ADHD Treatments For Adults
The majority of doctors recommend stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine. They can help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants may help reduce symptoms, but they work more slowly.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults develop strategies to improve their organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy can improve social functioning.
Medicines
You can use medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people are more comfortable after changing their diet or taking supplements. However they should only be taken under the supervision of a medical professional. Other treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy (CBT), and counseling for families. Certain adults with ADHD struggle to adhere to medication, but they should talk with their doctors and ask for help. Certain medications are available over the counter, while others require a prescription.
The majority of ADHD medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This reduces impulsivity and increases concentration. Some of the most popular drugs are stimulants like dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. They are thought to be the most effective ADHD treatment, however they can cause side effects. Some of these adverse effects can be severe, like cardiovascular issues. In addition, stimulants can cause symptoms like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth in children and adolescents by just a few months.
Nonstimulant medications are prescribed to those who experience intolerable side-effects from stimulants, or those at risk of developing heart disease. These medications are primarily norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. natural add treatment aren't as effective as stimulants but are safe and do not contain the potential for abuse that many people have with stimulant drugs.
You can try to reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a structured schedule, making and sticking to a budget, improving organizational skills, learning more about your condition, and developing strategies for dealing with your symptoms. It is recommended to talk with an expert to find out the best way to manage your condition, and you can find many useful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your relationships may be strained because of your ADHD symptoms. You can improve your relationships by speaking to a therapist or taking conflict resolution classes. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how your ADHD affects you and understanding that some of your actions are not intended to be mean-spirited.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can have significant emotional, social, and occupational repercussions. This can lead to lower academic achievement as well as higher rates of job loss and transfer, poor performance at work as well as a higher number of car accidents, and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer et al 2007). Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs. Patients with multiple conditions may have a harder time responding to stimulant medication (Barkley & Gordon, 2002).
It is essential to take a detailed history of the patient, because a wide range of medical conditions could present symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea and thyroid disorders need to be evaluated more carefully. Patients with active substance abuse or with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure are contraindicated from receiving stimulant therapy (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of informing patients about their disorder and its effects on their lives. Psychoeducation can help patients build their self-esteem, especially those who are often stigmatized as lazy or less intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to teach patients better ways to manage their time and activities as well as improving their organizational skills. This can help reduce the likelihood of missing appointments or making impulsive decisions that can cause difficulties at work, school or in their personal lives. This kind of therapy can help improve relationships with their children, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is geared towards helping individuals change their behaviors. This type of therapy can be extremely effective in improving the functioning of those suffering from ADHD especially when it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. Informing patients and loved ones about ADHD can help reduce the frequency of blaming one another for problems caused by the person's inability to control his or her own behaviors. Classes that teach families and couples how to better communicate and resolve conflicts can help.
Counseling
A well-designed treatment plan will address the signs of ADHD and their effects on work, school, and the family. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant medications and psychosocial therapy, notably cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT assists patients in changing their thinking about their behavior. It also helps them develop skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with family and friends.
Stimulant medications are used to treat ADHD. They regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. There are a variety of stimulant medications, each with their own advantages and negative side effects. The two most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. They are sold under various brand names including Ritalin and Adderall. Viloxazine is a selective reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine increases the quantity of a brain chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are commonly used to treat ADHD in adults because they are more gradual in onset than stimulants. They are also available to those who aren't able to take stimulants due to other health issues or suffer from serious side effects.
It is important to remember that multiple disorders can resemble 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 is essential to determine the cause of the symptoms, including thyroid disorders, hearing or sight problems.
Certain patients may be able reduce their ADHD symptoms through diet changes. But it's crucial to seek medical advice before cutting out any food, as this can cause nutritional deficiencies. This should only be done with the assistance of a doctor or dietician. Another option is counseling which can assist patients in learning to manage their symptoms and build stronger relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses recognize that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign that they are unloving or malicious.
Education
Both patients and doctors are often confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD and certain medical conditions and medications may cause symptoms that mimic ADHD.
Lifestyle or treatment changes can help with many of these issues. Someone suffering from ADHD may benefit from adjusting their diet or taking supplements to improve their eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy will teach him how to resist distractions, impulsiveness and improve the focus of his mind. A doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, which can both aid in controlling emotions and improve concentration.
A thorough history of the symptoms and a physical exam are crucial. A physician can also evaluate patients for sleep apnea, hearing and thyroid problems, vision problems as well as lead poisoning, alcohol or drug abuse. In addition to determining the presence of an underlying cause these evaluations can help identify or reduce the effects of other disorders that could contribute to a patient's ADHD-like behavior.
If a doctor prescribes medication for ADHD The most popular ones are stimulants like dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) or amphetamine salts, including methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall). Nonstimulant medications could include guanfacine and clonidine which are blood pressure medicines that can help with impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they may take longer to kick in and could cause side effects like heartburn, constipation and low sex drive.
ADHD patients tend to forget appointments, arrive late to work and make uninformed choices that can cause stress to even the most patient of friends and family members. Couples therapy or classes that improve communication skills can help sufferers build stable relationships.
Diet, exercise and stress reduction all can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have found that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements aids them, but it's crucial to consult with a doctor before trying these therapies. If you decide to do this without consulting a doctor it could result in nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.