Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Adults who suffer from adhd are treated by therapy, medication and support from family members. Patients can also take part in clinical trials that test new approaches to treating ADHD.
The stimulant medications are the most effective treatment for adults with ADHD. However, they must be closely monitored. This includes monthly appointments with a doctor, and frequent reviews of side effects and symptoms.
Medicines
There are many medications that can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. They are known as psychostimulants and they alter the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) that pass messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will choose the best medication for you and determine the best dose and schedule to take it. It could take some time to determine the proper dosage and medication that control your symptoms.
The first drug that doctors prescribe to adults suffering from ADHD is stimulants. These medicines increase the amounts of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in your brain, which enhances your ability to concentrate and manage impulses. These medicines are available in short-, medium-and long-acting varieties. Short-acting stimulants can last up to up to 6 hours. Intermediate-acting drugs last between 8 and 10 hours. Long-acting drugs last up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely cause adverse effects than intermediate or shorter-acting medicines. However, they can induce sleepiness and a change in appetite.
Nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera), are used to treat adults with ADHD in cases where stimulants don't perform or cause undesirable adverse effects. These medications do not alter the levels of dopamine or norepinephrine however they do increase the amount of norepinephrine and improve your concentration. These capsules are taken once or twice a day.
Some adults with ADHD also suffer from other mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety. These are called comorbid conditions and they can impact how you respond to treatment for ADHD. It is important to address any comorbid conditions before starting treatment for ADHD. People with a history addiction to drugs are more likely to misuse psychostimulants. Because of this, it is generally recommended to wait until the patient has quit using substances before considering treatment with stimulants for ADHD.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a process that involves discussing and talking about topics that are troubling or disturbing to a person. The therapist listens to the person and provides advice based on their education, training as well as experience, professional credentials and therapeutic theories. Psychotherapy can be short-term (a few weeks or months) dealing with more immediate challenges, or long-term (months or years) in which a patient is attempting to resolve more complicated and longstanding issues. The therapist and patient decide on the length and frequency of treatment.
Psychotherapy and medication together are an extremely effective method to treat adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy assists people in improving their abilities to organize their lives, manage their time and prioritizing; it can also teach techniques to manage emotions, such as anger and frustration. The use of medication can help reduce symptoms and improve focus, which leads to more efficient and successful academic and work.
Adults with ADHD have a higher risk of having co-existing disorders. This is particularly applicable to mood disorders like anxiety and depression. It is important that any co-existing conditions be treated prior to starting treatment for ADHD. Treatment for co-existing disorders might require different types and doses of medication than those used to treat ADHD.
A person suffering from ADHD can also have hypertension. Selecting a medication that addresses the ADHD symptoms but does not alter the patient's hypertension that is controlled requires understanding how different medications affect individuals over time and an understanding of the interactions between various medications.
It is essential to find the right therapist with whom you have an excellent relationship and who has experience treating adults with ADHD. It is important to schedule your first few sessions at times when you will not be distracted by work or family obligations.
Counseling
Adults with ADHD often face many problems in their lives, such as work and relationship problems. A person with ADHD may also experience anger, frustration and blame that has developed over time. Psychosocial treatments can aid patients and their families develop new attitudes, skills, and ways of relating.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type psychotherapy that helps people alter their habits and thoughts. It involves goal-setting, training and practicing of skills, and teaching strategies for improving organization and self-esteem. It can be done in a private or in a group. adhd natural treatment has proven to significantly reduce symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and improve their functioning (Stevenson, et al., 2002).
Some people with ADHD might also require counseling to help them overcome specific life challenges. These difficulties could include family conflicts, aggressive or impulsive behaviors, and difficulty 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 partnerships.
Family therapy and supportive groups therapy are also types of psychotherapy that can be used to treat ADHD. These therapies can assist families in coping and learn skills to reduce conflict and improve communication when dealing with a child suffering from ADHD. It also helps parents learn about the disorder and develop parenting styles that encourage positive outcomes for their children.
Adults with ADHD must discuss their medication regularly with their doctor and inform them of any other medications, such as over-the prescription drugs. Certain medications can cause side effects or interact with other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough evaluation and diagnosis, it is crucial to monitor the patient to ensure that the patient receives the benefits of the medication and does not experience any adverse side effects. It is recommended to visit patients for initial medical monitoring within 30 days of beginning treatment and every month thereafter. This will allow for the proper adjustment of psychostimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines to a well-tolerated, effective dose. This allows for a precise registration of the patient's response and assists in avoiding the patient from being kept on doses that are not sufficient (slow metabolism) or forcing those who require higher doses to excessively high levels (rapid metabolizers).
For adults who do not respond effectively to stimulant medications or experience uncontrollable side effects the use of nonstimulant medications might be suggested. This usually involves the use the methylphenidate based atomoxetine alternatives.
Adults with ADHD are often affected by comorbid disorders like depression or substance abuse. They might also be suffering from medical conditions like hearing or vision problems, or chronic sleep disorders. It is crucial to identify and analyze these conditions in the initial evaluation for ADHD since these can have significant effects on functional impairment in adults.
Marital therapy can also be beneficial in the management of ADHD. Many spouses report that they are overwhelmed by the caretaking responsibilities of their spouses who have ADHD and can become resentful and angry in the process. increasing the awareness of the patient about the symptoms of his/her condition and helping to understand that these are not willful acts or a lack of love can help reduce marital tensions and resentment. Couples who undergo this type of therapy generally experience a better family functioning.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD is typically suggested. It should include a behavioral and cognitive component. Behavioral therapy helps patients improve their organizational skills, focus and control their impulsive behaviors. It helps patients learn to manage their social, work and home life more effectively. Psychotherapy can also help patients understand how their condition affects different areas of their lives and relationships. This can help reduce the feelings of shame and low self-esteem that is often seen in those with ADHD, who may be viewed as inept or unintelligent.
Many psychiatric disorders may mimic ADHD symptoms. For example, anxiety disorders occur at a higher rate in adults ADHD patients and depression is observed in greater numbers among people suffering from the disorder. If needed, the presence of other psychiatric disorders should be evaluated to determine if ADHD symptoms are a result of them.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with the combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been proven that the combination of psychotherapy with medication can produce better results than either therapy alone. Future controlled medication studies should attempt to measure and track the effects of functional improvements, such as better performance at work, school and interpersonal relationships.