ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the first option that doctors recommend. They aid in balancing the levels of two chemical messengers inside the brain. Antidepressants, as well as Atomoxetine (Strattera) are also able to reduce symptoms, but they do so more slowly.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults acquire skills to improve organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy can also enhance social functioning.
Medicines
If you have ADHD, you can benefit from medications to treat your symptoms. Some people may find that they get better through a change in their diet or taking supplements, but these should only be used under a doctor's guidance. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family counseling are all possible treatments. Some people with ADHD have difficulty staying on medication However, they should talk with their doctors and ask for assistance. adult add treatments can be purchased over the counter, while others require prescription.
The majority of medications prescribed for ADHD help by increasing the levels of dopamine inside your brain, which reduces impulsivity and enhances focus. The most commonly used medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They are thought to be the most effective for ADHD treatment, but they do have side effects. Some of these side effects can be serious, such as cardiovascular issues. In addition, stimulants can cause tics, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth by a few month in children and teenagers.
Nonstimulant drugs are often prescribed to people who suffer from adverse reactions to stimulants that are not tolerated or are at risk of developing heart problems. These are typically dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. They aren't as efficient as stimulants, but 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 well-planned schedule, making and sticking to a budget, improving organizational skills, learning more about your disorder, and developing strategies to manage your symptoms. It is important to speak with an expert to learn the best approach to managing your condition, and you will find plenty of helpful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your relationships may be strained by your ADHD symptoms. You can improve your relationships by talking to an therapist and attending classes on conflict resolution. You can improve your relationships with your family members or friends by helping them understand your ADHD and telling them that your behavior is not intentional.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has significant social, emotional and occupational consequences for occupational, emotional and social. These include lower academic success and higher rates of job loss and transfer, poor work performance as well as more car accidents and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer and colleagues 2007). Adults with ADHD are more likely to be suffering from depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs. Patients with comorbid disorders could have a harder time responding to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A thorough patient history is essential, since many medical conditions can manifest similar to those of ADHD. Patients with developmental disorders, seizure disorders, sleep apnea thyroid disorders and lead poisoning should be carefully evaluated. Treatment with stimulants is not recommended in patients who are addicted to drugs or with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, arrhythmias and tachycardia (Greenhill 2001).).
Psychosocial therapy for adults with 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 improve self-esteem for patients who frequently are stigmatized, for example, being viewed as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
The purpose of the therapy for adults who suffer from ADHD, is to improve their organizational skills and help them learn better ways to manage their time. This can decrease the chance of missing appointments or making impulsive decisions that can cause difficulties at work, school or in their private lives. This type of therapy may help improve relationships with their spouse, children and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is focused on helping individuals to change their behavior patterns that are harmful to them. This type of therapy can be very effective in improving the functioning of those suffering from ADHD, especially if combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. Educating patients and their loved ones about ADHD can help reduce the tendency to blame one another for problems caused by the patient's inability to manage his or her own behavior. Classes that teach couples and families how to better communicate and resolve conflicts can be helpful.
Counseling
A good treatment plan will address the symptoms of ADHD and their impact on school, work and family. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant medications and psychosocial therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral 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 their family and friends.
Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD boost and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. There are a myriad of types of stimulant medications, each with their own benefits and side-effects. The two most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. These are sold under various brands, including Ritalin and Adderall. Viloxazine is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine increases the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine as well as atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD among adults, as they have a slower development than stimulants. They also are available to people who can't take stimulants because of other health issues or suffer from severe side effects.
It is important to remember that multiple disorders can resemble the symptoms of ADHD So the severity and presence of any other conditions must be considered when making an ADHD diagnosis. It's also important to rule out any physical reasons for the symptoms, such as a thyroid disorder or problems with hearing and vision.
It's also important to note that some patients might be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by altering their diet. But it's crucial to seek medical advice before cutting out any food, as this can cause nutritional deficiencies. It should only be done with the guidance of a doctor or dietician. Another option is counseling which can help patients learn to manage their symptoms and establish stronger relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses recognize that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign they are not loving or malicious.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be a bit confusing for both doctors and patients. It's not uncommon for different mental health disorders to coexist with the disorder, and some medications and medical conditions can cause symptoms that resemble the symptoms of ADHD.
Treatment or lifestyle changes can help with many of these issues. A person with ADHD could benefit from changing their diet or taking supplements to improve their eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy can help him to better resist the temptations and impulsiveness that can distract him, improve his concentration and self-control. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness meditation practice, both of which can help control emotions and improve attention.
A thorough history of symptoms is essential as is a physical exam. A doctor can also examine the patient for sleep apnea and hearing and vision problems, thyroid disorders as well as lead poisoning, drug or alcohol abuse. These assessments can help to determine the presence of an underlying disorder, but also reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders that can contribute to the ADHD-like behavior.
If a doctor suggests medication for ADHD, the most common ones are stimulants, like dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, including methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant drugs include clonidine and Guanfacine. These blood pressure medications can aid in reducing an impulsive and hyperactivity problem, but can take longer to work and may cause adverse effects like constipation, heartburn, and low sex desire.
People suffering from ADHD often miss appointments or are late for work and make irrational decisions that can be a challenge for even the most patient friends and relatives. Couples therapy or classes to improve communication skills can help people build solid relationships.
Exercise, diet, and stress reduction could all play a role in managing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have found that removing certain foods or taking supplements helps them, but it's important to consult a physician before trying these methods. Doing so without a doctor's direction could result in nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.