ADHD Treatments For Adults
The majority of doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They help balance levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine (Strattera), can also help alleviate symptoms, but they work slower.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults develop skills to improve organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy can enhance social functioning.
Medicines
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people notice they feel better after changing their diet or taking supplements. However, adhd symptoms and treatment should only ever be taken under the supervision of a medical professional. Other treatments can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family counseling. Certain adults with ADHD are unable to stay on medication However, they should talk to their doctor and ask for help. Certain medications can be purchased over-the-counter while others need a prescription.
The majority of drugs prescribed for ADHD work by increasing the levels of dopamine inside your brain, which decreases impulsivity and improves concentration. Some of the most popular drugs are stimulants, like methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. While they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD but they can also trigger adverse effects. Some of these adverse effects can be serious, such as cardiovascular issues. Stimulant medications can also cause antics, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications can also delay growth by a few month for teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant medications are prescribed to people who suffer from uncontrollable side effects from stimulants, or who are at risk of heart disease. 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 drugs.
You can lessen your ADHD symptoms by following a schedule, creating and adhering to the strict guidelines of a budget, enhancing your organizational skills, learning about your disorder and developing strategies to manage your symptoms. Talk to a doctor about the best ways to manage your ADHD. You can also find a wealth of helpful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your ADHD symptoms can affect your relationships. Talking with a therapist about how you interact with your family members or friends and attending classes that teach conflict resolution can help. You can improve your relationships with your coworkers or spouse by helping them understand your ADHD and by telling them that your behavior is not malicious.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has serious occupational, emotional and social consequences. These include lower academic achievement as well as higher rates of job loss and transfer, and poor performance at work. There are also more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population. Comorbidity of depression, anxiety and addiction to substances is prevalent among adults suffering from ADHD. Those with comorbid disorders may have more difficulty responding to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
It is crucial to obtain an in-depth history of the patient, as many medical conditions can manifest symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients with developmental disorders, seizure disorders, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning should be more carefully evaluated. Treatment with stimulants is not recommended in those who abuse drugs or in those with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, arrhythmias and tachycardia (Greenhill 2001).
adhd symptoms and treatment for adults with ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of teaching patients about their disorder and its impact on different aspects of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can also improve self-esteem in patients who often suffer from stigmas, such as being viewed as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
The aim of a the therapy for adults who suffer from ADHD, is to improve their organizational skills and teach them better ways to manage their time. This can help to reduce the risk of not attending appointments or making decisions impulsively which can lead to difficulties at work, school or in their private lives. This type of therapy could help improve relationships with their children, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults suffering from ADHD is focused on helping individuals modify their negative patterns of behavior. This kind of therapy is very effective at improving the functioning of people with ADHD, particularly when combined with family therapy and psychoeducation. Informing patients and significant others about ADHD can help reduce the tendency to blame one another for the issues caused by the patient's inability to manage his or her own behaviors. Classes that train couples and families to communicate more effectively and improve their strategies for resolving conflicts can be beneficial.
Counseling
A well-designed treatment strategy will address the symptoms of ADHD and their impact on work, school, and family. It will include non-stimulant and stimulant medication, as along with psychosocial treatment, 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 known as neurotransmitters. They've been around for a long period of time, and there are several different kinds of drugs each with their distinct advantages and negative effects. The two most popular stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine that are available under many different names, such as Adderall and Ritalin. Viloxazine is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine enhances the amount of a brain chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine and Atomoxetine are frequently used to treat ADHD in adults because they are less likely to cause symptoms than stimulants. They also are available to those who aren't able to take stimulants because of other health problems or who experience serious adverse effects.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbid conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, the presence and severity other conditions should be considered when diagnosing ADHD. It's also important to rule out any physical causes of the symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or problems with hearing and vision.
Some patients may also be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. It is important to consult with a doctor prior to eliminating any foods. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and should only be done under the guidance of a doctor or dietician. Counseling can also assist patients cope with their symptoms and improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses understand that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign they are averse to love or malicious.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing for both the patient and the doctor. It is not uncommon for other mental health conditions to coexist with the disorder. Additionally, certain medications and medical conditions may also produce symptoms that mimic those of ADHD.
Lifestyle changes or treatment can help with many of these issues. A person with ADHD may benefit from adjusting their diet or taking supplements to improve their eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy will teach him how to manage distractions, impulsiveness, and improve the focus of his mind. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness meditation practice that can help control emotions and improve attention.
A thorough medical history and a physical exam are important. A doctor can also look for sleep apnea and other disorders like problems with vision and hearing thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol abuse and lead poisoning. These tests will not only aid in determining the presence of an underlying disorder, but also reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders which may contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
The majority of stimulants are prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. They include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine Concerta and Adderall. Other non-stimulant drugs could include guanfacine and clonidine which are blood pressure medications which can aid in reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity, but they may take longer to begin working and could cause adverse effects such as heartburn, constipation and low sex drive.
People suffering from ADHD often forget appointments, are late for work, and make irrational choices which can strain the patience of even the most forgiving family members and friends. Couples therapy or classes to improve communication skills can help patients establish solid relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction can all help in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with the condition have found that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements can help them, however it's vital to consult a physician before trying these therapies. Making these decisions without a physician's direction could result in nutritional deficiencies and other health problems.