ADHD Treatments For Adults

Stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the first option that doctors recommend. They help balance the levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants help to alleviate symptoms, but they do so more slowly.

Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults acquire skills to improve organization and planning. Psychotherapy and coaching can also help improve social functioning.

Medicines

If you suffer from ADHD, you can benefit from medications to alleviate the symptoms. Some people find they feel better after changing their diets or taking supplements. However, these should only ever be used under the guidance of a physician. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or family counseling are all possible treatments. Certain adults with ADHD struggle to adhere to medication however, they should speak to their doctors and ask for help. Certain medications are available over the counter, while others require prescriptions.


The majority of ADHD medications are based on increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. This reduces impulsivity and increases concentration. Some of the most popular medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. Although they are considered the most effective treatment for ADHD but they can also trigger adverse consequences. Cardiovascular issues are among the more serious adverse effects. The stimulant medication can also trigger the tics of blinking eyes or throat clearing. treat adult adhd may also delay growth in adolescents and children by a few months.

Nonstimulant medications are prescribed to those who experience intolerable side-effects from stimulants, or who are at risk of heart disease. These are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants however they are safe and don't contain the potential for abuse that certain people experience with stimulant medications.

You can attempt to lessen your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a structured schedule, making and sticking to a budget, enhancing your organizational skills, gaining knowledge about your disorder and devising strategies to deal with your symptoms. It is important to speak with an expert to learn the best method to manage your condition. You can find many useful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.

Your relationships could be strained due to your ADHD symptoms. Talking with a therapist about how you interact with your coworkers or spouse and attending classes that teach conflict resolution can be helpful. You can improve your relationships with your spouse or co-workers by having them understand your ADHD and making them aware that your behavior is not intentional.

Therapy

ADHD in adulthood can have significant occupational, emotional and social consequences. This includes lower academic performance and more frequent failure to get a job and transfer, poor work performance, more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population (Spencer et al 2007). Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. People with comorbid disorders might have a harder time responding to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).

It is essential to take an in-depth background of the patient as many medical conditions can have symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning must be cautiously assessed. Treatment with stimulants is not recommended in patients with active substance abuse or in those with certain medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure, tachycardia and arrhythmias (Greenhill 2001).

Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their disorder, including its effects on different aspects of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can help patients boost their self-esteem, especially those who are often stigmatized as being inept or unintelligent.

The aim of a behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is to enhance their ability to organize their lives and teach them better ways to manage their time. This can help decrease the chance of missing appointments or making impulsive decisions that could cause problems at school, work or in their personal life. This type of therapy can aid in improving the effectiveness of an individual's interactions with spouses, children and colleagues.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD focuses on helping people change their behavior patterns that are negative. This kind of therapy can be very effective in improving the functioning of those with ADHD, especially if combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. Educating patients and their loved ones about ADHD can help reduce the frequency of blaming one another for problems caused by the person's inability to control his or her own behavior. Classes that help couples and families how to communicate more effectively and develop techniques for conflict resolution can be helpful.

Counseling

A well-planned treatment plan for ADHD will focus on the symptoms and their impacts on the family, work and school. It should include stimulant and nonstimulant medication as well as psychosocial therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients to 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 increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They have been around for a long time and there are several different types of medications, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The two most common stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, which are available under many different brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. Other medications that treat ADHD are atomoxetine, which is a stimulant that increases the amount of a chemical 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 among adults, as they have a less gradual development than stimulants. They are also available to those who aren't able to take stimulants due to other health issues or have serious adverse effects.

It is important to remember that comorbid conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Therefore the presence and severity of other conditions must be taken into consideration when diagnosing ADHD. It is essential to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or hearing and sight problems.

It's also important to note that some patients might be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by changing their diet. It's important to consult a doctor before eliminating any foods. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and should only be done with the guidance of a physician or dietician. Counseling can also assist patients deal with their symptoms, and also improve their relationships with their family. Counseling can help spouses understand that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign that they are averse to love or malicious.

Education

The diagnosis of ADHD can be a bit confusing for both the patient and the doctor. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD, and certain medications and medical conditions may also produce symptoms that mimic ADHD.

Lifestyle or treatment changes can resolve many of these issues. A person with ADHD may benefit from taking supplements or changing their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy can teach him how to manage distractions, impulsiveness and improve his concentration. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can both aid in regulating emotions and increase concentration.

A thorough history of the symptoms is important and so is a physical examination. A physician can also evaluate a patient for sleep apnea and hearing and thyroid problems, vision issues as well as lead poisoning, alcohol or drug abuse. In addition to determining if there is a possibility of an underlying cause these tests can help rule out or lessen the effects of other disorders that might cause a patient's ADHD-like behavior.

When a doctor recommends medication for ADHD the most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants, like dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant drugs might include clonidine or guanfacine, which are blood pressure medicines which can aid in reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity, however they may take longer to begin working and may cause side effects like constipation, heartburn and low sex drive.

ADHD patients are often unable to remember appointments, show up late for work and make uninformed choices that can cause stress to even the most patient family and friends members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on improving communication skills can help sufferers develop stable relationships.

Exercise, diet, and stress reduction can all play a part in managing ADHD symptoms. Some people with the condition have found that removing certain foods or taking supplements helps them, but it's crucial to consult with a doctor before attempting these treatments. If you do this without a doctor's advice could result in nutritional deficiencies and health issues.