ADHD Treatments For Adults
The majority of doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They can help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers inside the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine (Strattera), can also reduce symptoms, but they do so more slowly.
Psychotherapy, similar to cognitive behavioral therapy, helps adults develop their organizational and planning skills. Psychotherapy and coaching are also capable of improving social functioning.
Medicines
If you have ADHD you may benefit from medications to treat the symptoms. Some people find they feel better after changing their diets or taking supplements. However they should only be used under the guidance of a medical professional. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), or family counseling are all viable solutions. Some adults with ADHD are unable to stay on medication however, they should speak to their doctor and ask for assistance. Some medications can be purchased on the internet, while others require a prescription.
The majority of ADHD medications are based on increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. This reduces impulsivity, and increases concentration. The most popular drugs are stimulants, like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. These are considered to be the most effective ADHD treatment, however they do have side effects. Cardiovascular problems are some of the most serious side effects. In addition, stimulants can cause the tics of blinking eyes or throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth in children and adolescents by a few months.
Nonstimulant medications are prescribed to patients who suffer from insufferable side-effects of stimulants, or are at risk of heart disease. These medications are primarily dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine or alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These medications are not as effective as stimulants however they are safe and don't contain the potential for abuse that many people have with stimulant drugs.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a planned schedule, making and sticking to a budget, developing your organizational skills, gaining knowledge about your disorder and devising strategies for dealing with your symptoms. You should talk to a professional to learn about the best method to manage your condition, and you can find many useful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your ADHD symptoms can affect your relationships. Talking to a therapist about the way you interact with your coworkers or spouse and taking classes to learn conflict resolution can help. You can improve your relationships with your spouse or co-workers by letting them know about your ADHD and letting them know that your behavior isn't malicious.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has serious occupational, emotional and social consequences. This includes lower academic performance as well as higher rates of job loss and transfer, and poor work performance. There are also more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population. Comorbidity of depression, anxiety and addiction to drugs is prevalent among adults suffering from ADHD. Those with comorbid conditions may be more difficult to respond to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon, 2002).
A thorough patient history is crucial, as a variety of medical conditions can manifest similar to symptoms of ADHD. Patients with developmental disorders, seizure disorders, sleep apnea thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning should be more careful to be evaluated. Treatment with stimulants is not recommended in patients with active substance abuse or those suffering from certain medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure, arrhythmias and tachycardia (Greenhill 2001).).
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of teaching 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, especially those who are frequently viewed as lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
The purpose of the therapy for adults who suffer from ADHD, is to improve their abilities to manage their time and teach them better ways to organize their time. This can help reduce the likelihood of missing appointments or making impulsive choices which can lead to issues at work, school or in their personal lives. This kind of therapy could also improve the effectiveness of an individual's interactions with children, spouses and co-workers.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is focused on helping people modify their behavior patterns that are negative. This kind of therapy is extremely efficient in improving the performance of those suffering from ADHD, especially if combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. Educating patients and their significant others about ADHD can reduce the likelihood of blaming one another for the issues caused by the patient's inability manage his or her own behavior. Classes that teach couples and families to communicate more effectively and develop conflict resolution skills can also help.
Counseling
A good treatment plan for ADHD will tackle the symptoms and their effects on work, family and school. It should include stimulant and nonstimulant medications as well as psychosocial therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT assists patients to alter their way of thinking about their behavior. It also teaches them skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
Stimulant medications are used to treat ADHD. They balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They have been around for a long time and there are several different kinds of drugs, each with its distinct advantages and negative effects. The two most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, which are available under a variety of brand names including Ritalin and Adderall. Other medications that treat ADHD are atomoxetine. It works by increasing the amount of a chemical in the brain that passes messages between brain cells and viloxazine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and Atomoxetine are frequently used to treat ADHD in adults because they are more gradual in onset than stimulants. webpage are also available to people who cannot take stimulants due to other health conditions or severe adverse effects.
It is important to remember that multiple disorders can resemble the symptoms of ADHD So the severity and presence of any other conditions must be considered when determining the ADHD diagnosis. It is also essential to rule out any physical causes for the symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or hearing and vision problems.
It's also important to note that some patients might be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by altering their diet. However, it's essential to seek medical advice prior cutting out any foods that could lead to nutritional deficiencies. It should only be done with the guidance of a physician or dietician. Counseling can help patients cope with their symptoms and improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses understand that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign that they are unloving or malicious.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing for both the patient and the doctor. It is not uncommon for other mental health disorders to coexist with the disorder. Additionally, certain medications and medical conditions may cause symptoms that resemble those of ADHD.
Many of these problems can be resolved by treatments or lifestyle adjustments. A person with ADHD may benefit from adjusting their diet or taking supplements to improve his eating habits, for example. Behavioral therapy can teach him how to better resist distractions, impulsiveness and increase his focus. A doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, both of which can aid in controlling emotions and improve concentration.
A thorough history of symptoms is important as is a physical exam. A physician can also test for sleep apnea and other disorders like issues with vision and hearing thyroid disorders, alcohol or drug abuse, and lead poisoning. These assessments can not only help determine the presence of a underlying disorder but also reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders which may contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
Most commonly, stimulants are prescribed by doctors for ADHD. These include dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate as well as Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant medications could include clonidine or guanfacine, which are blood pressure drugs that can help with hyperactivity and impulsivity, but they could take longer to start working and may cause adverse effects such as constipation, heartburn, and low sex drive.
People with ADHD often forget appointments, are late for work, and make irrational choices that can be a challenge for even the most patient friends and relatives. Couples therapy or classes that help improve communication skills can help patients build stable relationships.
Diet, exercise, and stress reduction can all help in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have reported that avoiding certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it is essential to consult with a physician first before trying any of these methods. Making these decisions without a physician's direction could result in nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.