ADHD Treatments For Adults
The majority of doctors recommend stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine. They aid in balancing the levels of two chemical messengers inside the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine, (Strattera), can also reduce symptoms but work slower.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can help adults learn techniques to improve organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy can enhance social functioning.
Medicines
If you suffer from ADHD you may benefit from medication to manage the symptoms. Some people find they feel better after altering their diet or taking supplements. However they should only be administered under the supervision of a physician. Other treatments can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and counseling for families. Certain adults with ADHD have difficulty staying on medication however, they should speak to their doctor and ask for assistance. Certain medications are available over the counter and some require the prescription of a doctor.
Most ADHD medications are based on increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. This decreases impulsivity and improves concentration. The most popular drugs are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Although they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD, they also have negative side consequences. Some of these adverse effects can be serious, such as cardiovascular issues. The stimulant medication can also trigger tics such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth by a few month in teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant medicines are prescribed to people who suffer from adverse reactions to stimulants that are not tolerated or are at risk of developing heart issues. These are typically dopamine reuptake inhibitors, norepinephrine or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. They're not as effective as stimulants, but they are safe and don't carry the potential for abuse as some people are prone to with stimulant medication.
You can lessen your ADHD symptoms by adhering to an established schedule, making and sticking to the strict guidelines of a budget, enhancing your organization skills, gaining knowledge about your disorder and creating strategies to address your symptoms. Talk to a doctor about the best strategies to manage your disorder. You will also find numerous helpful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your relationships can be strained due to your ADHD symptoms. You can improve your relationships by talking to a therapist or taking classes on conflict resolution. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how ADHD affects you and recognizing that some of your behaviors are not a deliberate act of aggression.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can have profound emotional, social and occupational consequences. These include lower academic achievements, higher rates for transfer and job failure, as well as 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 suffer from anxiety, depression, or abuse of substances. Patients with multiple conditions may be more difficult to respond to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A thorough patient history is crucial, as a variety of medical conditions can have symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Patients with developmental disorders, seizure disorder sleep apnea, and thyroid disorders must be assessed more closely. Treatment with stimulants is not recommended in patients with active substance abuse or with certain medical conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, tachycardia and arrhythmias (Greenhill 2001).).
Psychosocial therapy encompasses behavioral therapy and psychoeducation for adults with ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their condition as well as its effects on different areas of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can help patients improve their self-esteem, particularly those who are frequently viewed as being inept or unintelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to teach patients better ways to manage their time and work, improving their skills in organizing. This will reduce the chance of missing appointments or making decisions impulsively that could result in problems at school, at work or with their personal lives. This kind of therapy can help improve relationships with their family, friends, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults suffering from ADHD is focused on helping individuals modify their behavior patterns that are negative. This type of therapy is very efficient in improving the performance of people suffering from ADHD especially when it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. Through educating patients and their loved ones about ADHD it can decrease the frequency at which they blame each other for the problems caused by a patient's inability control their behavior. Classes that teach families and couples how to communicate more effectively and resolve conflicts could help.
Counseling
A good treatment plan for ADHD will focus on the symptoms and their impacts on the family, work and school. It should include stimulant and nonstimulant medications as well as psychosocial therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients to change their mental outlook on their behavior. It also helps patients learn how to manage their symptoms, and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD boost and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They've been around for a long time, and there are a variety of kinds of drugs each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The two most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine, which are sold under various brand names, including Ritalin and Adderall. Viloxazine is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine increases the amount of a brain chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. Atomoxetine and viloxazine are often used to treat ADHD in adults since they are more gradual in onset than stimulants. They also are available to those who are unable to take stimulants due to other health problems or who have serious adverse effects.
It is important to be aware that comorbid conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, the presence and severity other conditions should be considered when diagnosing ADHD. It is important to determine the cause of the symptoms, including thyroid disorders, hearing or sight problems.
Some patients may also be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. It's important to consult with a doctor prior to eliminating any foods. adhd treatment adults could lead to nutritional deficiencies and should be done under the supervision of a physician or dietician. Another option is counseling, which can help patients learn to manage their symptoms and establish better relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses understand that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign they are averse to love or malicious.
Education
Both doctors and patients are susceptible to being misled by the diagnosis of ADHD. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD, and certain medical conditions and medications may also produce symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Lifestyle changes or treatment can resolve many of these issues. For instance, a person suffering from ADHD might benefit from adjusting diet or taking supplements to improve their eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy will teach him how to better resist distractions, impulsiveness and increase his concentration. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness-based meditation practice, both of which can help control emotions and increase attention.
A complete history of symptoms is important and so is a physical examination. holistic treatment for adhd can also assess a patient for sleep apnea, hearing or thyroid problems, vision issues or lead poisoning as well as alcohol or drug abuse. In addition to determining the existence of an underlying cause these evaluations can help identify or limit the effects of other conditions that could contribute to a patient's ADHD-like behavior.
Most commonly, stimulants are prescribed by physicians for ADHD. These include dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate as well as Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant medications could include guanfacine or clonidine, which are blood pressure medicines that can help with impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they might take longer to start working and may cause negative side effects like heartburn, constipation and low sexual drive.
People suffering from ADHD frequently miss appointments or are late for work, and make irrational choices that can be a challenge for even the most forgiving friends and relatives. Couples therapy or classes that improve communication skills can help sufferers establish stable relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction all can help in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people with ADHD have reported 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 methods. If you decide to do this without consulting a doctor it could result in nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.