Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Treatment for adults with adhd focuses on medication, therapy and family support. Individuals can also take part in clinical trials to try new approaches to treating ADHD.
The stimulant medications are the most effective medications for adults with ADHD. But they need to be closely monitored. This includes regular clinical appointments and regular reviews of side effects and symptoms.
Medicines
Numerous medications can be used to treat the symptoms of ADHD in adults. These are called psychostimulants and they affect the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) that transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will select the appropriate medication for you, and determine the best dosage and schedule. It may take a while to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that will control your symptoms.
Stimulants are typically the first medication doctors prescribe to adults suffering from ADHD. They increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in your brain, which enhances your ability to focus and manage impulses. They are available in short-, intermediate- and long-acting forms. Short-acting stimulants last for up to 6 hours. Intermediate-acting medications last 8-10 hours. Long-acting drugs last up to 16. Long-acting stimulants are less likely to cause adverse reactions than intermediate or shorter-acting medicines. However, they may still cause sleepiness and change in appetite.
Nonstimulant drugs, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera) can be used to treat adult ADHD when stimulants aren't effective or cause unwanted adverse negative effects. These medications don't affect your norepinephrine or dopamine however, they can increase the brain's supply of norepinephrine and improve your concentration. These capsules are taken once or twice a day.
Some adults with ADHD suffer from co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety. These disorders are referred to as comorbidities and may affect your response to ADHD treatment. It is important to address any comorbidities prior to starting treatment for ADHD. Patients with a history of substance abuse disorder are more likely to abuse psychostimulants. It is best to wait until a person has stopped using drugs before taking them on with stimulants.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy involves talking and discussing topics that cause distress or anxiety for a person. The therapist listens to the person and provides guidance based on his or their education, training as well as experience, professional credentials and therapeutic philosophical philosophies. Psychotherapy can be short-term, (a few weeks or even months) and can address more immediate issues, or long-term. The duration and frequency of treatment is decided by the patient and therapist together.
The use of psychotherapy and drugs together is an extremely effective treatment option for adults with ADHD. treatment for adhd in adults 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 improve concentration, which results in more efficient and successful work and academic performance.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to have co-existing disorders, including mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Before beginning treatment for ADHD it is crucial to treat any co-existing disorders. Treatment of co-existing disorders could require different forms and dosages of medication than that used to treat ADHD.
For instance, a patient who suffers from ADHD may also have hypertension. To select a medication to treat the ADHD symptoms without destabilizing the hypertension of the patient it is crucial to understand how different medications affect individuals over time as well as the interactions between medications.
It is essential to locate a therapist who has had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD and with whom you feel at ease. It's also important to arrange your first few sessions during times when you won't be distracted by your family obligations or work obligations.
Counseling
Adults suffering from ADHD face a variety of challenges in their lives, such as issues at work and with relationships. People with ADHD can also experience anger, frustration and guilt that has built up over time. Numerous psychosocial therapies have been proven to aid them and their families develop new attitudes, skills and ways of relating.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type psychotherapy that helps people alter their thinking and behavior. It includes goal-setting, skill training and practice, and methods to help increase self-esteem and organizational skills. It may be done in individual or group sessions. Certain studies have demonstrated that metacognitive treatment can significantly reduce symptoms and improve performance in adults with ADHD (Stevenson and colleagues 2002).
Some people suffering from ADHD might also require counseling to help them overcome certain life issues. These may include family conflict, impulsive and aggressive behavior, or difficulties dealing with failures and disappointments. Counseling can teach strategies to help deal with these situations and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. It can also enhance interpersonal relationships, especially in long-term marriages or other relationships.
Family therapy and supportive groups therapy are two other types of psychotherapy that could be utilized to treat ADHD. These can assist families to cope with the anxiety of having a child who has ADHD and help improve communication and reduce conflict. It can also assist parents to recognize the symptoms and develop parenting strategies that promote positive outcomes for their children.
Adults with ADHD should discuss their medications regularly with their doctors and inform them of any other medications, such as over-the drug products. Certain medications can cause adverse effects or interact with other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough examination and diagnosis, it is important to monitor the patient's condition to ensure that he/she receives the benefits of the medication and does not experience side adverse effects. It is recommended that patients be seen for a first clinical examination within 30 days of beginning treatment and then every month thereafter. This permits a thorough adjustment of psychostimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines to a safe, effective dose. This allows for accurate registration of the patients' response and prevents the patient from being a the patient with a sensitive response on doses that are not sufficient.
For adults who are not responding effectively to stimulant medications or have intolerable side effects the use of non-stimulant drugs may be indicated. This typically involves the use of atomoxetine, or other related methylphenidate alternatives.
Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring disorders like mood or anxiety disorder, substance abuse issues or depression. Moreover, they may have chronic sleep disorders or medical issues such as hearing and vision problems. It is essential to identify and evaluate such conditions as part of the initial assessment for ADHD since these can have significant impact on functional impairment in adults.
Marital therapy can also be beneficial in the treatment of ADHD. spouses feel overwhelmed by the caretaking duties of their spouses with ADHD and can become resentful or angry as a consequence. Reduced resentment can be achieved by increasing the patient's understanding of the condition, and assisting them to realize that the symptoms aren't caused by an absence of affection or willfulness. Couples who go through this type of therapy are more likely to be more functional as a family.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD is usually advised. It should include a cognitive and behavioral component. Behavioral therapy assists patients in improving their organization skills, focus and manage impulsive behavior. It helps patients manage their work, social and home environments more effectively. Psychotherapy can also help patients understand how their condition affects various aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help reduce the stigma and feelings of shame that are often seen among people suffering from ADHD. They might be viewed by others as being lazy or unintelligent.
ADHD symptoms can be mimicked by many psychiatric disorders. For instance anxiety disorders are found at a higher rate in adults ADHD patients, and depression is found in greater numbers among adults with the disorder. If necessary the presence of other mental disorders should be analyzed to determine whether ADHD symptoms are caused by them.
A combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy is generally recommended for treatment of ADHD in adults. It has been proven that when a combination of medication and psychotherapy is used, the results are better than either treatment alone. Future controlled medication studies should aim to track and measure the improvement in functional aspects such as improved performance at work, school and interpersonal relationships.