ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the first treatment most doctors recommend. They aid in balancing the 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 learn techniques to improve organization and planning. Psychotherapy and coaching can also enhance social functioning.
Medicines
You can use medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people might discover that they improve by altering their diet or taking supplements, but these should only be utilized under the guidance of a physician. Other options include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and counseling for families. Certain adults with ADHD are unable to stay on medication However, they should talk with their doctors and seek help. Certain medications are available for purchase over the counter and some require prescriptions.
Most ADHD medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This reduces impulsivity, and improves concentration. Some of the most popular medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They are believed to be the most effective for ADHD treatment, but they can cause side effects. Heart problems are among the more serious adverse effects. In addition, stimulants can cause the appearance of tics, like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth in adolescents and children by a few months.
Nonstimulant medications can be prescribed to people who suffer from uncontrollable adverse effects from stimulants or are at risk of developing heart problems. These are mostly norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants, but are safe and don't have the abuse potential that many people have with stimulant drugs.
You can try to reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a structured schedule, establishing and adhering to a budget, enhancing your organizational skills, gaining knowledge about your condition, and developing strategies for dealing with your symptoms. Talk to a doctor about the best strategies to manage your disorder. You will also find numerous helpful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your relationships can be strained by your ADHD symptoms. You can improve your relationships by speaking with an therapist and attending classes on conflict resolution. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how your ADHD affects you and understanding that some of your actions are not a deliberate act of aggression.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can have significant social, emotional, and occupational consequences. These include lower academic success as well as higher rates of job loss and transfer, poor performance at work as well as a higher number of car accidents, and higher divorce rates than the general population (Spencer and colleagues 2007). 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 medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A detailed patient history is vital, as many medical conditions can have symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Patients with developmental disorders, seizure disorder, sleep apnea and thyroid disorders need to be evaluated more closely. Patients who abuse substances or those suffering from certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure are contraindicated from receiving stimulant therapy (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 the effects it has on their lives. adhd treatments adults can also aid in improving self-esteem for patients who frequently are stigmatized, for example, being judged as lazy or less intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to help patients learn how to organize their time and work as well as improving their skills in organizing. This can decrease the chance of missing appointments or making impulsive decisions that can cause difficulties at work, school or in their personal life. This type of therapy can also help improve the effectiveness of an individual's interactions with children, spouses and co-workers.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is focused on helping individuals to change their behavior patterns that are negative. This type of therapy is very efficient in improving the functioning of those suffering from 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 issues caused by the inability of a patient to control their behavior. Classes that help couples and families to communicate more effectively and develop strategies for resolving conflicts can help.
Counseling
A well-designed treatment strategy will address the symptoms of ADHD and their effects on work, school, and family. It will include both stimulant and nonstimulant medications as well as psychosocial therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change their thinking about their behavior. It also teaches them skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant medication is used to treat ADHD. They balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They have been around for a long time, and there are many kinds of medications each with its own benefits and side effects. The two most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine that are available under various brand names such as Adderall and Ritalin. Viloxazine is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine increases the quantity of a brain chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine as well as atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a less gradual onset than stimulants. These medications are also available to those who cannot take stimulants due to health issues or severe side effects.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbid conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Therefore the presence and severity of other conditions must be taken into consideration when diagnosing ADHD. It's important to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, hearing and sight problems.
Some patients may also be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. However, it's essential to seek medical advice prior cutting out any food which could cause nutritional deficiencies. It should only be done with the help of a doctor or dietician. Counseling can also help patients deal with their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family. Counseling can also assist spouses in understanding that the patient's behaviors are not necessarily a sign of a lack of love or a deliberate act of wrongdoing.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be a bit confusing for both patients and doctors. It is not uncommon for other mental health disorders to coexist with the disorder. Additionally, certain medications and medical conditions can cause symptoms that resemble those of ADHD.
Lifestyle or treatment changes can solve a lot of these issues. Someone suffering from ADHD could benefit by taking supplements or altering their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy can teach him to better resist the temptations and impulsiveness that can distract him, improve his focus and develop self-control. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, both of which can aid in regulating emotions and increase concentration.
A thorough history of the symptoms is essential and so is a physical exam. A physician can also evaluate the patient for sleep apnea, hearing or thyroid problems, vision problems, lead poisoning and alcohol or drug abuse. In addition to determining the presence of a root cause, these tests can help rule out or reduce the effects of other disorders that might cause a patient's ADHD-like behavior.
When a doctor recommends medication for ADHD, the most common ones are stimulants, like dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant drugs include clonidine and guanfacine. These blood pressure medication can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, but can take longer to work and have adverse effects like constipation, heartburn and low sexual desire.
People with ADHD often miss appointments or are late for work, and make irrational choices which can strain the patience of even the most forgiving friends and relatives. Couples therapy and classes focusing on improving communication skills can help people develop stable relationships.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction can all help in reducing ADHD symptoms. adhd adults treatment suffering from ADHD have reported that avoiding certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it's important to consult a doctor prior to attempting any of these methods. If you try this without consulting a doctor it could result in nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.