treatment of add For Adults
Stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the first treatment most doctors recommend. They aid in balancing the levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Antidepressants, as well as Atomoxetine (Strattera) can help alleviate symptoms, but they work slower.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, aids adults to improve their planning and organization skills. Coaching and psychotherapy can help improve social functioning.
Medicines
If you suffer from ADHD you may benefit from medication to alleviate your symptoms. Some people feel better after altering their diet or taking supplements. However, these should only ever be taken under the supervision of a physician. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) or family counseling are all viable treatments. Many adults suffering from ADHD struggle to stay on their medication. They should talk to their doctor and ask for assistance. Certain medications are available on the internet, while others require prescriptions.
Most ADHD medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This reduces impulsivity and increases concentration. Some of the most common medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. While they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD but they can also trigger adverse negative effects. Some of these side effects could be serious, for instance, heart problems. The stimulant medication can also trigger tics, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth in children and adolescents by several months.
Nonstimulant medications can be prescribed to those who suffer from intolerable side effects from stimulants or are at risk of developing heart issues. These medications are primarily norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. They aren't as efficient as stimulants, however they are safe and don't have the risk of abuse that certain people experience with stimulant medications.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms by following a schedule, creating and adhering to the strict guidelines of a budget, enhancing your organizational skills, learning about your disorder and creating strategies to address your symptoms. It is important to speak with an expert to learn the best method to manage your condition. You can find many useful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your ADHD symptoms can strain your relationships. You can improve your relationships by talking to a therapist and taking classes on conflict resolution. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how your ADHD affects you and recognizing that some of your behavior are not a deliberate act of aggression.
Therapy
ADHD as an adult can have significant emotional, social, and occupational repercussions. This can lead to lower academic achievement, more frequent failure to get a job and transfer, poor work performance as well as more car accidents and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer et al 2007). Adults with ADHD are more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression or substance abuse. Those with comorbid conditions may be more difficult to respond to stimulant medication (Barkley & Gordon 2002).
It is important to have an in-depth background of the patient since a variety of medical conditions may present symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Patients with seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea and thyroid disorders must be assessed more carefully. The use of stimulants is not recommended for patients with active substance abuse or those suffering from certain medical conditions, including heart disease and high blood pressure arrhythmias and tachycardia (Greenhill 2001).).
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of teaching patients about their condition and its impact on different areas of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can also aid in improving self-esteem for patients who frequently are stigmatized, for example, being judged as lazy or less intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to help patients learn better ways of organizing their time and work, improving their skills in organizing. This can reduce the chances of missing appointments and making decisions that are impulsive and could cause problems in school, at work or with their personal lives. This type of therapy could also improve a person's relationships with their spouse, children and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults with ADHD is aimed at helping people change their negative behaviors. This kind of therapy is very efficient in improving the functioning of those suffering from ADHD especially when it is combined with psychoeducation for families and family therapy. The process of educating patients and significant others about ADHD can help reduce the frequency of blaming each other for the problems caused by the patient's inability to control their behavior. Classes that teach families and couples how to communicate more effectively and resolve conflicts can be beneficial.
Counseling
A good treatment plan for ADHD will focus on the symptoms and their effects on work, family and school. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant drugs as well as psychosocial therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change their thinking about their behavior. It also helps them develop skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant drugs are used to treat ADHD. They regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They've been around for a long time, and there are a variety of kinds of medications, each with its distinct advantages and negative effects. The two most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. These are sold under various brands, including Ritalin and Adderall. Viloxazine is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine boosts the amount of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are used to treat ADHD among adults, as they have a more gradual onset than stimulants. They are also available to those who aren't able to take stimulants due to other health problems or who have severe side effects.
It's important to recognize that comorbid disorders can mimic the symptoms of ADHD So the severity and frequency of any other medical condition should be taken into consideration when making an ADHD diagnosis. It's also important to rule out physical reasons for the symptoms, such as a thyroid disorder or vision and hearing issues.
Certain patients may be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by making changes to their diet. But it's crucial to seek medical advice before cutting out any foods that could result in nutritional deficiencies. It should only be done with the assistance of a physician or dietician. Another option is counseling which helps patients cope with their symptoms and build stronger relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses understand that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign that they are averse to love or malicious.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing for both patients and doctors. It's not uncommon for different mental health conditions to coexist with the disorder, and some medications and medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
Treatment or lifestyle changes can resolve many of these issues. A person with ADHD may benefit from taking supplements or changing their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy will teach him how to resist distractions, impulsiveness and improve his concentration. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can aid in regulating emotions and increase concentration.
A thorough medical history and a physical exam are crucial. A physician can also test for sleep apnea and other conditions like hearing and vision issues thyroid disorders, alcohol or drug abuse, and lead poisoning. In addition to determining the existence of an underlying cause, these evaluations can assist in determining or reduce the effects of other disorders that might cause an individual's ADHD-like behavior.
Most commonly, stimulants are prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. These include dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant medications include clonidine and guanfacine. These blood pressure medications can aid in reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity, but might take longer to effect and can cause side effects such as constipation, heartburn and low sex desire.
ADHD patients are often unable to remember appointments, arrive late to work, and make irrational decisions that can cause stress to even the most patient family and friends members. Couples therapy or classes to improve communication skills can help people develop stable relationships.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction could all play a role in managing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have found that removing certain foods or taking supplements helps them, however it's vital to talk to a doctor before trying these therapies. If you do this without a doctor's advice could result in nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.