ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the first treatment most doctors recommend. They can help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers inside the brain. Antidepressants, as well as Atomoxetine (Strattera) are also able to reduce symptoms, but they do so more slowly.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, helps adults develop their planning and organizational skills. Coaching and psychotherapy can help improve social functioning.
Medicines
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people find they feel better after changing their diet or taking supplements. However they should only be taken under the supervision of a physician. Other treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy (CBT) and counseling for families. holistic treatment for adhd suffering from ADHD struggle to stick to their medication. adhd symptoms and treatment should talk to their doctor and request assistance. Certain medications are available over the counter, while others require a prescription.
Most ADHD medications are based on increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. This decreases impulsivity and improves concentration. The most commonly used drugs are stimulants like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. These are considered to be the most effective ADHD treatment, however they can cause side effects. Some of these side effects can be serious, for instance, cardiovascular problems. In addition, stimulants can cause antics, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth in children and adolescents by just a few months.
Nonstimulant drugs are often prescribed to those who suffer from intolerable side effects from stimulants or are at risk of heart problems. These medications are primarily dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine or alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. They aren't as efficient as stimulants, but they are safe and don't carry the risk of abuse that some people are prone to with stimulant medications.
You can lessen your ADHD symptoms by following an established schedule, making and adhering to an exact budget, enhancing your organization skills, gaining knowledge about your disorder and developing strategies to deal with your symptoms. It is recommended to talk with a professional to learn about the best method to manage your condition, and you can find a wealth of information on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your relationships could be strained by your ADHD symptoms. Talking with a therapist about how you interact with your family members or friends and taking classes that teach conflict resolution can be helpful. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how ADHD affects you and recognizing that some of your behaviors are not intentionally mean-spirited.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has significant occupational, emotional and social consequences. These include lower academic success as well as higher rates of job failure and transfer, poor work performance, more car accidents and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer and co. 2007). The comorbidity of anxiety, depression 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).
It is essential to take a detailed medical history of the patient since a variety of medical conditions may have symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients with seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea and thyroid disorders must be assessed more closely. Patients who are active in their addiction to substances or those suffering from certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure should refrain from receiving stimulant treatments (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy is a form of therapy that includes behavioral therapy and psychoeducation for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their disorder and its impact on their lives. Psychoeducation can also aid in improving self-esteem in patients who often are stigmatized, for example, being viewed as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to teach patients how to organize their time and activities, improving their organizational skills. This will reduce the likelihood of missing appointments or making decisions impulsively that could cause difficulties at work, school or in their private lives. This type of therapy may help improve relationships with their children, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is geared towards helping people to change their negative behavior patterns. This type of therapy is extremely effective at improving the functioning of those suffering from ADHD particularly when it is paired with family therapy and psychoeducation. Informing patients and close friends about ADHD can help reduce the likelihood of blaming one another for problems caused by the patient's inability control his or her behavior. Classes that teach couples and families how to better communicate and resolve conflicts can be helpful.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan will address the symptoms of ADHD and their impact on school, work, and family. It will include non-stimulant and stimulant medication as in addition to psychosocial treatment, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change their thinking about their behavior. It also helps patients learn to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD boost and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They've been around for a long time, and there are many kinds of medications, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The two most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. These are sold under various brand names, including Ritalin and Adderall. Other medications used to treat ADHD are atomoxetine, which is a stimulant that increases the amount of a substance 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 more gradual in onset than stimulants. They also are available to people who can't take stimulants because of other health problems or who experience serious adverse effects.
It's important to recognize that co-occurring disorders can cause symptoms of ADHD So the severity and frequency of any other condition should be taken into consideration when determining an ADHD diagnosis. It's also important to rule out any physical causes of the symptoms, such as a thyroid disorder or hearing and vision problems.
Some patients may also be able reduce their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. It is important to consult with a doctor prior to eliminating any foods. This could lead to nutritional deficiencies, and should only be done under the supervision of a dietician or doctor. Counseling can help patients manage their symptoms, and also improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can also help spouses realize that the patient's behavior is not necessarily a sign of a lack of affection or willful misconduct.
Education
Both doctors and patients can be confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. Other mental disorders can coexist with ADHD, and certain medical conditions and medications may also produce symptoms that resemble ADHD.
Treatment or lifestyle changes can resolve many of these issues. Someone suffering from ADHD might benefit from taking supplements or adjusting their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy will teach him how to manage distractions, impulsiveness and increase the focus of his mind. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness meditation practice, both of which can help manage emotions and increase attention.
A thorough history of symptoms and a physical examination are essential. A physician can also test for sleep apnea and other disorders like hearing and vision issues thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol abuse as well as lead poisoning. In addition to determining the presence of a root cause, these tests can help rule out or lessen the effects of other disorders that could cause an individual's ADHD-like behavior.
If a doctor prescribes medication for ADHD the most commonly prescribed ones are stimulants, like dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant medications include clonidine and Guanfacine. These blood pressure medication can reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they can take longer to work and may cause side effects such as constipation, heartburn and low sexual desire.
ADHD patients often forget appointments, arrive late for work, and make irrational decisions which can stress even the most patient of friends and family members. Couples therapy or classes that help improve communication skills can help people develop solid relationships.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction could all play a role in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from ADHD have reported that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it's important to consult a doctor prior to attempting any of these treatments. If you do this without a doctor's guidance could lead to nutritional deficiencies and health issues.
