Treatment of ADHD in Adults

Adults suffering from adhd are treated with medication, therapy, and family support. Patients can also take part in clinical trials to test new methods of treating ADHD.

The stimulant medications are the most effective medications for adults with ADHD. They need to be monitored regularly. This includes regular clinical appointments and regular reviews of side effects and symptoms.

Medications

There are many drugs that can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. These are called psychostimulants and they alter the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) that pass messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will recommend the best medication for you and will determine the best dose and schedule to take it. It could take some time to determine the proper dosage and medication to control your symptoms.

The first medication doctors prescribe to adults with ADHD is stimulants. this page Links to an external site. increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in your brain, which enhances your ability to focus and control impulses. They are available in short-, intermediate- and long-acting forms. Short-acting stimulants last around 6 hours, intermediate-acting medicines last between 8 and 10 hours, and long-acting drugs last up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants have fewer side effects than shorter- and intermediate-acting drugs, however they still cause sleepiness and changes in appetite.

Nonstimulant drugs, such as atomoxetine (Strattera), can be used to treat adult ADHD when stimulants don't work or cause undesirable adverse negative effects. These medicines don't affect your norepinephrine or dopamine levels however they increase the amount of norepinephrine available to your brain and increase your ability to concentrate. The capsules are taken one or two times a day.

Some adults with ADHD suffer from co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression. These are called comorbid conditions and they can influence the way you respond to treatment for ADHD. It is essential to treat any comorbid disorders prior to beginning treatment for ADHD. For instance, those who have a history of substance use disorder may be more likely to abuse psychostimulants. It's best to wait until someone has stopped using drugs before taking them on with stimulants.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a process of talking and discussing issues that may be disturbing or troubling to someone. The therapist offers guidance on the basis of his or her qualifications, experience, training and therapeutic philosophy. Psychotherapy may be short-term (a few weeks or months) dealing with immediate issues, or long-term (months or years) in which a patient is working to address more complex and long-standing issues. The therapist and patient decide on the length and frequency of treatment.

The combination of psychotherapy and medication together is a highly effective treatment for adults with ADHD. Behavioral therapy assists people in improving their organizational skills, time management and prioritizing. It can also teach methods to manage emotions, such as anger and frustration. The use of medication can help reduce symptoms and improve concentration, which results in more efficient and successful academic and work.

Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-existing issues, especially mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Before beginning treatment for ADHD, it is important to treat any co-existing condition. The treatment of co-existing disorders may require different types of medications and dosages compared to the medications prescribed to treat ADHD.

A person suffering from ADHD may also suffer from hypertension. Finding a medication that can treat the ADHD symptoms, but does not destabilize the patient's hypertension that is controlled requires knowledge of how different medications affect people over time and an understanding of the interactions between different medications.

It's crucial to locate a therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD and with whom you are at ease. It is important to schedule your first few sessions at times when you aren't distracted by work or family obligations.

Counseling

Adults suffering from ADHD have many difficulties in their lives, including difficulties at work and in relationships. People with ADHD can also experience frustration, anger and guilt that has built up over time. Psychosocial therapies can help patients and their families to develop new attitudes, skills, and ways of relating.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of psychotherapy that helps people change their behavior and thinking. It involves goal-setting, training and practicing of skills, as well as teaching strategies for improving self-esteem and organization. It may be done in individual or group sessions. Certain studies have demonstrated that the use of metacognitive therapy can reduce symptoms and improve performance in adults with ADHD (Stevenson et al 2002).

In addition to psychotherapy, some people with ADHD also require counseling to address specific life difficulties. These could include family conflict, impulsive and aggressive behaviors, or difficulty managing failures and disappointments. Counseling can help teach skills to manage these situations, improve communication and improve problem-solving skills. It can also improve interpersonal relationships, especially in marriages or other long-term partnerships.

Family therapy and support groups therapy are other forms of psychotherapy that can be utilized to treat ADHD. These can help families cope with the stress of having a child who has ADHD, as well as help improve communication and reduce conflicts. It can assist parents understand the disorder and develop parenting strategies that encourage positive results in their children.

It is crucial for adults with ADHD to discuss their medications with their health care providers regularly, and to disclose all other medications they are taking, including prescription drugs. Certain medications can trigger side effects or interact with other medications.

Medication Monitoring

After a thorough examination and diagnosis is made, it is crucial to monitor the patient to ensure he/she is getting the benefits of the medication and not experiencing adverse effects. It is recommended to see the patient for the initial medical monitoring within 30 days after starting treatment and then every month thereafter. This permits an accurate adjustment of psychostimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate to a well-tolerated, effective dose. This allows for accurate registration of the patient's response. It also assists in avoiding the patient from being kept taking insufficient doses (slow metabolizers) or forcing those who require higher doses to excessively high levels (rapid metabolizers).


Adults who do not respond well to stimulant medications or suffer from adverse effects that are unpalatable might benefit from non-stimulant drugs. Most often, this is the use of atomoxetine or other methylphenidate alternatives.

Adults who suffer from ADHD are usually affected by comorbid disorders such as depression or substance abuse. They may also suffer from medical conditions like hearing or vision problems or chronic sleep disorders. As part of the initial assessment for ADHD it is crucial to detect these conditions and assess the severity of them. These conditions can have a significant impact on functional impairments in adults.

ADHD can also be treated through marital therapy. Spouses report feeling overburdened with the responsibilities of caring for their spouses suffering from ADHD, and can be angry or resentful in response. Increasing the patient's awareness of the symptoms of his/her condition and helping them understand that these aren't impulsive acts or a lack of love can reduce marital tensions and resentment. Couples who undergo this type of therapy typically experience better family functioning.

Behavioral Therapy

Psychotherapy for adults with ADHD is generally suggested. It should include a behavioral and cognitive component. Behavioral therapy can help patients improve their focus, organization skills and control their impulsive behaviors. It helps patients manage their work, home, and social situations in more productive ways. Psychotherapy helps patients understand how their disorder affects different areas of their lives and relationships. This can help decrease the feelings of shame and low self-esteem that is commonly seen in those with ADHD who are considered lazy or less intelligent.

Many psychiatric disorders may be akin to ADHD symptoms. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders and depression. The presence of any other psychiatric issues should be analyzed, as appropriate, to determine if the patient's ADHD symptoms are linked to them.

Adults with ADHD are typically treated with an amalgamation of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been shown that when a combination of medication and psychotherapy is used results are more favorable than either treatment alone. Future controlled medication studies will try to track and evaluate improvements in functional performance, for example, improved functioning in school, the workplace, and interpersonal relations.