evening and wake-up time that is consistent each night and day. It's important to get enough sleep to ensure that your body is functioning optimally.
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to complete tasks and remain on the right track in their work, school and their personal lives. Often, their problems are rooted in long-standing patterns of underachievement and failure academic issues as well as job loss and relationship conflict. Individual therapy can help you deal with emotional baggage, like low self-esteem, feelings of embarrassment and shame due to past mistakes, and frustration at the criticism or the nagging that you receive from those close to you.
Behavioral coaching is a type of therapy for adults with ADHD that is focused on practical daily life solutions, such as organizing your home and office and arranging your day, prioritizing your tasks and managing your money. This type of therapy is usually available in person or via the internet and aims to help you develop strategies to improve your life with ADHD.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to have comorbid disorders than other disorders of the psyche, and it is important to address these as well. In some cases it is possible to combine treatments and medications can produce the best results. A therapist can help you learn how to manage your mood and anxiety through mindfulness-based treatments, like meditation and yoga, and address comorbid conditions such as addiction and depression.
Therapy
Many psychiatric disorders may mimic ADHD symptoms. To determine the reason for the symptoms of ADHD, a comprehensive assessment is required. This may include a medical history, psychological tests and a thorough examination of the behavior of a person. The evaluation will also include an investigation of a person's family history.
Psychotherapy is a crucial component of treatment for adhd in adults. It helps people deal with the emotional stress and frustrations triggered by their inability to perform at a level that satisfies their own expectations. It can also enhance relationships with their family members and help them develop coping mechanisms. Behavioral therapy can help patients to focus on their work and break down large projects into small steps which are easier to manage. It can also help them learn to manage their impulsive behavior and increase confidence in their abilities to succeed.
Counseling for families and marriage helps couples recognize the issues ADHD can bring to their relationship. They can also learn to discuss issues that arise in their marriages or families in a constructive manner, instead of blaming one another. Individual psychotherapy can assist people to discover the root of their issues, which could include feelings of guilt or sadness. It can also help people create healthy strategies for coping like exercising or meditation.
Some adults with ADHD can be treated with a calming medication such as clonidine. This is a 2 adrenergic antagonist. It is particularly beneficial for people who suffer from comorbid Tourette's syndrome or other tic disorders. It is typically used as a second line treatment after nonstimulant drugs have been tried, but are found to not be effective.
Clinical trials are research studies which investigate the safety and effectiveness of new treatments and diseases. They can be a vital part of adhd treatment and provide the opportunity to take part in cutting-edge research with the hope that it will result in better treatment in the future. Before taking part in any clinical trial, participants should talk to their physician. The health specialist will be able to give a list of current clinical trials for patients.
Nutrition
Adults who have ADHD often find that diet plays an important influence on how they feel and how well they function. A balanced and healthy diet can help decrease impulsivity and improve concentration. Eliminating junk food and sodas can help reduce or eliminate ADHD symptoms. Adults who suffer from ADHD should take regular meals and snacks as well as drinks to maintain their blood sugar levels constant throughout the day. This will improve their energy levels, mood, and sleep quality.
Many psychiatric disorders can have symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD, so it is important for adults with these conditions to be evaluated carefully to ensure that their symptoms are caused by an underlying disorder. Additionally, a variety of medical problems can also cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, including thyroid disorders, lead poisoning hearing and vision issues as well as anxiety and depression and a history of drug or alcohol use, and certain medications.
The diagnosis of ADHD for adults can be more difficult than in children. A diagnosis requires a history of childhood symptoms similar to ADHD and an assessment of functional impairment. Many adults do not have a clear history of childhood ADHD or have an older parent or sibling who can verify symptoms. A person who is abusing drugs or alcohol may not be a good candidate for treatment with psychostimulants and their physician should take into account this when deciding whether to prescribe these medications.
There are several FDA approved drugs that can treat adult ADHD. These include stimulants and nonstimulant medication. The use of stimulants can be beneficial in reducing the symptoms of ADHD, but they should be used with caution and those suffering from this disorder should be monitored regularly for adverse effects. There are also longer-acting versions of these drugs that can be consumed once or twice a day, which is a more convenient option for those who suffer from ADHD. These medicines are available in liquid, tablet or chewable forms, and they can be taken with or without food.