Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Treatment for adults with adhd includes therapy, medication and family support. Clinical trials are available to test the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD.
Stimulant medications are the most effective drugs for adults with ADHD. They require monitoring regularly. This means monthly appointments with a doctor and frequent review of symptoms.
Medications
There are a variety of medications that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. These are known as psychostimulants. They function by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain that transmit messages between nerve cell. adhd untreated in adults will choose the most appropriate medication for your needs, and determine the best dosage and timetable. It may take a while to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that is able to control your symptoms.
Stimulants are typically the first prescribed medication by doctors for adults suffering from ADHD. They increase the amount of dopamine in your brain and norepinephrine which allows you to manage your thoughts and improve your focus. The medications are available in short-, mediumand long-acting forms. Short-acting stimulants can last up to 6 hours. Intermediate-acting medicines last for 8-10 hours. Long-acting drugs last up to 16. Long-acting stimulants have less side effects than shorter- and intermediate-acting drugs, however they still cause an increase in appetite and sleepiness.
Nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine, (Strattera) are used to treat adult ADHD if stimulants do not work or cause undesirable adverse effects. These medications do not alter your dopamine or norepinephrine levels however, they can increase the brain's supply of norepinephrine, which improves your concentration. These medicines come in capsules and are taken once or twice each day.
Certain adults who suffer from ADHD suffer from co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression. These are known as comorbid disorders and can affect how you respond to treatment for ADHD. It is important to address any comorbid disorders prior to beginning treatment for ADHD. People with a history substance abuse disorders are more likely to abuse psychostimulants. It's best to wait until someone has quit using drugs before taking them on with stimulants.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a method of therapy that involves talking and discussing topics that cause distress or anxiety for a person. The therapist listens and offers guidance based on his or their education, training and experience professional credentials and therapeutic philosophies. Psychotherapy can be short-term (a few weeks or months) and can address more immediate issues, or long-term. The duration and frequency of treatment is determined by the therapist and the patient together.
The use of psychotherapy and medications together is an extremely effective treatment option for adults with ADHD. adults adhd treatment can help people improve their time management, organizational skills and prioritizing. It can also teach methods to manage emotions such as anger and frustration. Medication can reduce symptoms and increase focus, leading to more productive and effective academic and work performance.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-existing conditions, particularly mood disorders like depression and anxiety. It is crucial that any co-existing conditions be treated prior to starting treatment for ADHD. Treatment of co-existing disorders could require different forms and dosages of medication than that used to treat ADHD.
A person who suffers from ADHD may also suffer from hypertension. To select a medication to treat the ADHD symptoms without destabilizing the patient's hypertension it is essential to understand how various medications affect people over time and the interactions between medications.
It's crucial to find a therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD and with whom you are comfortable. It is also crucial to schedule your first few sessions during times when you're not distracted by family obligations or work obligations.
Counseling
Adults suffering from ADHD often face many issues in their lives, including relationships and work issues. They also may experience anger, blame and frustration that have accumulated in their lives because of their symptoms. Psychosocial treatments can help patients and their families develop new skills, attitudes and ways of relating.
Psychotherapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals change their thinking and behavior. It involves goal-setting, training and practicing of skills, and strategies for teaching that help improve self-esteem and organization. It can be done in a private or in a group. A few studies have proven that the use of metacognitive therapy can reduce symptoms and improve functioning for adults suffering from ADHD (Stevenson and co-authors 2002).
In addition to psychotherapy, some people with ADHD require counseling to address specific issues. These issues could include family conflicts, impulsive or aggressive behavior, and difficulties in dealing with disappointments and failures. Counseling can teach the strategies to manage these situations, improve communication and increase problem-solving capabilities. It can also enhance interpersonal relationships, particularly in long-term marriages or other partnerships.
Family therapy and support groups therapy are other forms of psychotherapy that can be used to treat ADHD. These can help families deal with the anxiety of having a child who has ADHD and help improve communication and reduce conflicts. It can assist parents to understand the disorder and develop parenting methods that encourage positive outcomes in their children.
It is crucial for people suffering from ADHD to discuss their medication with their healthcare providers regularly, and to disclose all other medications they're taking, including over-the-counter drugs. Some medications can cause side effects or interact with other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough assessment and diagnosis, it is crucial to monitor the patient to ensure that the patient receives the benefits of the medication and does not experience side negative effects. It is recommended that patients be referred for a first clinical examination within 30 days of beginning treatment and monthly afterward. In the case of psychostimulants (methylphenidate amphetamines, methylphenidate) this allows for a complete titration to an effective and well-tolerated dosage. This permits accurate recording of the patient's response and prevents the patient from being a sensitive patient on insufficient doses.
For adults who are not responding well to stimulant medication or have intolerable side effects the use of nonstimulant medications may be indicated. Typically this involves the use of atomoxetine or other methylphenidate alternatives.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are often affected by comorbid conditions, like depression or drug abuse. They might also be suffering from medical conditions like hearing or vision problems or chronic sleep disorders. It is important to screen and evaluate such conditions as part of the initial assessment for ADHD because they can have a significant impact on functional impairment in adults.
Marital therapy is also useful in the management of ADHD. Spouses report feeling overburdened with the caretaking duties of their spouses with ADHD, and can be angry or resentful in response. Reducing resentment can be achieved by enhancing the understanding of the illness, and helping them to realize that the symptoms aren't due to an absence of love or willfulness. Couples who go through this kind of therapy tend to be more functional as a family.
Behavioral Therapy
For people who suffer from ADHD Psychotherapy is generally recommended and should include a cognitive-behavioral component. Behavioral therapy assists patients in learning to improve their abilities to manage their time and focus and control their the impulsive behavior. It helps patients manage their work, home, and social situations more effectively. Psychotherapy helps patients understand how their condition impacts various aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help reduce the shame and low-esteem that are commonly seen in people with ADHD. They may be perceived by others as lazy or unintelligent.
ADHD symptoms can be mirrored by a variety of mental disorders. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. The presence of any other psychiatric problems should be evaluated according to the need, to determine if the patient's ADHD symptoms are connected to them.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with the combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been demonstrated that the combination of psychotherapy with medication yields better results than either therapy by itself. Future controlled medication studies should attempt to track and measure the improvement in functional aspects such as improved functioning at school, workplace and interpersonal relationships.