ADHD Treatments For Adults
Most doctors recommend stimulants, such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. They help balance levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine (Strattera), can also help alleviate symptoms, but they work more slowly.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can help adults learn skills to improve organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy can also enhance social functioning.
Medicines
If you suffer from ADHD, you can benefit from medication to alleviate your symptoms. Some people are more comfortable after changing their diets or taking supplements. However, these should only ever be used under the guidance of a physician. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT), or family counseling are all viable solutions. Certain adults suffering from ADHD struggle to stay on their medication. They should consult their doctor and seek assistance. Certain medications are available over-the-counter while others need prescriptions.
Most medicines prescribed for ADHD are effective in increasing the levels of dopamine within your brain, which reduces impulsivity and improves concentration. Some of the most popular medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They are thought to be the most effective ADHD treatment, but they do have side effects. Cardiovascular problems are some of the most serious adverse effects. Stimulant medication may also cause symptoms like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth in children and adolescents by several months.
Nonstimulant medicines are prescribed to people who suffer from uncontrollable adverse effects from stimulants or are at risk of heart problems. These medications are primarily norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. They aren't as efficient as stimulants, but they are safe and don't have the potential for abuse as some people are prone to with stimulant medications.
You can reduce 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 disorder and developing strategies to manage your symptoms. It is important to speak with a professional to learn about the best approach to managing your condition, and you can find many useful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your relationships could be strained by your ADHD symptoms. You can improve your relationships by talking to an therapist and attending conflict resolution classes. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how your ADHD affects you and recognizing that some of your actions are not a deliberate act of aggression.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has significant occupational, emotional and social effects on occupational, emotional and social. how to treat adhd includes lower academic performance, 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 et al 2007). Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. Patients with multiple conditions may have a harder time responding to stimulant medication (Barkley & Gordon 2002).
A thorough history of the patient is vital, as many medical conditions may have symptoms similar to symptoms of ADHD. Patients suffering from developmental disorders, seizure disorder, sleep apnea and thyroid disorders must be assessed more closely. The use of stimulants is not recommended for patients with active substance abuse or with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, arrhythmias and tachycardia (Greenhill 2001).).
Psychosocial therapy encompasses behavioral therapy and psychoeducation for adults with ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of informing patients about their condition and the effects it has on their lives. Psychoeducation can help patients boost their self-esteem, especially those who are often viewed as lazy or less intelligent.
The aim of a the therapy for adults who suffer from ADHD, is to improve their abilities to manage their time and teach them better ways to organize their time. This will reduce the chance of missing appointments or making decisions that are impulsive and could create problems at school, at work, or with their personal lives. This kind of therapy can also improve a person's relationships with their children, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults with ADHD is geared towards helping people to change their negative behaviour patterns. This type of therapy can be extremely efficient in improving the performance of those with ADHD especially when coupled with psychoeducation and family therapy. By educating patients and loved ones about ADHD, it can reduce the frequency with which they blame each other for the difficulties caused by the inability of a patient to control their behavior. Classes that teach families and couples how to communicate more effectively and manage conflicts can be beneficial.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan will address the signs of ADHD and their impact on school, work, and family. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant medication as in addition to psychosocial treatment, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change their thinking about their behavior. It also helps patients learn how to manage their symptoms, and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant medication is used to treat ADHD. They regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. There are a variety of stimulant drugs, each with their own advantages and adverse effects. The two most common stimulants are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, which are available under various brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. Viloxazine is a norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine enhances the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are used to treat ADHD among adults, as they have a slower onset than stimulants. These drugs are also available to those who cannot take stimulants due other health issues or severe side effects.
It's important to recognize that co-occurring disorders can cause symptoms of ADHD Therefore, the severity and frequency of any other condition must be considered when determining an ADHD diagnosis. It's also important to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, like thyroid disorders or vision and hearing issues.
Certain patients may be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. However, it's important to seek medical advice prior eliminating any food items which could result in nutritional deficiencies and should only be done with the assistance of a doctor or dietician. Counseling can also help patients cope with their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family. Counseling can also help spouses realize that the patient's actions are not necessarily a sign of lack of love or willful misconduct.
Education
Both patients and doctors are susceptible to being misled by the diagnosis of ADHD. It's not uncommon for different mental health disorders to coexist the disorder. Additionally, certain medications and medical conditions may cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
Lifestyle changes or treatment can help with many of these issues. Someone suffering from ADHD may benefit from adjusting their diet or taking supplements to improve their eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy can teach the person to be more resistant to distractions and impulsiveness, improve the focus of his mind and develop self-control. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can aid in controlling emotions and improve concentration.
A complete history of symptoms is essential and so is a physical exam. A physician can also test for sleep apnea, as well as other conditions such as hearing and vision issues thyroid disorders, alcohol or drug abuse, and lead poisoning. In addition to determining if there is a possibility of an underlying cause these evaluations can help rule out or reduce the effects of other conditions that could cause a patient's ADHD-like behavior.
If a doctor prescribes medication for ADHD, the most common medications are stimulants, like dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant drugs include clonidine and Guanfacine. These blood pressure medicines can aid in reducing an impulsive and hyperactivity problem, but can take longer to work and may cause negative side effects, such as constipation, heartburn, and a lack of sex.
People with ADHD frequently have trouble keeping appointments, are late for work and make irrational decisions that can be a challenge for even the most patient family members and friends. Couples therapy and classes focusing on improving communication skills can help people develop stable relationships.
Diet, exercise, and stress reduction all can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from ADHD have discovered that avoiding certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it is important to consult a doctor prior to trying any of these methods. If you do this without a doctor's guidance could lead to nutritional deficiencies and health issues.