ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the first option that doctors recommend. They aid in balancing the levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine (Strattera) can help alleviate symptoms, but they work slower.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults develop strategies to improve their organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy can enhance social functioning.
Medicines
You can use medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people find they feel better after altering their diets or taking supplements. However they should only be administered under the supervision of a physician. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), or family counseling are all possible treatment options. Some people with ADHD struggle to adhere to medication However, they should talk to their doctors and ask for assistance. Certain medications are available over-the-counter while others need prescriptions.
Most drugs prescribed for ADHD help by increasing the levels of dopamine in your brain, which reduces the impulsivity and increases concentration. Some of the most common medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. Although they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD however, they can also cause negative side consequences. Cardiovascular problems are some of the most serious adverse effects. In addition, stimulants can cause tics such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications can also delay growth by a few month in children and teenagers.
Nonstimulant drugs are prescribed to patients who suffer from uncontrollable side effects from stimulants, or those at risk of heart disease. These medications are primarily dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine or alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These medications are not as effective as stimulants however they are safe and do not have the abuse potential that many people have when taking stimulant medication.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms by following the prescribed schedule, creating and adhering to an exact budget, enhancing your organization skills, gaining knowledge about your disorder and creating strategies to address your symptoms. Talk to a professional about the best strategies to manage your ADHD. You can also find a wealth of useful resources on the site of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your ADHD symptoms can strain your relationships. Talking to a therapist about the way you interact with your coworkers or spouse and taking classes to learn conflict resolution can be helpful. You can improve your relationships with your spouse or co-workers by helping them understand your ADHD and by telling them that your behavior isn't malicious.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can have significant emotional, social, and occupational consequences. These include lower academic achievements as well as higher rates of job loss and transfer, and poor work performance. There are also more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population. Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, or addiction to drugs. People with comorbid disorders might have a harder time responding to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
It is crucial to obtain an extensive medical history of the patient because a wide range of medical conditions could manifest symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients with seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea and thyroid disorders need to be evaluated more carefully. Patients who are active in their addiction to substances or with certain medical conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure are not recommended from receiving stimulant treatment (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their disorder and its effects on their lives. Psychoeducation can help patients boost their self-esteem, especially those who are frequently viewed as being lazy or less intelligent.
The aim of a the therapy for adults who suffer from ADHD, is to improve their organizational skills and teach them how to manage their time. This will reduce the chance of missing appointments and making decisions that are impulsive and could result in problems at school, at work, or with their personal lives. This kind of therapy can also help improve the effectiveness of one's interactions with spouses, children and co-workers.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults who suffer from ADHD is geared towards helping people to change their negative behaviour patterns. This kind of therapy is extremely efficient in improving the functioning of people suffering from ADHD especially when it is combined with psychoeducation for families and family therapy. By educating patients and loved family members about ADHD it will reduce the frequency with which they blame each other for the issues caused by the inability of a patient to control their behavior. Classes that teach couples and families how to communicate more effectively and improve their strategies for resolving conflicts can be beneficial.
Counseling
A good treatment plan for ADHD will address the symptoms and their effects on work, family, and school. It will include both stimulant and nonstimulant drugs as well as psychosocial therapy, notably cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change the way they think about their behavior. It also helps patients learn to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
I Am Psychiatry used to treat ADHD boost and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. There are a variety of stimulant medications, each with their own benefits and adverse effects. The two most popular stimulants are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate that are available under many different brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. Viloxazine is a norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine boosts the amount of a brain chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine as well as atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD among adults, as they have a more gradual development than stimulants. They are also available to people who can't take stimulants because of other health issues or have severe adverse effects.
It is important to be aware that comorbidities can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, the presence and severity other conditions should be considered when diagnosing ADHD. It's important to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, including thyroid disorders, hearing or sight problems.
Certain patients may be able 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 supervision of a doctor or dietician. Another option is counseling which can assist patients in learning to cope with their symptoms and build better relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses understand that the patient's behavior is not necessarily a sign they are unloving or malicious.
Education
Both doctors and patients are susceptible to being misled by the diagnosis of ADHD. Other mental disorders can coexist with ADHD, and certain medical conditions and medications may also produce symptoms that mimic ADHD.
Lifestyle or treatment changes can help with many of these issues. For instance, a person suffering from ADHD could benefit from changing their diet or taking supplements to improve his eating habits, for example. Behavioral therapy can teach him how to manage distractions, impulsiveness and improve his focus. A doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can both aid in regulating emotions and increase concentration.
A thorough history of the symptoms and a physical exam are essential. A physician can also evaluate the patient for sleep apnea, hearing or thyroid problems, vision problems or lead poisoning as well as alcohol or drug abuse. These tests will not only aid in determining the presence of an underlying disorder, but also decrease or eliminate the effects of other disorders which could contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
Most often, stimulants are prescribed by doctors for ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine Concerta and Adderall. Other non-stimulant drugs could include clonidine or guanfacine, which are blood pressure drugs that can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, but they might take longer to start working and could cause adverse effects such as constipation, heartburn and low sexual drive.
People with ADHD often forget appointments or are late for work, and make irrational choices that strain the patience of even the most patient family members and friends. Couples therapy and classes focusing on improving communication skills can help patients establish stable relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction all play a part in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people with ADHD have reported that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it's crucial to speak with a doctor prior to attempting any of these treatments. If you do this without a doctor's guidance could lead to nutritional deficiencies and health issues.