ADHD Treatments For Adults
The majority of doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They can help regulate levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants may help alleviate symptoms, but they operate slower.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults acquire techniques to improve organization and planning. Psychotherapy and coaching are also effective in improving social functioning.
Medicines
You can take medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people might discover that they improve by altering their diet or taking supplements, however these should only be used under the guidance of a physician. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or family counseling are all viable treatments. Certain adults suffering from ADHD struggle to stay on their medication. They should consult their doctor and ask for assistance. Certain medications are available over the counter, while others require the prescription of a doctor.
The majority of ADHD medications work 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. They are believed to be the most effective for ADHD treatment, but they do have side effects. Some of these side effects can be serious, such as cardiovascular problems. The stimulant medication can also trigger tics such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications can also delay growth by a few month for teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant drugs are often prescribed to people who suffer from intolerable side effects from stimulants or are at risk of developing heart problems. These are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. They aren't as efficient as stimulants, however they are safe and don't have the potential for abuse that some people have with stimulant medication.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a well-planned schedule, creating and adhering to a budget, enhancing the organization skills, learning more about your condition and implementing strategies for dealing with your symptoms. Talk to a doctor about the best ways to manage your ADHD. 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 speaking to an therapist and attending classes in conflict resolution. You can improve your relationships with your spouse or co-workers by helping them understand your ADHD and letting them know that your behavior is not intentional.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can have significant emotional, social, and occupational consequences. This includes lower academic performance, higher rates for transfer and job failure, as well as poor work performance. Additionally, there are more car accidents, and higher divorce rates than the general population. The comorbidity of anxiety, depression and addiction to substances is common in adults with ADHD. People with comorbid disorders might be more difficult to respond to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
treatment for adult add is essential to take an extensive history of the patient, because a wide range of medical conditions could manifest symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients with seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning should be carefully evaluated. treatment of add in adults who abuse substances or with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure are not recommended from receiving stimulant therapy (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy includes behavioral therapy and psychoeducation for adults with ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their disorder and its effects on their lives. Psychoeducation can help patients improve their self-esteem, particularly those who are frequently viewed as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
The aim of a behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD, is to improve their ability to organize their lives and teach them better ways to manage their time. This can reduce the chances of missing appointments or making decisions that are impulsive and could create problems at the workplace, at school or with their personal lives. This kind of therapy can also help improve the effectiveness of a person's interactions with spouses, children and co-workers.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults suffering from ADHD focuses on helping people change their behavior patterns that are harmful to them. This type of therapy is extremely effective at improving the functioning of people suffering from ADHD particularly when it is paired with family therapy and psychoeducation. By educating patients and their loved ones about ADHD, it can reduce the frequency at which they blame each other for the difficulties caused by a patient's inability control his or her behavior. Classes that teach couples and families how to better communicate and manage conflicts can be beneficial.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan for ADHD will address the symptoms and their effects on work, family and school. It will include both stimulant and nonstimulant medications as well as psychosocial therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients to change their thinking about their behavior. It also teaches them skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. There are a variety of stimulant medications, each with their own benefits and side-effects. The two most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine. They are available under a variety of brand names, including Ritalin and Adderall. Other medications used to treat ADHD are atomoxetine. It works by increasing the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells and viloxazine, which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are commonly used to treat ADHD in adults because they are less likely to cause symptoms than stimulants. They also are available to those who aren't able to use stimulants due to other health issues or have serious side effects.
It's important to note that co-occurring disorders can cause symptoms of ADHD, so the severity and frequency of any other conditions must be considered when making the ADHD diagnosis. It is important to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, including thyroid disorders, hearing and sight problems.
It's also important to note that some patients might be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by changing their diet. It is important to consult a physician prior to eliminating any food. This could result in nutritional deficiencies and should be done under the guidance of a dietician or doctor. Another option is counseling which can help patients learn to cope with their symptoms and build better relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses realize that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign that they are not loving or malicious.
Education
Both doctors and patients are often confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD, and certain medications and medical conditions may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
treatment of add in adults or lifestyle changes can resolve many of these issues. Someone suffering from ADHD might benefit by taking supplements or altering their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy could help the person to be more resistant to distractions and impulsiveness, improve his concentration and self-control. A doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can both help control emotions and increase concentration.
A complete history of symptoms is important as is a physical exam. A physician can also check for sleep apnea and other conditions like problems with vision and hearing, thyroid disorders, alcohol or drug abuse as well as lead poisoning. These tests can help to determine the presence of an underlying disorder, but also reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders that may contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
When a doctor recommends medication for ADHD the most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants, like dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, including methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant drugs include clonidine and Guanfacine. These blood pressure medicines can aid in reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity, but may take longer to work and can cause negative side effects, such as heartburn, constipation, and low sex desire.
People suffering from ADHD frequently miss appointments and are often late to work, and make irrational choices that can be a challenge for even the most tolerant family members and friends. Couples therapy and classes focusing on improving communication skills can help people build relationships that are stable.
Exercise, diet, and stress reduction can all play a part in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from ADHD have reported that avoiding certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it is essential to consult with a physician prior to attempting any of these treatments. Doing so without a doctor's advice could result in nutritional deficiencies and health issues.