ADHD Treatments For Adults

Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the first treatment that doctors recommend. They aid in balancing levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Antidepressants, as well as Atomoxetine (Strattera) can reduce symptoms, but they do so more slowly.

Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults acquire skills to improve organization and planning. 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 may discover that they improve through a change in their diet or taking supplements, but they should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor. Other options include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as counseling for families. Some people with ADHD have difficulty staying on medication, but they should talk with their doctors and ask for assistance. Certain medications are available for purchase over the counter and some require prescriptions.

Most ADHD medications are based on increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. This reduces impulsivity and improves concentration. 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 side effects. Some of these side effects could be serious, for instance, cardiovascular problems. In addition, stimulants can cause the tics of blinking eyes or throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth by a few month for teenagers and children.

treatment for add are prescribed to those who suffer from intolerable side effects from stimulants or are at risk of heart issues. These are mostly norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants, but are safe and do not contain the potential for abuse that certain people experience with stimulant drugs.

You can reduce your ADHD symptoms by following an established schedule, making and sticking to a strict budget, improving your organizational skills, learning about your disorder and creating strategies to manage your symptoms. It is recommended to talk with an expert to learn the best method to manage your disorder, and you can find a wealth of information on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.

Your relationships can be strained due to your ADHD symptoms. Talking with a therapist about how you interact with your spouse or co-workers and taking classes to learn conflict resolution can be helpful. You can improve your relationships with your family members or friends by helping them understand your ADHD and letting them know that your behavior is not malicious.

Therapy

ADHD as an adult can have profound emotional, social and occupational consequences. These include lower academic success, higher rates of job loss and transfer, poor work performance as well as a higher number of car accidents, and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer et al 2007). Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. Patients with comorbid disorders could be more difficult to respond to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).

It is important to have an extensive history of the patient, since a variety of medical conditions may present symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Patients with developmental disorders, seizure disorders, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning should be more carefully evaluated. Stimulant treatment is contraindicated in those who abuse drugs or those suffering from certain medical conditions, like heart disease and high blood pressure tachycardia and arrhythmias (Greenhill 2001).).

Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation involves teaching patients about their condition as well as its effects on various aspects of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can help patients build their self-esteem, especially those who are often stigmatized as being inept or unintelligent.

Behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to help patients learn better ways to manage their time and tasks, improving their skills in organizing. This can help reduce the likelihood of missing appointments or making impulsive choices that can cause problems at school, work or in their personal life. This type of therapy could improve the relationship of a person with their family, friends, spouse and colleagues.

Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults with ADHD is designed to help individuals change their behaviour patterns. This type of therapy is extremely efficient in improving the performance of people suffering from ADHD, particularly when combined with psychoeducation for families and family therapy. By educating patients and loved family members about ADHD it can decrease the frequency at which they blame each other for the difficulties caused by a patient's inability manage his or her behavior. Classes that train couples and families to communicate more effectively and develop strategies for resolving conflicts can be beneficial.

Counseling

A successful treatment plan for ADHD will address the symptoms and their impacts on the family, work and school. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant drugs as well as psychosocial therapy, notably cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change the way they think about their behavior. It also teaches them skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family and friends.

Stimulant drugs are used to treat ADHD. They help to regulate and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They have been around for a long period of time, and there are many kinds of drugs each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The two most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, which are available under a variety of brand names such as Adderall and Ritalin. Other medications used to treat ADHD include atomoxetine, which helps by increasing the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain that passes messages between brain cells and viloxazine which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine as well as atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a less gradual development than stimulants. These drugs are also available to those who are unable to take stimulants due to health issues or severe adverse 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 considered when determining an ADHD diagnosis. It is important to determine the cause of the symptoms, for example thyroid disorders, hearing and sight problems.

It's also worth noting that some patients may be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by altering their diet. However, it's important to seek medical advice prior eliminating any food items which could result in nutritional deficiencies. It should only be done with the help of a doctor or dietician. Counseling can also help patients manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses realize 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. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD and certain medical conditions and medications may also produce symptoms that mimic ADHD.

Many of these issues can be solved with treatment or lifestyle modifications. A person with ADHD might benefit from adjusting diet or taking supplements to improve their eating habits, for example. Behavioral therapy could help the person to be more resistant to distractions and impulsiveness, improve his focus and develop self-control. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness-based meditation practice that can help control emotions and increase focus.

A thorough history of the symptoms is important and so is a physical exam. A physician can also check for sleep apnea as well as other conditions like hearing and vision issues thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol abuse and lead poisoning. These tests will not only aid in determining the presence of a underlying disorder but also help reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders that may contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.

Most often, stimulants are prescribed by doctors for ADHD. These include dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate as well as Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant drugs might include clonidine or guanfacine, which are blood pressure drugs that can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, however they may take longer to kick in and might have side effects like constipation, heartburn, and low sex drive.

People suffering from ADHD often forget appointments and are often late to work, and make irrational choices which can strain the patience of even the most patient friends and relatives. Couples therapy or classes to improve communication skills can help people establish solid relationships.


Diet, exercise and stress reduction all can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with the condition have discovered that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements aids them, but it's crucial to consult with a doctor before trying these methods. If you do this without consulting a doctor it could result in nutritional deficiency and other health issues.