Treatment of ADHD in Adults

Treatment for adhd in adults includes therapy, medication and family support. People can also participate in clinical trials to try new approaches to treating ADHD.

Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to benefit from stimulant medications. They need to be monitored regularly. This means monthly appointments with a doctor and regular reviews of symptoms.

Medicines

Many medications can be used to alleviate symptoms of ADHD in adults. These medications are called psychostimulants. They work by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain that transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will choose the most appropriate medication for your needs, and determine the best dosage and timetable. It could take a while to determine the proper dosage and medication to control your symptoms.

The first medication doctors prescribe to adults with ADHD is stimulants. These medications increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in your brain, which increase your ability to focus and manage impulses. They come in short-, intermediate-- and long-acting forms. Short-acting stimulants can last for up to 6 hours. Intermediate-acting medications last 8-10 hours. Long-acting drugs last up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants have less side effects than shorter- and intermediate-acting medications, but they still cause insomnia and changes in appetite.

Nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine (Strattera) are used to treat adults with ADHD when stimulants don't work or cause undesirable side effects. These medications do not alter the levels of dopamine or norepinephrine however they do increase the amount of norepinephrine, which improves your focus. The capsules are taken one or twice daily.


Many people with ADHD also have other psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety. These are known as comorbid disorders and they can influence how you react to treatment for ADHD. Before starting treatment for ADHD, it's important to address any comorbidities. For instance, people who have a history of substance use disorder are more likely to misuse psychostimulants. This is why it's often advisable to wait until the person has removed themselves from using substances before evaluating treatment with stimulants to treat ADHD.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is an interactive method of discussing and discussing issues that may be disturbing or troubling for a person. The therapist provides guidance based upon his or her education, experience, credentials and the therapeutic philosophy. Psychotherapy can be short-term, (a couple of weeks or months) or addressing more immediate issues, or longer-term. The patient and therapist decide on the duration and frequency of treatment.

Psychotherapy and medication are a highly effective way to treat adults with ADHD. Behavioral therapy helps people improve their ability to manage their time, organize and prioritizing. It can also teach methods for managing emotions like anger and frustration. Medication can reduce symptoms and increase focus, which leads to more productive and effective academic and work performance.

Adults with ADHD are more likely of having co-existing disorders. This is especially applicable to mood disorders like depression and anxiety. It is crucial that any co-existing disorders be treated before beginning treatment for ADHD. The treatment of co-existing disorders may require different types of medications and dosages compared to the ones that are used to treat ADHD.

For example, a person with ADHD could also be suffering from hypertension. To pick a medication that can treat the ADHD symptoms without causing destabilization of the hypertension of the patient it is crucial to understand how different medications affect people in the course of time, as well as the interactions between the medications.

It's crucial to choose a therapist with expertise in treating adults with ADHD and with whom you feel comfortable. It's important to schedule your first few sessions at times when you will not be distracted by work or family obligations.

Counseling

Adults who suffer from ADHD often face many issues in their lives, including work and relationship problems. They may also feel anger, blame, and frustration that have developed in their lives due to their symptoms. Psychosocial therapies can aid patients and their families to develop new abilities, attitudes, and ways of relating.

Psychotherapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, a form of psychotherapy that assists individuals modify their thinking and behavior. It involves goal-setting, training and practice of skills, and strategies for teaching that help improve organization and self-esteem. This can be accomplished individually or in a group setting. Some studies have shown that the use of metacognitive therapy can reduce symptoms and improve performance in adults with ADHD (Stevenson and colleagues, 2002).

In addition to psychotherapy, some individuals with ADHD require counseling to address specific life issues. These could include family conflict, impulsive and aggressive behavior, or difficulties coping with disappointments and failures. Counseling can help develop strategies to manage these situations, improve communication, and enhance problem-solving abilities. It can also help improve interpersonal relationships, especially in marriages and other long-term relationships.

Other forms of psychotherapy for ADHD include family therapy and supportive group therapy. These can help families cope with the anxiety of having a child with ADHD, as well as develop skills to improve communication and reduce conflict. It can also help parents understand the disorder and develop parenting strategies that promote positive outcomes for their children.

It is crucial for people suffering from ADHD to discuss their medications with their health care providers regularly, and to disclose all other medications they're taking, including any over-the-counter medications. Some medications can cause side effects or interact with other medications.

Medication Monitoring

After a thorough assessment and diagnosis, it is important to monitor the patient to ensure that the patient receives the benefits of the medication and does not suffer from side effects. It is recommended that a patient be seen for a first clinical examination within 30 days of beginning treatment, and every month thereafter. This permits a thorough titration of psychostimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate to a well-tolerated and effective dose. This allows accurate registration of the patient's reaction and helps avoid keeping the patient with a sensitive response on doses that are not sufficient.

Adults who do not respond well to stimulant medication or who have adverse effects that are unpalatable might benefit from non-stimulant drugs. This typically involves the use of the methylphenidate based atomoxetine alternatives.

Adults suffering from ADHD typically suffer from comorbid disorders such as mood or anxiety disorder, substance abuse problems or depression. They may also have medical conditions like hearing or vision problems, or chronic sleep disorders. It is crucial to identify and evaluate such conditions in the initial evaluation for ADHD because they could have a significant effects on functional impairment in adults.

ADHD can also be treated through marital therapy. spouses feel overwhelmed by the caretaking responsibilities of their spouses who suffer from ADHD and can be angry or resentful in response. increasing the awareness of the patient about the signs of their condition and helping to understand that these are not willful acts or a lack of love can help reduce marital conflict and resentment. Couples who go through this kind of therapy tend to have better family functioning.

Behavioral Therapy

For people who suffer from ADHD, psychotherapy is generally recommended and should incorporate an element of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy can help patients improve their focus, organization skills and manage impulsive behavior. It teaches patients to manage their work, home and social settings more effectively. Psychotherapy helps patients to understand how their condition impacts various aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help reduce the shame and low self-esteem that is often seen in people with ADHD who are thought of as lazy or less intelligent.

Many psychiatric disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms. For example anxiety disorders are seen at a high rate in adult ADHD patients and depression is seen in greater numbers among those suffering from the disorder. The presence of any other psychiatric issues should be analyzed according to the need, to determine if the patient's ADHD symptoms are related to them.

treating add with ADHD are usually treated using the combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been proven that the combination of psychotherapy with medication yields better results than either therapy alone. Future controlled studies will aim to track and evaluate the effects of functional improvement, like better functioning at school, the workplace, and interpersonal relations.