ADHD Treatments For Adults

Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the first treatment that doctors recommend. They aid in balancing the levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants also help to reduce symptoms, but they operate slower.

Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, can help adults learn techniques to improve organization and planning. Psychotherapy and coaching are also able to improve social functioning.

Medications

There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people notice they feel better after changing their diets or taking supplements. However, these should only ever be taken under the supervision of a physician. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family counseling are all possible solutions. Some people with ADHD are unable to stay on medication, but they should talk to their doctors and ask for assistance. Some medications can be purchased on the internet, while others require a prescription.

Most drugs prescribed for ADHD work by increasing the levels of dopamine within your brain, which reduces impulsivity and improves concentration. Some of the most popular medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. Although they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD but they can also trigger side effects. Heart problems are among the most serious side effects. Stimulant medications can also cause tics such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These medications can also delay growth by a few months for teenagers and children.

Nonstimulant medicines are prescribed to those who suffer from uncontrollable adverse effects from stimulants or are at risk of developing heart issues. These medications are primarily norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These medications are not as effective as stimulants but are safe and do not offer the risk of abuse that certain people experience with stimulant medications.


You can decrease your ADHD symptoms by adhering to the prescribed schedule, creating and adhering to an exact budget, enhancing your organization skills, gaining knowledge about your disorder and creating strategies to address your symptoms. Consult a professional regarding the best methods to manage your ADHD. You can also find many useful resources on the site of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.

Your ADHD symptoms can affect your relationships. You can improve your relationships by speaking with a therapist or taking conflict resolution classes. You can improve your relationships with your family members or friends by letting them know about your ADHD and by telling them that your behavior is not malicious.

Therapy

ADHD in adulthood can result in significant social, emotional, and occupational consequences. These include lower academic success as well as higher rates of job failure and transfer, poor performance at work, more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population (Spencer and co. 2007). Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression or abuse of substances. Patients with comorbid disorders could have a harder time responding to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).

A detailed patient history is vital, as many medical conditions can have symptoms similar to symptoms of ADHD. Patients with seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning should be more careful to be evaluated. Patients who abuse substances or those suffering from certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure are not recommended from receiving stimulant therapy (Greenhill 2001).

Psychosocial therapy encompasses psychoeducation and behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their disorder as well as its effects on different aspects of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can help patients boost their self-esteem, particularly those who are often viewed as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.

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 and making impulsive choices that can cause problems in school, at work or with their personal lives. This type of therapy could also improve a person's relationships with their family, friends, spouse and colleagues.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is focused on helping individuals change their behavior patterns that are harmful to them. This kind of therapy is very efficient in improving the functioning of those suffering from ADHD especially when it is combined with psychoeducation for families and family therapy. By educating patients and loved family members about ADHD it can decrease the frequency with which they blame each other for the issues caused by the inability of a patient to control his or her behavior. Classes that teach couples and families how to communicate more effectively and develop techniques for conflict resolution can be helpful.

Counseling

A successful treatment plan will address the symptoms of ADHD and their effects on school, work, and the family. It includes non-stimulant and stimulant medication as along with psychosocial treatment, specifically cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT assists patients to alter 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.

Stimulant medication is used to treat ADHD. They help to regulate and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They've been around for a long time, and there are several different kinds of drugs each with their own advantages and disadvantages. The two most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. These are sold under many brand names including Ritalin and Adderall. Other drugs used to treat ADHD are atomoxetine, which 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 as well as atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a slower onset than stimulants. They are also available for those who aren't able to take stimulants due to other health issues or suffer from serious side effects.

It is important to remember that comorbid conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Therefore the severity and presence of other conditions must be taken into consideration when diagnosing ADHD. It is also essential to rule out any physical causes for the symptoms, such as an underlying thyroid disorder or vision and hearing issues.

Certain patients may be able reduce their ADHD symptoms by making changes to their diet. It is essential to consult a physician prior to eliminating any foods. This could lead to nutritional deficiencies and should be done under the supervision of a physician or dietician. Another option is counseling, which can assist patients in learning to manage their symptoms and establish better relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses recognize that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign that they are unloving or malicious.

Education

The diagnosis of ADHD can be a bit confusing for both patients and doctors. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD and certain medical conditions and medications may also produce symptoms that resemble ADHD.

Many of these problems can be addressed with treatment or lifestyle adjustments. Someone suffering from ADHD may benefit by taking supplements or altering their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy will teach him how to better resist distractions, impulsiveness and increase his focus. A doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or the practice of mindfulness meditation, both of which can help control emotions and increase attention.

A thorough history of the symptoms and a physical exam are essential. A doctor can also look for sleep apnea as well as other disorders like issues with vision and hearing thyroid disorders, alcohol or drug abuse and lead poisoning. In addition to determining the presence of an underlying cause these tests can help rule out or limit the effects of other conditions that could contribute to a patient's ADHD-like behavior.

When I Am Psychiatry recommends medication for ADHD the most commonly prescribed ones are stimulants like dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant drugs include clonidine and Guanfacine. These blood pressure medication can help with hyperactivity and impulsivity, but may take longer to work and have negative side effects, such as constipation, heartburn and a lack of sex.

People with ADHD frequently have trouble keeping appointments, are late for work and make irrational decisions which can strain the patience of even the most patient friends and relatives. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on improving communication skills can help people establish stable relationships.

Exercise, diet, and stress reduction all can help in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from the condition have found that removing certain foods or taking supplements can help them, but it's crucial to talk to a doctor before trying these methods. If you do this without consulting with a physician this could lead to nutritional deficiency and other health issues.