ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the first option that doctors recommend. They aid in balancing levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine (Strattera), can also reduce symptoms but work more slowly.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults develop techniques to improve organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy can also enhance social functioning.
Medicines
You can use medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people notice they feel better after altering their diet or taking supplements. However they should only be used under the guidance of a doctor. Other treatments can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and counseling for families. Certain adults with ADHD struggle to adhere to medication, but they should talk with their doctors and seek help. Some medications can be purchased over the counter, while others require prescription.
The majority of medications prescribed for ADHD work by increasing the levels of dopamine in your brain, which decreases impulsivity and enhances concentration. The most well-known medications are stimulants, like methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. These are considered to be the most effective in ADHD treatment, but they do have side effects. Cardiovascular issues are among the more serious adverse effects. The stimulant medication can also trigger tics such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth by a few months in children and teenagers.
Nonstimulant medications are prescribed to those who suffer from insufferable side-effects of stimulants, or those at risk of heart disease. These are mostly norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These aren't as effective as stimulants, however they are safe and don't have the potential for abuse that some people are prone to with stimulant medication.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a structured schedule, making and sticking to a budget, enhancing your organizational skills, gaining knowledge about your disorder and devising strategies to manage your symptoms. It is recommended to talk with an expert to learn the best method to manage your disorder, and you can find many useful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your relationships may be strained by your ADHD symptoms. Talking with a therapist about how you interact with your spouse or co-workers and taking classes to learn conflict resolution can be helpful. You can improve your relationships with your coworkers or spouse by letting them know about your ADHD and making them aware that your behavior is not malicious.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can result in significant emotional, social, and occupational repercussions. This includes lower academic performance, more frequent failure to get a job and transfer, poor performance at work as well as more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population (Spencer et al 2007). The comorbidity of anxiety, depression and addiction to substances is common among adults with ADHD. 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 those of ADHD. Patients with seizures, developmental disorders sleep apnea, thyroid disorders need to be evaluated more closely. The use of stimulants is not recommended for patients who are addicted to drugs or with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, tachycardia and arrhythmias (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of teaching patients about their disorder and its impact on different aspects of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can also help improve self-esteem among patients who typically are stigmatized, for example, being judged as inept or unintelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to help patients learn how to organize their time and tasks and improve their organizational skills. This can help reduce the risk of missing appointments or making impulsive choices that can cause problems in school, at work, or with their personal lives. This kind of therapy can help improve relationships with their spouse, children and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is aimed at helping individuals change their behavior patterns. This kind of therapy is very efficient in improving the functioning of people suffering from ADHD especially when it is combined with psychoeducation for families and family therapy. Through educating patients and their loved ones about ADHD, it can reduce the amount of time they blame each other for the issues caused by the inability of a patient to manage his or her behavior. Classes that train couples and families how to communicate more effectively and to develop strategies for resolving conflicts can be beneficial.
Counseling
A good treatment plan for ADHD will address the symptoms and their impact on family, work and school. It will include both stimulant and nonstimulant drugs as well as psychosocial therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change their thinking about their behavior. It also teaches patients how to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant medications are used to treat ADHD. They regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. There are many different types of stimulant drugs, each with their own advantages and side-effects. The two most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine. These are sold under many brand names including Ritalin and Adderall. Other medications used to treat ADHD are atomoxetine, which works by increasing the amount of a substance in the brain that passes messages between brain cells, and viloxazine which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine as well as atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a slower development than stimulants. They are also available for those who are unable to take stimulants due to other health conditions or severe side effects.
It is important to remember that multiple disorders can resemble the symptoms of ADHD Therefore, the severity and frequency of any other medical condition must be considered when determining an ADHD diagnosis. It is important to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, including thyroid disorders or hearing and sight problems.
natural add treatment may also be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. It is essential to consult a physician prior to eliminating any food. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies, and should only be done under the supervision of a physician or dietician. Another option is counseling, which helps patients cope with their symptoms and establish better relationships with their families. Counseling can also help spouses realize that the patient's actions are not necessarily indicative of a lack of affection or willful misconduct.
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 may also produce symptoms that resemble ADHD.
Lifestyle or treatment changes can resolve many of these issues. A person with ADHD might benefit from adjusting diet or taking supplements to improve their eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy can teach him how to resist distractions, impulsiveness and improve his focus. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness meditation practice, both of which can help manage emotions and improve attention.
A complete history of symptoms is important and so is a physical examination. A physician can also check for sleep apnea, as well as other conditions such as problems with vision and hearing 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 identify or lessen the effects of other disorders 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, including methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant drugs include clonidine and guanfacine. These blood pressure medication can aid in reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity, but might take longer to effect and may cause adverse effects like constipation, heartburn and a lack of sex.
ADHD patients are often unable to remember appointments, show up late for work and make uninformed choices that can cause stress to even the most patient family and friends members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on improving communication skills can help patients establish stable relationships.
Exercise, diet, and stress reduction could all play a role in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from the condition have discovered that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements aids them, however it's vital to consult a physician before attempting these treatments. If you try this without consulting with a physician, it could lead to nutritional deficiency and other health issues.