ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the first treatment that doctors recommend. They aid in balancing levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants can reduce symptoms, but they work slower.
Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults develop strategies to improve their organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy can enhance social functioning.
Medicines
You can take medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people find they feel better after changing their diets or taking supplements. However they should only be taken under the supervision of a medical professional. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or family counseling are all viable treatment options. Some adults with ADHD struggle to adhere to their medication. They should consult their doctor and ask for assistance. Certain medications are available for purchase over the counter and some require the prescription of a doctor.
Most medications prescribed for ADHD work by increasing the levels of dopamine in your brain, which reduces impulsivity and improves focus. Some of the most common medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. These are considered to be the most effective in ADHD treatment, but they can have adverse effects. Some of these adverse effects can be severe, like cardiovascular issues. Stimulant medications can also cause antics, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth by a few months in teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant drugs are prescribed to patients who suffer from uncontrollable side effects from stimulants, or those at risk of heart disease. These are mostly norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These medications are not as effective as stimulants however they are safe and don't offer the risk of abuse that many people have with stimulant drugs.
You can attempt to lessen your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a well-planned schedule, establishing and adhering to a budget, improving your organizational skills, gaining knowledge about your condition and devising strategies to deal with your symptoms. Consult a professional regarding the best strategies to manage your ADHD. You will also find numerous useful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your ADHD symptoms can strain your relationships. You can improve your relationships by speaking to a therapist and taking classes on conflict resolution. You can improve your relationships with your coworkers or spouse by having them understand your ADHD and letting them know that your behavior isn't intentional.
Therapy
ADHD as an adult can have profound emotional, social and occupational consequences. This includes lower academic performance and higher rates of job loss and transfer, and poor performance at work. Additionally, there are more car accidents, and higher divorce rates than the general population. Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from depression, anxiety or substance abuse. People with comorbid conditions might have a harder time responding to stimulant medication (Barkley & Gordon 2002).
A thorough patient history is crucial, as a variety of medical conditions can have symptoms similar to symptoms of ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning should be more carefully evaluated. Read Far more with active substance abuse or with certain medical conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure are not recommended from receiving stimulant treatments (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy encompasses behavioral therapy and psychoeducation for adults with ADHD. Psychoeducation involves teaching patients about their condition and its impact on different areas of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can help patients build their self-esteem, particularly those who are frequently viewed as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to help patients learn better ways to manage their time and tasks and improve their organizational skills. This will reduce the chance of missing appointments and making impulsive choices that can create problems at school, at work or with their personal lives. This kind of therapy can also help improve the effectiveness of one's interactions with spouses, children and coworkers.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults who suffer from ADHD is geared towards helping people to change their negative behaviour patterns. This kind of therapy can be extremely efficient in improving the performance of those with ADHD especially when coupled with psychoeducation and family therapy. Educating patients and their significant others about ADHD can help decrease the tendency to blame one another for problems caused by the person's inability to control their behavior. Classes that help couples and families how to communicate more effectively and to develop strategies for resolving conflicts can help.
Counseling
A good treatment plan will address the signs of ADHD and their effects on work, school, and the family. It will include non-stimulant and stimulant medication, as along with psychosocial treatment, specifically cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients to change their mental outlook on their behavior. It also helps them develop skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They have been around for a long period of time, and there are several different types of medications, each with its distinct advantages and negative effects. The two most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. They are sold under many brand names including Ritalin and Adderall. Other medications used to treat ADHD include atomoxetine, which works by increasing the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells and viloxazine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are both used to treat ADHD among adults, as they have a less gradual development than stimulants. Read Far more are available to those who aren't able to take stimulants due to other health issues or suffer from serious adverse effects.
It is important to remember that co-occurring disorders can cause symptoms of ADHD, so the presence and severity of any other condition should be taken into consideration when making an ADHD diagnosis. It is important to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, including thyroid disorders, hearing or sight problems.
Some patients may also be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by making changes to their diet. But it's crucial to seek medical advice before cutting out any food, as this can cause nutritional deficiencies. It should only be done with the assistance of a doctor or a dietician. Counseling can also assist patients manage their symptoms, and also improve their relationships with their family. Counseling can also assist spouses in understanding that the patient's actions are not necessarily indicative of a lack of love or willful wrongdoing.
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 resemble ADHD.
Many of these issues can be resolved by treatments or lifestyle changes. Someone suffering from ADHD may benefit from taking supplements or adjusting their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy could help him to better resist the temptations and impulsiveness that can distract him, improve the focus of his mind and develop self-control. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness meditation practice both of which can help control emotions and increase focus.
A complete history of symptoms is essential as is a physical examination. A physician can also test for sleep apnea, as well as other conditions such as hearing and vision issues thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol abuse, and lead poisoning. In addition to determining if there is a possibility of an underlying cause these evaluations can help identify or reduce the effects of other conditions that could cause an individual's ADHD-like behavior.
The majority of stimulants are prescribed by doctors for ADHD. They include dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate as well as Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant drugs include clonidine and guanfacine. These blood pressure medicines can reduce an impulsive and hyperactivity problem, but can take longer to work and have side effects such as constipation, heartburn, and low sex desire.
ADHD patients often forget appointments, arrive late for work and make irrational choices that can cause stress to even the most patient of friends and family members. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on improving communication skills can help people establish stable relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction can all be a factor in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have reported that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it's essential to consult with a physician first before trying any of these treatments. If you decide to do this without consulting a doctor this could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.