ADHD Treatments For Adults

Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the first treatment most doctors recommend. They can help regulate levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants also help to alleviate symptoms, but they operate more slowly.

Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, helps adults develop their planning and organization abilities. Psychotherapy and coaching can also help improve social functioning.

Medicines

If you have ADHD you may benefit from medication to treat your symptoms. Some people find they are more comfortable after changing their diet or taking supplements. However they should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), or family counseling are all viable treatment options. Some adults with ADHD struggle to adhere to their medication. They should speak to their doctor and request assistance. Some medications can be purchased over the counter, while others require prescriptions.

Most ADHD medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This reduces impulsivity, and increases concentration. The most commonly used drugs are stimulants like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. Although they are considered the most effective treatment for ADHD but they can also trigger adverse negative effects. Cardiovascular issues are among the more serious adverse effects. In addition, stimulants can cause symptoms like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth in children and adolescents by just a few months.

Nonstimulant medications can be prescribed for people who have adverse reactions to stimulants that are not tolerated or are at risk of developing heart problems. These medications are primarily dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These medications are not as effective as stimulants, but are safe and don't offer the risk of abuse that many people have when taking stimulant medication.


You can reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a well-planned schedule, establishing and adhering to a budget, developing your organizational skills, gaining knowledge about your condition and devising strategies to deal with your symptoms. Consult a professional regarding the best strategies to manage your ADHD. You will also find numerous useful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.

Your relationships may be strained by your ADHD symptoms. You can improve your relationships by speaking with a therapist and taking conflict resolution classes. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how your ADHD affects you, and also recognizing that some of your behavior are not intentionally mean-spirited.

Therapy

ADHD as an adult can have significant emotional, social, and occupational effects. These include lower academic achievement as well as higher rates of transfer and job failure, as well as poor performance at work. There are also more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population. Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs. Those with comorbid disorders may have a harder time responding to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).

It is essential to take an in-depth background of the patient since a variety of medical conditions may present symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning must be careful to be evaluated. 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, arrhythmias and tachycardia (Greenhill 2001).

Psychosocial therapy includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of teaching patients about their disorder as well as its effects on different aspects of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can help patients improve their self-esteem, especially those who are often stigmatized as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.

The purpose of behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is to enhance their ability to organize their lives and teach them better ways to organize their time. This can help reduce the risk of missing appointments or making impulsive choices that can result in problems at school, at work, or with their personal lives. This kind of therapy could also improve the effectiveness of one's interactions with spouses, children and co-workers.

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 suffering from ADHD particularly when it is coupled with psychoeducation and family therapy. Through educating patients and their loved family members about ADHD, it can reduce the frequency with which they blame each other for the issues caused by the inability of a patient to manage his or her behavior. Classes that teach families and couples how to communicate more effectively and manage conflicts can be helpful.

Counseling

A good treatment strategy will address the symptoms of ADHD and their effects on school, work, and the family. It should include stimulant and nonstimulant medications and psychosocial therapy, notably cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change their thinking about their behavior. It also helps them develop skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family and friends.

Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD boost and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They have been around for a long period of time, and there are many types of medications, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The two most popular stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, which are available under a variety of brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. Viloxazine is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine enhances the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a slower start than stimulants. They also are available to people who can't take stimulants because of other health issues or have serious side effects.

It is important to remember that co-occurring disorders can cause symptoms of ADHD, so the severity and presence of any other conditions should be taken into consideration when determining the ADHD diagnosis. It is essential to determine the cause of the symptoms, for example thyroid disorders, hearing and sight problems.

Some patients may also be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. It is important to consult a physician prior to eliminating any food. This could lead to nutritional deficiencies and should only be done under the supervision of a doctor or dietician. Another option is counseling, which helps patients manage their symptoms and establish stronger relationships with their families. additional hints can also assist spouses in understanding that the patient's behavior is 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 can coexist with ADHD and certain medications and medical conditions may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.

Many of these issues can be addressed with treatment or lifestyle adjustments. A person with ADHD could benefit from taking supplements or changing their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy will teach him how to resist distractions, impulsiveness, and improve the focus of his mind. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, both of which can aid in controlling emotions and improve concentration.

A thorough history of symptoms and a physical exam are important. 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 the existence of an underlying cause these evaluations can help identify or reduce the effects of other disorders that might cause a patient's ADHD-like behavior.

If a doctor suggests medication for ADHD, the most common 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 reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, but can take longer to work and may cause side effects such as constipation, heartburn and a lack of sex.

People suffering from ADHD often forget appointments, are late for work, and make irrational choices which can strain the patience of even the most tolerant family members and friends. Couples therapy or classes that help improve communication skills can help sufferers develop stable relationships.

Exercise, diet, and stress reduction could all play a part in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from the condition have found that removing certain foods or taking supplements helps them, but it's important to consult with a doctor before trying these therapies. If you try this without consulting with a physician, it could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.