ADHD Treatments For Adults
Most doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They can help regulate levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants can reduce symptoms, but they operate slower.
Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults acquire techniques to improve organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy are also effective in improving social functioning.
Medicines
You can take medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people feel better after changing their diets or taking supplements. However, these should only ever be administered under the supervision of a physician. Other treatments can include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy (CBT) as well as counseling for families. Many adults suffering from ADHD struggle to stick to their medication. They should speak to their doctor and ask for assistance. Some medications can be purchased on the internet, while others require prescription.
Most ADHD medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This decreases impulsivity and increases concentration. The most popular medications are stimulants, like methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. They are believed to be the most effective for ADHD treatment, however they do have side effects. Heart problems are among the most serious side effects. The stimulant medication can also trigger tics, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth in adolescents and children by just a few months.
Nonstimulant medications can be prescribed to those who suffer from uncontrollable adverse effects from stimulants or are at risk of heart problems. These are mostly norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. They're not as effective as stimulants, but they are safe and don't carry the potential for abuse that some people have with stimulant medication.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a structured schedule, creating and adhering to a budget, developing your organizational skills, gaining knowledge about your disorder and devising strategies to deal with your symptoms. Talk to a doctor about the best ways to manage your disorder. You can also find a wealth of useful 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 talking to an therapist and attending classes in 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 as an adult can have profound emotional, social and occupational 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. Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. Those with comorbid disorders may be more difficult to respond to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A detailed patient history is essential, since many medical conditions can manifest similar to symptoms of ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders sleep apnea, thyroid disorders must be assessed more closely. Patients with active substance abuse, or those with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease and high blood pressure should refrain from receiving stimulant therapy (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of informing patients about their disorder and its effects on their lives. Psychoeducation can also aid in improving self-esteem in patients who often are stigmatized, for example, being perceived as lazy or less intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to teach patients better ways to manage their time and activities, improving their ability to organize their lives. This can reduce the chances of missing appointments and making decisions that are impulsive and could result in problems at the workplace, at school or with their personal lives. This kind of therapy can help improve relationships with their children, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is focused on helping individuals to change their behavior patterns that are negative. This type of therapy is extremely effective at improving the functioning of people with ADHD, particularly when combined with family therapy and psychoeducation. The process of educating patients and significant others about ADHD can reduce the frequency of blaming one another for problems caused by the patient's inability to control their own behavior. Classes that teach families and couples how to better communicate and manage conflicts can be beneficial.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan for ADHD will address the symptoms and their impacts on the family, work and school. It will include both stimulant and nonstimulant medications as well as psychosocial therapy, notably cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change their thinking about their behavior. It also helps patients learn to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They have been around for a long period of time, and there are many kinds of medications each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The two most common stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine that are available under many different brand names such as Adderall and Ritalin. Viloxazine is a selective reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine increases the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells. Atomoxetine and viloxazine are often used to treat ADHD in adults due to the fact that they have a slower onset than stimulants. They are also available to people who cannot take stimulants due to other health issues or severe adverse effects.
It's important to recognize that comorbid disorders can mimic the symptoms of ADHD So the severity and presence of any other condition should be considered when determining an ADHD diagnosis. It is also essential to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or hearing and vision problems.
Some patients may also be able reduce their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. However, it's essential to seek medical advice prior cutting out any foods that could result in nutritional deficiencies. This should only be done with the guidance of a doctor or dietician. Another option is counseling, which helps patients manage their symptoms and develop better relationships with their families. Counseling can also assist spouses in understanding that the patient's actions are not necessarily a sign of lack of love or willful infractions.
Education
Both doctors and patients can be confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. It's not uncommon for different mental health disorders to coexist with the disorder, and certain medications and medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
Treatment or lifestyle changes can resolve many of these issues. A person with ADHD could benefit from changing their diet or taking supplements to improve their eating habits, for example. Behavioral therapy could help the person to be more resistant to distractions and impulsiveness, increase his concentration and self-control. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can aid in controlling emotions and improve concentration.
A thorough history of the symptoms is essential, as is a physical exam. A physician can also check for sleep apnea and other disorders like hearing and vision issues thyroid disorders, alcohol or drug abuse and lead poisoning. In treating adults with adhd to determining if there is a possibility of an underlying cause, these tests can help rule out or reduce the effects of other conditions that could cause an individual's ADHD-like behavior.
If a doctor prescribes medication for ADHD The most popular medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, including methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Other non-stimulant drugs include clonidine as well as Guanfacine. These blood pressure medications can help with an impulsive and hyperactivity problem, but may take longer to work and have adverse effects like constipation, heartburn, and a lack of sex.
People suffering from ADHD frequently 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 that help improve communication skills can help patients establish stable relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction all play a role in managing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have discovered that avoiding certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it is essential to consult with a physician prior to trying any of these methods. If you decide to do this without consulting with a physician it could result in nutritional deficiency and other health issues.