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ADHD Treatments For Adults
Most doctors recommend stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They can help regulate levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants also help to alleviate symptoms, but they work more slowly.
Psychotherapy, along with cognitive behavioral therapy, can help adults to improve their organizational and planning skills. Coaching and psychotherapy can also help improve social functioning.
Medicines
If you have ADHD, you can benefit from medication to treat your symptoms. Some people find they are more comfortable after changing their diet or taking supplements. However, these should only ever be administered under the supervision of a physician. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), or family counseling are all viable treatment options. Some adults with ADHD have difficulty staying on medication However, they should talk with their doctors and ask for help. Some medications can be purchased over the counter, while others require prescriptions.
Most drugs prescribed for ADHD are effective in increasing the levels of dopamine within your brain, which reduces impulsivity and improves focus. The most well-known drugs are stimulants, like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. They are believed to be the most effective in ADHD treatment, however they can have adverse effects. Some of these side effects can be serious, for instance, cardiovascular issues. The stimulant medication can also trigger the tics of blinking eyes or throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth by a few months in children and teenagers.
Nonstimulant medications can be prescribed to those who suffer from uncontrollable adverse effects from stimulants or are at risk of developing heart issues. These are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants however they are safe and do not have the abuse potential that many people have with stimulant medications.
You can attempt to lessen your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a planned schedule, establishing and adhering to a budget, improving the organization skills, learning more about your disorder and implementing strategies to deal with your symptoms. Talk to a doctor about the best strategies to manage your ADHD. You will also find numerous useful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your relationships may be strained due to your ADHD symptoms. You can improve your relationships by speaking with an therapist and attending classes on conflict resolution. You can improve your relationships with your family members or friends by having them understand your ADHD and letting them know that your behavior isn't intentional.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has serious social, emotional and occupational consequences for occupational, emotional and social. These include lower academic achievement, higher rates for job loss and transfer, and poor performance at work. There are also more car accidents, and higher divorce rates than the general population. Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, or abuse of substances. Those with comorbid conditions may be less responsive to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
It is crucial to obtain a detailed medical history of the patient because a wide range of medical conditions could have symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients with seizures, developmental disorders sleep apnea, thyroid disorders must be assessed more carefully. Patients who are active in their addiction to substances, or those with particular medical conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure should refrain from receiving stimulant treatments (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy includes behavioral therapy and psychoeducation for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of teaching patients about their disorder, including its effects on various aspects of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can also improve self-esteem among patients who typically are stigmatized, for example, being viewed as lazy or less intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to help patients learn better ways to manage their time and work and improve their organizational skills. This can to reduce the risk of not attending appointments or making impulsive choices that can cause issues at work, school or in their personal lives. This type of therapy can also help improve the effectiveness of an individual's interactions with spouses, children and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD focuses on helping people to change their behavior patterns that are harmful to them. This kind of therapy is extremely effective at improving the functioning of those suffering from ADHD particularly when it is paired with psychoeducation and family therapy. Through educating patients and their loved family members about ADHD, it can reduce the amount of time they blame each other for the issues caused by a patient's inability control his or her behavior. Classes that teach couples and families how to communicate more effectively and develop techniques for conflict resolution can be beneficial.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan for ADHD will focus on the symptoms and their impacts on the family, work and school. It will include non-stimulant and stimulant medication as well as psychosocial treatment, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change their thinking about their behavior. It also helps patients learn how to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
Stimulant medication is used to treat ADHD. They help to regulate and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. There are a myriad of types of stimulant medications, all with their own advantages and side-effects. The two most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, which are sold under many brand names including Ritalin and Adderall. Other medications used to treat ADHD are atomoxetine, which works by increasing the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain that passes messages between brain cells and viloxazine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are both used to treat ADHD among adults, as they have a less gradual start than stimulants. These medications are also available for those who cannot take stimulants due to other medical conditions or serious adverse effects.
It's important to recognize that multiple disorders can resemble the symptoms of ADHD, so the severity and presence of any other medical condition should be considered when making an ADHD diagnosis. It's also important to rule out physical reasons for the symptoms, such as a thyroid disorder or problems with hearing and vision.
Some patients may also be able reduce their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. It's important to consult a doctor before eliminating any foods. This could lead to nutritional deficiencies and should only be done under the guidance of a dietician or doctor. Another option is counseling, which can assist patients in learning to manage their symptoms and establish stronger relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses realize that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign they are averse to love or malicious.
Education
Patients and doctors alike are often confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. It's not uncommon for other mental health conditions to coexist with the disorder, and some medications and medical conditions may cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
Many of these issues can be addressed with treatment or lifestyle modifications. A person with ADHD might benefit by taking supplements or altering their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy will teach him how to manage distractions, impulsiveness and increase his focus. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can both help control emotions and increase concentration.
A thorough history of the symptoms is important, as is a physical exam. A doctor can also examine a patient for sleep apnea, hearing or vision problems, thyroid disorders or lead poisoning as well as drug or alcohol abuse. These tests can not only help determine the presence of a underlying disorder but also decrease or eliminate the effects of other disorders that can contribute to the ADHD-like behavior.
If a more info doctor suggests medication for ADHD the most commonly prescribed ones are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, including methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Other non-stimulant drugs could include clonidine or guanfacine, which are blood pressure medications that can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they may take longer to start working and may cause negative side effects like constipation, heartburn and low sex drive.
People with ADHD often forget appointments, are late for work, and make irrational choices which can strain the patience of even the most forgiving friends and relatives. Couples therapy or classes to improve communication skills can help people develop solid relationships.
Diet, exercise, and stress reduction all can play a part in managing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have found that avoiding certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it is essential to consult with a physician first before trying any of these treatments. If you try this without consulting with a physician, it could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.