5 ADHD Treatments Adults Lessons Learned From The Pros
ADHD Treatments For Adults
The majority of doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate. They can help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants also help to reduce symptoms, but they do so slower.
Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults acquire techniques to improve organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy can also enhance social functioning.
Medications
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people feel better after altering their diets or taking supplements. However they should only be used under the guidance of a doctor. Other treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and counseling for families. Some people with ADHD struggle to adhere to medication however, they should speak with their doctors and ask for assistance. Some medications are available over-the-counter and others require a prescription.
Most ADHD medications help by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This reduces impulsivity and improves concentration. The most well-known medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Although they are considered the most effective treatment for ADHD however, they can also cause side negative effects. Cardiovascular problems are some of the most serious adverse effects. The stimulant medication can also trigger the tics of blinking eyes or throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth in adolescents and children by several months.
Nonstimulant medicines are prescribed to those who suffer from insufferable side-effects of stimulants, or are at risk of developing heart disease. These medications are primarily dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine or alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. They're not as effective as stimulants, however they are safe and don't have the potential for abuse as certain people experience with stimulant drugs.
You can attempt to lessen your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a structured schedule, creating and adhering to a budget, improving the organization skills, learning more about your condition and devising strategies for dealing with your symptoms. Consult a professional regarding the best methods to manage your disorder. You can also find a wealth of useful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your relationships may be strained because of your ADHD symptoms. Talking to a therapist about how you interact with your family members or friends and attending classes that teach conflict resolution can help. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how your ADHD affects you, and also recognizing that some of your behaviors are not intentionally mean-spirited.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can result in profound emotional, social and occupational effects. These include lower academic achievements, higher rates for job loss and transfer, and poor performance at work. Additionally, there are more car accidents, and higher divorce rates than the general population. The comorbidity of anxiety, depression and addiction to substances is common among adults with ADHD. Patients with multiple conditions may be less responsive to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon, 2002).
A thorough history of the patient is crucial, as a variety of medical conditions can have symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Patients suffering from developmental disorders, seizure disorder, sleep apnea and thyroid disorders need to be evaluated more closely. Patients who abuse substances or with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure are contraindicated from receiving stimulant treatment (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy encompasses psychoeducation and behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their disorder and its impact on various aspects of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can help patients improve their self-esteem, especially those who are often stigmatized as lazy or less intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to help patients learn how to organize their time and tasks and improve their skills in organizing. This will reduce the chance of missing appointments or making decisions that are impulsive and could cause problems in the workplace, at school or with 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 suffering from ADHD is focused on helping individuals to change their behavior patterns that are negative. This kind of therapy is extremely effective at improving the functioning of those suffering from ADHD, particularly when combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. Educating patients and their close friends about ADHD can help reduce the frequency of blaming one another for problems caused by the patient's inability control his or her own behavior. Classes that teach couples and families to communicate more effectively and improve their strategies for resolving conflicts can help.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan for ADHD will address the symptoms and their impacts on the family, work and school. It includes non-stimulant and stimulant medications as well as psychosocial Treatment For Inattentive Adhd, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients to change their mental outlook on their behavior. It also helps patients learn how to manage their symptoms, and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
Stimulant medications are used to treat ADHD. They balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. There are a myriad of types of stimulant medications, each 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. It is a stimulant that increases the amount of a chemical in the brain that passes messages between brain cells, and viloxazine, which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine and viloxazine are often used to treat ADHD in adults due to the fact that they are more gradual in onset than stimulants. They are also available for people who can't take stimulants because of other health issues or experience serious side effects.
It is important to remember that comorbid conditions can cause ADHD symptoms. Therefore, the presence and severity other conditions should be considered when diagnosing ADHD. It is also essential to rule out physical causes for the symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or problems with hearing and vision.
Certain patients may be able reduce their adhd symptoms adults treatment symptoms by making changes to their diet. It is essential to consult a physician prior to eliminating any foods. This could result in nutritional deficiencies, and should only be done under the supervision of a dietician or doctor. Another option is counseling, which can help patients learn to cope with their symptoms and develop stronger relationships with their families. Counseling can also help spouses realize that the patient's actions are not necessarily a sign of lack of love or a deliberate act of wrongdoing.
Education
Both patients and doctors can be confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. Other mental disorders can coexist with ADHD and certain medications and medical conditions can also cause symptoms that mimic ADHD.
Many of these issues can be resolved by treatment or lifestyle adjustments. A person suffering from ADHD may benefit from taking supplements or changing their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy will help him learn how to better resist distractions, impulsiveness and improve the focus of his mind. A doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can both help control emotions and increase concentration.
A thorough history of the symptoms and a physical exam are essential. A physician can also check for sleep apnea and other conditions such as hearing and vision issues thyroid disorders, alcohol or drug abuse, and lead poisoning. These assessments will not only aid in determining the presence of an underlying disorder, but also reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders that can contribute to the ADHD-like behavior.
When a doctor recommends medication for ADHD, the most common ones are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Other non-stimulant drugs could include clonidine or guanfacine, which are blood pressure medications that can help with hyperactivity and impulsivity, but they might take longer to begin working and could cause adverse effects such as heartburn, constipation and low sexual drive.
People suffering from ADHD often have trouble keeping appointments, are late for work, and make irrational choices that strain the patience of even the most patient family members and friends. Couples therapy or classes to improve communication skills can help sufferers build stable relationships.
Diet, exercise, and stress reduction all can help in reducing adhd overstimulation treatment symptoms. Certain people suffering from the condition have discovered that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements helps them, however it's vital to talk to a doctor before attempting these treatments. Doing so without a doctor's direction could result in nutritional deficiencies and other health problems.