ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the first option that doctors recommend. They help balance the levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants can alleviate symptoms, but they do so more slowly.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can help adults learn techniques to improve organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy are effective in improving social functioning.
Medicines
If you have ADHD, you can benefit from medications to manage the symptoms. Some people may discover that they improve through a change in their diet or taking supplements, but they should only be taken under a doctor's guidance. Other treatments can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and family counseling. Some adults with ADHD struggle to stay on their medication. They should speak to their doctor and seek assistance. Certain medications are available over the counter, while others require a prescription.
Most ADHD medications help by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This reduces impulsivity and increases concentration. Some of the most common medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. Although they are considered the most effective treatment for ADHD, they also have side effects. Cardiovascular issues are among the most serious adverse effects. Stimulant medications can also cause antics, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth by a few month in children and teenagers.
Nonstimulant medications can be prescribed for people who have adverse reactions to stimulants that are not tolerated or are at risk of heart problems. These medications are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors, norepinephrine or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. They're not as effective as stimulants, however they are safe and don't carry the risk of abuse that certain people experience with stimulant medication.
You can try to reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a structured schedule, establishing and adhering to a budget, developing your organizational skills, gaining knowledge about your condition and implementing strategies to deal with your symptoms. It is recommended to talk with an expert to find out the best method to manage your disorder, and you will find plenty of helpful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your ADHD symptoms can cause stress in your relationships. You can improve your relationships by speaking to a therapist or taking classes on conflict resolution. You can improve your relationships with your family members or friends by helping them understand your ADHD and letting them know that your behavior isn't intentional.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can result in significant social, emotional, and occupational repercussions. These include lower academic success and more frequent failure to get a job and transfer, poor performance at work, more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population (Spencer and colleagues 2007). Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs. People with comorbid conditions might be less responsive to stimulant medications (Barkley & Gordon, 2002).
It is essential to take an in-depth history of the patient, because a wide range of medical conditions could present symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Patients with developmental disorders, seizure disorder sleep apnea, thyroid disorders must be assessed more closely. Stimulant treatment is contraindicated in those who abuse drugs or in those with certain medical conditions, like heart disease, high blood pressure, arrhythmias and tachycardia (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation involves teaching patients about their condition, including its effects on different areas of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can help patients boost their self-esteem, particularly those who are frequently viewed 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 will reduce the chance of missing appointments or making decisions impulsively that could cause problems in school, at work or with their personal lives. This kind of therapy could also improve the effectiveness of one's interactions with spouses, children and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD focuses on helping people change their negative patterns of behavior. This kind of therapy can be very efficient in improving the performance of those with ADHD particularly when it is it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. The process of educating patients and close friends about ADHD can reduce the tendency to blame one another for problems caused by the patient's inability to manage his or her behavior. Classes that teach families and couples how to communicate better and resolve conflicts can be helpful.
Counseling
A well-planned treatment plan for ADHD will focus on the symptoms and their effects on work, family, and school. It should include stimulant and nonstimulant medication as well as psychosocial therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients to change their thinking about their behavior. It also helps patients learn to manage their symptoms, and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant drugs are used to treat ADHD. They help to regulate and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. There are a variety of stimulant drugs, each with their own advantages and side-effects. The two most popular stimulants are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate and methylphenidate, which are sold under a variety of brand names such as Adderall and Ritalin. Viloxazine is a selective reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine enhances the quantity of a brain chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. Atomoxetine and viloxazine are often used to treat ADHD in adults because they are less likely to cause symptoms than stimulants. They are also available to those who aren't able to take stimulants because of other health problems or who suffer from severe adverse effects.
It is important to remember that comorbidities can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore the presence and severity of other conditions should be considered when diagnosing ADHD. It's important to determine the cause of the symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, hearing and sight problems.
Some patients may also be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. It's important to consult a doctor before eliminating any food. This could result in nutritional deficiencies and should only be done under the guidance of a physician or dietician. Counseling can help patients deal with their symptoms, and also improve their relationships with their family. Counseling can also help spouses understand that the patient's actions are not necessarily a sign of a lack of love or a deliberate act of infractions.
Education
Patients and doctors alike can be confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD and certain medical conditions and medications can also cause symptoms that mimic ADHD.
Lifestyle or treatment changes can resolve many of these issues. A person with ADHD could benefit from taking supplements or adjusting their diet to improve their eating habits. treatment for add will help him learn how to manage distractions, impulsiveness, and improve the focus of his mind. A doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness meditation practice, both of which can help manage emotions and improve attention.
A thorough medical history and a physical exam are crucial. A physician can also evaluate a patient for sleep apnea, hearing or thyroid problems, vision issues as well as lead poisoning, alcohol or drug abuse. These assessments can help to determine the presence of a underlying disorder but also decrease or eliminate the effects of other disorders which can contribute to the ADHD-like behavior.
If a doctor suggests medication for ADHD the most commonly prescribed ones are stimulants like dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Other non-stimulant drugs include clonidine as well as Guanfacine. These blood pressure medication can help with hyperactivity and impulsivity, but might take longer to effect and can cause negative side effects, such as heartburn, constipation, and a lack of sex.
People with ADHD frequently miss appointments and are often late to work, and make irrational choices that strain the patience of even the most patient family members and friends. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on improving communication skills can help patients establish stable relationships.
Exercise, diet, and stress reduction can all play a role in managing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from ADHD have discovered 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.