ADHD Treatments For Adults
The majority of doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. They can help regulate levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants can alleviate symptoms, but they operate more slowly.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults develop skills to improve organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy are able to improve social functioning.
Medicines
If you suffer from ADHD, you can benefit from medications to manage the symptoms. Some people might find that they get better by changing their diet or taking supplements, but these should only be used under the guidance of a physician. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) or family counseling are all viable treatment options. Some adults with ADHD struggle to adhere to medication however, they should speak to their doctors and ask for assistance. Certain medications can be purchased over-the-counter while others need prescription.
The majority of medicines prescribed for ADHD work by increasing the levels of dopamine inside your brain, which reduces the impulsivity and increases concentration. Some of the most popular medications are stimulants like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. Although they are considered the most effective treatment for ADHD however, they can also cause adverse consequences. Some of these adverse effects can be serious, such as heart problems. The stimulant medication can also trigger symptoms like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth in adolescents and children by several months.
Nonstimulant drugs are prescribed to patients who suffer from uncontrollable side effects from stimulants, or are at risk of developing heart disease. These medications are primarily dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine or alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants, but are safe and don't contain the potential for abuse that many people have with stimulant medications.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms by adhering to the prescribed schedule, creating and adhering to a strict budget, improving your organization skills, understanding about your disorder and developing strategies to manage your symptoms. Consult a professional regarding the best methods to manage your disorder. You will also find numerous useful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your relationships can be strained by your ADHD symptoms. Talking to a therapist about how you interact with your family members or friends and attending classes that teach conflict resolution can help. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how ADHD affects you and understanding that some of your behavior are not intended to be mean-spirited.
Therapy
ADHD as an adult can have significant social, emotional, and occupational repercussions. This can lead to lower academic achievement and higher rates of job failure and transfer, poor performance at work, more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population (Spencer et al 2007). The comorbidity of anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs is common among adults with ADHD. People with comorbid conditions might have a harder time responding to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
It is important to have an in-depth history of the patient, as many medical conditions can manifest symptoms similar to ADHD. adhd natural treatment with developmental disorders, seizure disorder sleep apnea, and thyroid disorders must be assessed more carefully. Patients who are active in their addiction to substances, or those with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure are not recommended from receiving stimulant therapy (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychoeducation involves teaching patients about their condition, including its effects on different areas of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can also aid in improving self-esteem in patients who often face stigma, such as being viewed as lazy or less intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to teach patients better ways to manage their time and tasks, improving their organizational skills. This can reduce the chances of missing appointments and making impulsive choices that can result in problems at school, at work or with their personal lives. This kind of therapy can help improve relationships with their spouse, children and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults with ADHD is geared towards helping people to change their negative behaviors. This type of therapy is extremely efficient in improving the performance of people with ADHD, particularly when combined with family therapy and psychoeducation. By educating patients and loved ones about ADHD it can decrease the amount of time they blame each other for the difficulties caused by the inability of a patient to control their behavior. Classes that teach families and couples how to communicate more effectively and resolve conflicts can be beneficial.
Counseling
A good treatment plan will address the signs of ADHD and their effects on school, work, and family. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant medications and psychosocial therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT assists patients in changing their way of thinking about their behavior. It also teaches them skills 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 referred to as neurotransmitters. There are many different types of stimulant medications, each with their own benefits and negative side effects. The two most commonly used stimulants are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, which are available under various brand names such as Adderall and Ritalin. Viloxazine is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine increases the amount of a brain chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are commonly used to treat ADHD in adults due to the fact that they are more gradual in onset than stimulants. They are also available for those who cannot take stimulants due other health conditions or severe side effects.
It's important to note that co-occurring disorders can cause symptoms of ADHD So the severity and frequency of any other conditions should be taken into consideration when determining an ADHD diagnosis. It is also essential to rule out physical causes for the symptoms, like an underlying thyroid disorder or hearing and vision problems.
Some patients may also be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. It is essential to consult a physician prior to eliminating any food. This could result in nutritional deficiencies and should be done under the guidance of a physician or dietician. Counseling can also help patients cope with their symptoms, and improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can also help spouses realize that the patient's actions are not necessarily a sign of lack of love or willful infractions.
Education
Both patients and doctors can be confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD and certain medical conditions and medications may cause symptoms that mimic ADHD.
Many of these problems can be addressed with treatments or lifestyle modifications. A person with ADHD may benefit by taking supplements or altering their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy can teach him to resist distractions and impulsiveness, 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 thorough history of the symptoms and a physical examination are crucial. A doctor can also assess patients for sleep apnea, hearing or thyroid problems, vision problems 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 lessen the effects of other disorders that could cause a patient's ADHD-like behavior.
Most often, stimulants are prescribed by physicians for ADHD. These include dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant drugs might include guanfacine or clonidine, which are blood pressure medicines that can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, but they might take longer to kick in and could cause adverse effects such as constipation, heartburn and low sexual drive.
ADHD patients tend to forget appointments, show up 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 sufferers build relationships that are stable.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction can all aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from ADHD have found 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 therapies. Doing so without a doctor's guidance could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health problems.