ADHD Treatments For Adults
Most doctors recommend stimulants, such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. They can help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine, (Strattera), can also reduce symptoms but work more slowly.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults acquire skills to improve organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy are able to improve social functioning.
Medicines
You can take medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people might 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 treatment (CBT) or family counseling are all viable treatments. Some adults with ADHD struggle to adhere to their medication. They should consult their doctor and ask for assistance. Certain medications are available for purchase over the counter and some require a prescription.
Most medications prescribed for ADHD help by increasing the levels of dopamine inside your brain, which reduces the impulsivity and increases focus. The most well-known medications are stimulants, like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. Although they are considered the most effective treatment for ADHD, they also have adverse consequences. Some of these side effects can be serious, such as heart problems. In addition, stimulants can cause the appearance of tics, like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications can also delay growth by a few month in teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant medicines are prescribed to people who suffer from uncontrollable side effects from stimulants, or who are at risk of heart disease. These medications are primarily dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These medications are not as effective as stimulants but are safe and do not have the abuse potential that some people experience with stimulant drugs.
You can lessen your ADHD symptoms by adhering to an established schedule, making and sticking to the strict guidelines of a budget, enhancing your organization skills, understanding about your condition and implementing strategies to manage your symptoms. Talk to a professional about the best ways to manage your ADHD. You will also find numerous helpful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your ADHD symptoms can affect your relationships. You can improve your relationships by speaking with a therapist or taking classes on conflict resolution. You can improve your relationships with your coworkers or spouse by helping them understand your ADHD and by letting them know that your behavior isn't malicious.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has significant occupational, emotional and social consequences for occupational, emotional and social. This includes lower academic performance, higher rates for transfer and job failure, as well as poor work performance. There are also more car accidents, and higher divorce rates than the general population. Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs. Patients with multiple conditions may be more difficult to respond to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon, 2002).
It is essential to take an extensive background of the patient as many medical conditions can have symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients with developmental disorders, seizure disorders, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning should be carefully evaluated. Patients who abuse substances or those suffering from certain medical conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure should refrain from receiving stimulant therapy (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy encompasses psychoeducation and behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their disorder and the effects it has on their lives. Psychoeducation can help patients boost their self-esteem, particularly those who are frequently viewed as lazy or less intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to teach patients how to organize their time and work and improve their organizational skills. This can decrease the chance of missing appointments or making impulsive choices that could cause difficulties at work, school or in their personal lives. This kind of therapy can also help improve the effectiveness of an individual's interactions with spouses, children and coworkers.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is geared towards helping individuals change their behaviors. This type of therapy is very efficient in improving the performance of people with ADHD, particularly when combined with family therapy and psychoeducation. Through educating patients and their loved family members about ADHD it will reduce the frequency at which they blame each other for the problems caused by a patient's inability manage his or her behavior. webpage that teach couples and families how to communicate better and manage conflicts can help.
Counseling
A good treatment plan will address the symptoms of ADHD and their impact on school, work, and the family. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant medications as along with psychosocial treatment, notably cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients to change their way of thinking about their behavior. It also helps patients learn to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
Stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They have been around for a long time and there are many kinds of drugs, each with its distinct advantages and negative effects. The two most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine. They are sold under many brand names, including Ritalin and Adderall. Other drugs used to treat ADHD include atomoxetine, which is a stimulant that increases the amount of a substance in the brain that passes messages between brain cells, and viloxazine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are commonly used to treat ADHD in adults due to the fact that they are more gradual in onset than stimulants. These drugs are also available to people who are unable to take stimulants due other medical conditions or serious side effects.
It is important to be aware that comorbid conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Therefore, the presence and severity other conditions must be taken into consideration when diagnosing ADHD. It is essential to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, hearing or sight problems.
It's also worth noting that some patients may be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by changing their diet. However, it's essential to seek medical advice prior eliminating any food items which could result in nutritional deficiencies. This should only be done with the assistance of a doctor or a dietician. Counseling can also help patients manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family. 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 the patient and the doctor. It is not uncommon for other mental health disorders to coexist the disorder. Additionally, certain medications and medical conditions can also produce symptoms that mimic those of ADHD.
Many of these problems can be solved with treatments or lifestyle adjustments. Someone suffering from ADHD might benefit from adjusting diet or taking supplements to improve his eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy can teach him to better resist distractions and impulsiveness, improve his focus and develop self-control. A doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness meditation practice that can help control emotions and improve attention.
A thorough history of symptoms is crucial as is a physical exam. A doctor can also assess the patient for sleep apnea and hearing and vision problems, thyroid disorders as well as lead poisoning, alcohol or drug abuse. These tests can help to determine the presence of an underlying disorder, but also decrease or eliminate the effects of other disorders which may contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
Most often, stimulants are prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. These include dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant medications include clonidine and Guanfacine. These blood pressure medications can aid in reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity, but may take longer to work and have adverse effects like constipation, heartburn, and a lack of sex.
ADHD patients often forget appointments, arrive late for work and make uninformed choices that can strain even the most patient of friends and family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on improving communication skills can help people build relationships that are stable.
Exercise, diet, and stress reduction all can play a part in managing ADHD symptoms. Certain people with ADHD have reported that avoiding certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it's crucial to speak with a doctor prior to trying any of these treatments. If you do this without consulting with a physician this could lead to nutritional deficiency and other health issues.