ADHD Treatments For Adults

Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the first option that doctors recommend. They help balance the levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine, (Strattera) can help alleviate symptoms, but they work slower.

Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults acquire strategies to improve their organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy are also capable of improving social functioning.

Medicines

You can use medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people notice they are more comfortable after changing their diet or taking supplements. However they should only be used under the guidance of a medical professional. Other options include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy (CBT), and family counseling. Some adults with ADHD struggle to adhere to medication However, they should talk to their doctor and seek help. Certain medications are available for purchase over the counter and others require a prescription.

Most ADHD medications help by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This decreases impulsivity and increases concentration. Some of the most common drugs are stimulants like dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. These are considered to be the most effective for ADHD treatment, but they do have side effects. Some of these side effects can be serious, such as heart problems. The stimulant medication can also trigger the appearance of tics, like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth by a few month in children and teenagers.

Nonstimulant drugs are prescribed to patients who experience intolerable side-effects from stimulants, or who are at risk of developing heart disease. These are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. They aren't as efficient as stimulants, but they are safe and don't have the potential for abuse that some people have with stimulant medications.

You can attempt to lessen your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a structured schedule, creating and adhering to a budget, enhancing organizational skills, learning more about your disorder, and developing strategies to deal with your symptoms. Consult a professional regarding the best strategies to manage your disorder. You can also find many useful resources on the site of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.

Your relationships could be strained because of your ADHD symptoms. Talking to a therapist about the way you interact with your family members or friends and taking classes that teach conflict resolution can be helpful. You can improve your relationships with your family members or friends by having them understand your ADHD and telling them that your behavior isn't intentional.

Therapy

ADHD as an adult can have profound emotional, social and occupational consequences. This includes lower academic performance and higher rates of transfer and job failure, as well as poor performance at work. Additionally, there are more car accidents, and higher divorce rates than the general population. Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from depression, anxiety or abuse of substances. Those with comorbid conditions may have a harder time responding to stimulant medications (Barkley & Gordon 2002).

It is crucial to obtain a detailed history of the patient, since a variety of medical conditions may have symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients with developmental disorders, seizure disorders, sleep apnea thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning should be more cautiously assessed. The use of stimulants is not recommended for patients with active substance abuse or with certain medical conditions, including heart disease and high blood pressure arrhythmias and tachycardia (Greenhill 2001).

Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their condition and its impact on different areas of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can also aid in improving self-esteem in patients who often are stigmatized, for example, being viewed as inept or unintelligent.

The goal of the therapy for adults who suffer from ADHD is to enhance their ability to organize their lives and teach them how to organize their time. This can reduce the likelihood of missing appointments or making decisions impulsively which can lead to issues at work, school or in their personal lives. This kind of therapy can also help improve the effectiveness of a person's interactions with spouses, children and coworkers.

Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults who suffer from ADHD is geared towards helping people change their negative behaviors. This type of therapy is extremely efficient in improving the functioning of people suffering from ADHD particularly when it is paired with psychoeducation for families and family therapy. Informing patients and loved ones about ADHD can help decrease the likelihood of blaming one another for problems caused by the patient's inability control their own behaviors. Classes that teach families and couples how to communicate better and resolve conflicts can be helpful.

Counseling

A good treatment plan for ADHD will tackle the symptoms and their effects on work, family, and school. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant medication and 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 drugs are used to treat ADHD. They balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. There are a myriad of types of stimulant medications, all with their own advantages and adverse effects. The two most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, which are available under a variety of brands, including Ritalin and Adderall. Viloxazine is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine increases the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine as well as atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a more gradual onset than stimulants. These drugs are also available to people who are unable to take stimulants due to health conditions or severe side effects.

It's important to note that comorbid disorders can mimic the symptoms of ADHD Therefore, the presence and severity of any other condition should be taken into consideration when determining the ADHD diagnosis. It is important to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, including thyroid disorders or hearing and sight problems.

Some patients may also be able reduce their ADHD symptoms through diet changes. However, it's important to seek medical advice prior cutting out any food which could result in nutritional deficiencies. This should only be done with the assistance of a doctor or dietician. Counseling can help patients deal with their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family. Counseling can also help spouses understand that the patient's behaviors are not necessarily indicative of a lack of affection or a deliberate act of infractions.

Education

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

Lifestyle or treatment changes can solve a lot of these issues. A person with ADHD might benefit from adjusting diet or taking supplements to improve their eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy can teach the person to be more resistant to distractions and impulsiveness, improve his focus and develop self-control. Read the Full Guide might suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can both aid in controlling emotions and improve concentration.

A thorough medical history and a physical examination are crucial. A physician can also check for sleep apnea and other disorders like issues with vision and hearing thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol abuse, and lead poisoning. These tests can help to determine the presence of an underlying disorder but also help reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders that can contribute to the ADHD-like behavior.

If a doctor suggests medication for ADHD the most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants, like dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant medications include clonidine and guanfacine. These blood pressure medicines can reduce an impulsive and hyperactivity problem, but can take longer to work and have negative side effects, such as heartburn, constipation, and low sexual desire.

People suffering from ADHD often have trouble keeping appointments and are often late to work, and make irrational choices that can be a challenge for even the most patient friends and relatives. Couples therapy and classes that concentrate on improving communication skills can help sufferers establish stable relationships.

Diet, exercise, and stress reduction all can help in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have discovered that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements aids them, but it's important to talk to a doctor before trying these methods. If you try this without consulting with a physician, it could lead to nutritional deficiency and other health issues.