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ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the first treatment most doctors recommend. They aid in balancing the levels of two chemical messengers inside the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine, (Strattera) can help alleviate symptoms, but they work more slowly.
Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults acquire skills to improve organization and planning. Psychotherapy and coaching are also able to improve social functioning.
Medications
If you have ADHD and are suffering from it, you could benefit from medications to manage your symptoms. Some people might be able to improve their condition through a change in their diet or taking supplements, but these should only be utilized under the guidance of a physician. Other options include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and family counseling. Some adults with ADHD have difficulty staying on medication However, they should talk to their doctors and ask for help. Certain medications are available for purchase over the counter and others require prescriptions.
Most medications prescribed for ADHD are effective in increasing the levels of dopamine inside your brain, which reduces impulsivity and improves focus. The most well-known medications are stimulants like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. These are considered to be the most effective ADHD treatment, but they can cause side effects. Some of these adverse effects can be severe, like heart problems. The stimulant medication can also trigger the appearance of tics, like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications can also delay growth by a few months in children and teenagers.
Nonstimulant drugs are prescribed to those who experience intolerable side-effects from stimulants, or are at risk of developing heart disease. These medications include dopamine reuptake inhibitors, norepinephrine or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. They're not as effective as stimulants, however they are safe and don't carry the potential for abuse as some people are prone to with stimulant medications.
You can try to reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a well-planned schedule, establishing and adhering to a budget, developing the organization skills, learning more about your disorder and devising strategies for dealing with your symptoms. Consult a professional regarding the best ways to manage your ADHD. You can also find a wealth of useful resources on the site of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your relationships can be strained by your ADHD symptoms. You can improve your relationships by speaking with a therapist or taking conflict resolution classes. You can improve your relationships with your spouse or co-workers by letting them know about your ADHD and letting them know that your behavior is not intentional.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can have significant emotional, social and occupational consequences. This includes lower academic performance and higher rates of job loss and transfer, poor work performance, more car accidents and higher divorce rates than the general population (Spencer and colleagues 2007). Comorbidity of depression, anxiety and addiction to substances is common among adults with ADHD. Those with comorbid disorders may have more difficulty responding to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A thorough patient history is vital, as many medical conditions can manifest similar to those of ADHD. Patients suffering from developmental disorders, seizure disorders, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning should be cautiously assessed. Patients who abuse substances or those suffering from certain medical conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure are not recommended from receiving stimulant treatment (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of informing patients about their condition and the effects it has on their lives. Psychoeducation can also help improve self-esteem for patients who frequently face stigma, such as being perceived as being lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
The goal of the therapy for adults who suffer from ADHD is to enhance their abilities to manage their time and teach them how to manage their time. This will reduce the chance of missing appointments or making decisions that are impulsive and could create problems at school, at work or with their personal lives. This type of therapy may help improve relationships with their spouse, children and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is aimed at helping people change their negative behavior patterns. This kind of therapy can be very efficient in improving the performance of those with ADHD especially when combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. By educating patients and their loved ones about ADHD, it can reduce the amount of time they blame each other for the difficulties caused by a patient's inability control his or her behavior. Classes that train couples and families how to communicate more effectively and to develop conflict resolution skills can also be helpful.
Counseling
A well-planned treatment plan for ADHD will tackle the symptoms and their effects on work, family and school. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant medication, as well as psychosocial treatment, specifically cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT assists patients in changing their thinking about their behavior. It also teaches them how to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. There are many different types of stimulant drugs, each with their own advantages and side-effects. The two most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, which are sold under various brand names, including Ritalin and Adderall. Viloxazine is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine increases the amount of a brain chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are commonly used to treat ADHD in adults since they are less likely to cause symptoms than stimulants. They are also available to those who cannot take stimulants due other medical conditions or serious adverse effects.
It's important to note that multiple disorders can resemble the symptoms of ADHD So the severity and presence of any other conditions should be considered when making an ADHD diagnosis. It is important to determine the cause of the symptoms, including thyroid disorders or hearing and sight problems.
It's also important to note that some patients might be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by changing their diet. It's important to consult with a doctor prior to 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 develop better relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses understand that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign they are unloving or malicious.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be a bit confusing for both the patient and the doctor. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD, and certain medications and medical conditions may cause symptoms that mimic ADHD.
Lifestyle changes or treatment can solve a lot of these issues. For instance, inattentive adhd treatment adults a person suffering from ADHD might benefit from adjusting diet or taking supplements to improve his eating habits, for example. Behavioral therapy will help him learn how to manage distractions, impulsiveness and increase his concentration. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or the practice of mindfulness meditation both of which can help control emotions and increase focus.
A thorough history of symptoms is important as is a physical examination. A doctor can also assess a patient for sleep apnea and hearing and thyroid problems, vision issues or lead poisoning as well as alcohol or drug abuse. These evaluations can not only help determine the presence of an underlying disorder, but also reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders that could contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
If a doctor suggests medication for ADHD, the most common ones are stimulants like dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, including methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant medications include clonidine and Guanfacine. These blood pressure medication can aid in reducing an impulsive and hyperactivity problem, but can take longer to work and can cause side effects such as heartburn, constipation, and a lack of sex.
People with ADHD frequently forget appointments and are often late to work, and make irrational choices that strain the patience of even the most tolerant friends and relatives. Couples therapy or classes that help improve communication skills can help patients establish solid relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction can all help in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have found that removing certain foods or taking supplements helps them, but it's crucial to consult with a doctor before attempting these treatments. If you decide to do this without consulting a doctor this could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.