ADHD Treatment in Adults
ADHD can create problems at work, in school as well as in relationships. It's crucial to obtain an extensive medical examination and to rule out conditions that could be a cause of ADHD symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a kind of psychotherapy that can help patients manage their symptoms. It is focused on changing negative thought patterns to more positive ones.
Medication
Medications are the most common treatment for ADHD in adults. Usually stimulants are prescribed to ease symptoms and improve performance. NIMH suggests that you consult with your doctor to determine if medication is right for you. Discuss with your doctor if you decide to take medication to discuss the effects it may have on your life.
ADHD is often coupled with depression and anxiety. These comorbidities can make it harder to respond to therapy. A combination of psychosocial therapy and medication is the most effective approach to treat adult ADHD (Rostain and co., 2006).
Psychoeducation helps adults suffering from ADHD to understand their condition and its impact on their lives. It also teaches strategies for dealing with any issues that might occur. This will help them build confidence in themselves which could have been negatively affected by constant negative feedback from family and friends. Cognitive behavioral therapies are a way to offer psychoeducation.
It is crucial to have a an extensive medical history, as some medical conditions can present with similar symptoms as ADHD. These include seizures, developmental disorders (petit mal) sleep apnea and a few drugs. It is also helpful to review the person's educational and childhood experiences.
Generally, nonstimulant medications are recommended first for patients with comorbid psychiatric conditions. When improvement is evident in the comorbid disorder, the possibility of taking a stimulant medication (Wilens 2004b). If the patient is currently in active substance abuse treatment the possibility of a trial with stimulants should be only considered when the patient is in stable substance abuse remission.
Stimulants vary greatly in their response to different doses. Therefore, careful titration that includes accurate registration of the patient's response and adverse effects is essential. It is also essential to test different formulations of the same medication. For instance, dextroamphetamine instant-release has a shorter half-life and requires multiple doses twice or three times a day, while amphetamine salts with extended-release have a longer duration of action.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
The majority of people with ADHD receive psychosocial treatment which consists of a combination of medication and cognitive therapy. These therapies can help people with ADHD learn strategies to improve their organizational skills to manage time and prioritize tasks as well as control reckless and impulsive behavior. A few adults could get help from a life coach or ADHD coach, who can teach them various skills to improve their daily functioning.
Children and adults alike are susceptible to a variety of psychiatric disorders that mimic the symptoms associated with ADHD. These include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, language and learning difficulties and a few psychotic disorders. It is important to rule out these disorders prior to beginning treatment for ADHD.
Approximately 75% of adults with ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders which include anxiety and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy, like, can be effective in treating comorbid disorders. These treatments can assist adults suffering from ADHD control their impulsive behavior and focus on the troublesome areas of their lives.
adhd treatment for young adults is best treated using a combination of pharmacotherapy, psychosocial therapy, and medication. Rostain et. and others (2006) found CBT coupled with mixed salts amphetamine to improve the core symptoms of ADHD and also the symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. It is important to be aware that stimulants may cause a slight increase in pulse and blood pressure in certain patients.
Psychotherapy can also help couples and families suffering from ADHD learn how to better communicate and be able to understand each other. This can reduce tension and conflicts at home, especially between spouses. CBT can help adults with ADHD understand their condition, and also learn to recognize and manage negative beliefs and thoughts.
Some people suffering from ADHD might also opt to use complementary health approaches including natural remedies and diet. These strategies aren't scientifically proven to reduce ADHD impairments or symptoms however, they could help in managing the disorder. Before starting any new therapy, consult your therapist and doctor about these alternatives.

Counseling
It's never too late for adults suffering from ADHD to seek treatment. Effective treatment can make your life simpler and help you achieve success at work, school and in relationships. It's important to include medication in your ADHD treatment plan. However, it's beneficial to seek out therapy. It can help you manage stress and treat comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression.
Counseling is a valuable option for adults suffering from ADHD, as well as their family members. It can assist them in understanding how ADHD affects them, and also learn how to spot the trouble areas that could cause issues in their lives. It can help them understand how to deal with the challenges of ADHD, like being disorganized or unable to remember things. Counseling can also be helpful for spouses of adults with ADHD since they frequently feel they are overburdened by their partner's inattention and indecisiveness.
Adults with ADHD may also suffer from comorbid disorders such as major depression and addiction disorders. These comorbid conditions could affect the effectiveness of ADHD medications. They should be treated before beginning medication. It is often difficult to recognize and treat these disorders because they have many symptoms in common with ADHD.
Stimulant medications are the most popular form of ADHD treatment. It can help improve control of impulses and attention but it is not without its limitations. Certain adults experience unpleasant side effects, including dry mouth and sleepiness. In these instances it could be necessary to switch to a non-stimulant or a different stimulant. Other stimulant side effects include visual hallucinations, mood disturbances and heart palpitations. Some people are unable to tolerate stimulants because of medical conditions such as severe asthma or cardiovascular disease. They should be assessed.
Nonstimulants are also effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Clonidine, an a2-adrenergic receptor agonist, has been shown to be effective in reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity in adults with ADHD. This medication is sometimes used in conjunction with stimulants and can be particularly effective for those with comorbid Tourette's disorder and other symptoms (Robertson 2006; Wilens 2006).
When seeking treatment for ADHD It is crucial to inform your doctor about any other health issues you may have. Some medical conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure can interact with certain medications that are used to treat ADHD.
Family therapy
Family therapy can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. This type of therapy could aid in improving their home and work lives and improve communication between them and their families. It can also assist them to manage comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression. Family therapy may involve the use of cognitive therapy that is designed to change a person's thoughts and behaviors. It can also involve marriage counseling and family therapy in order to improve communication. In some instances the therapist might also suggest medication.
The most effective method to treat adult ADHD is through the combination of psychotherapy with medication. Therapy can aid in organizational skills, social interaction and problem-solving. Medication can treat symptoms like inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. In addition, medication can be used to treat disorders that are comorbid, like depression and anxiety.
The first step in treating adult ADHD is identifying the signs. You can accomplish this by filling in a symptom list or an assessment of your behavior. A doctor can also look into the past of a patient, including their childhood and school experiences.
The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD in adults is stimulants. These medications are highly efficient, but they can also cause side effects that must be monitored. There are nonstimulant medications that are as effective as stimulants. They do not have any of the same side-effects.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies can be especially beneficial for those suffering from compulsive ADHD depression, ADHD, and other mental health issues. It can be beneficial for patients suffering from comorbid conditions, such as depression and substance abuse. Cognitive behavioral therapy can assist individuals to change their thinking and actions and assist them in improving their relationships.
It is crucial for families to be aware of how ADHD affects the patient. This can reduce the conflict between spouses and blame shifting. It also helps them recognize the negative impact of the disorder on their relationship. It can also assist them to discover more ways to help their loved ones.
A therapist will discuss with the family members the goals and objectives they have set. The therapist will also motivate the family to continue the new patterns that they have developed over the course of therapy.