Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Treatment of adhd in adults is based on therapy, medication and support from family members. Clinical trials are available to test the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD.
The stimulant medications are the most effective drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. However, they must be closely monitored. That includes monthly clinical appointments, and frequent reviews of symptoms and side effects.
Medicines
Many medications can be used to reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. These are referred to as psychostimulants, and they work by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain that transmit messages between nerve cell. Your doctor will choose the appropriate medication for you and will determine the most effective dosage and timetable. It could take some time to find the right medication and dosage that controls your symptoms.
Stimulants are typically the first medication doctors prescribe to adults suffering from ADHD. These medicines increase the amounts of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain, which improve your ability to concentrate and control impulses. The medications are available in short-, medium-- and long-acting versions. Short-acting stimulants can last up to up to 6 hours. Intermediate-acting drugs last between 8 and 10 hours. Long-acting drugs can last up to 16. Long-acting stimulants are less likely cause side effects than intermediate- or shorter-acting medicines. However, they may induce sleepiness and a change in appetite.
Nonstimulant medicines, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera), can be used to treat adults with ADHD when stimulants don't work or cause undesirable side effects. These medications don't affect the levels of dopamine or norepinephrine however they do increase the amount of norepinephrine, which improves your focus. add treatment natural come in capsules and are taken once or twice each day.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other psychiatric disorders, like anxiety and depression. These conditions are known as comorbidities and may affect how you respond to ADHD treatment. Before starting treatment for ADHD it is essential to address any comorbid issues. For instance, those who have an addiction history to drugs or disorder may be more likely to use psychostimulants. This is why it's often advisable to wait until a person has removed themselves from using substances before evaluating treatment with stimulants to treat ADHD.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an interaction process of talking and discussing issues that may be disturbing or troubling to a person. The therapist offers guidance based upon his or her training, experience, credentials and the philosophy of therapy. Psychotherapy could be short-term (a few weeks or months) dealing with more immediate challenges, or long-term (months or years) in which a person is working to address more complicated and longstanding issues. The patient and therapist decide on the length and frequency of treatment.
The use of psychotherapy and medications together is a highly effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy can help people improve their time management, organizational skills, and prioritizing. It can also teach techniques to manage emotions like anger and frustration. The use of medication can help reduce symptoms and increase focus, leading to more efficient and successful 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 essential that any co-existing condition be treated prior to starting treatment for ADHD. Treatment of co-existing disorders could require different types and doses of medication than that used to treat ADHD.
A person suffering from ADHD may also suffer from hypertension. To choose a medication to treat the ADHD symptoms without causing instability to the hypertension of the patient it is essential to know how different medications affect people over time as well as the interactions between the medications.
It's important that you find a therapist who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD and with whom you are at ease. It's important to schedule your initial sessions at a time when you aren't distracted by work or family obligations.
Counseling
Adults who suffer from ADHD face a variety of challenges in their lives, such as issues at work and in relationships. They may also experience anger, blame and frustration that have developed in their lives because of their symptoms. A variety of psychosocial treatments have been proven to aid them and their families learn new behaviors, skills, and ways of relating.
Psychotherapy can include cognitive behavior therapy, which is a type of psychotherapy that aids individuals to modify their thinking and behavior. It includes goal-setting, skills training and practice, and methods of teaching to improve organization and self-esteem. This can be accomplished individually or in a group setting. A few studies have proven that metacognitive treatment can significantly reduce symptoms and improve functioning in adults with ADHD (Stevenson et al, 2002).
In addition to psychotherapy, some individuals with ADHD require counseling to address specific issues. These difficulties could include family conflicts, aggressive or impulsive behaviors, and difficulty coping with disappointments and failures. Counseling can help you develop the strategies to help manage these situations and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. It can also enhance relationships, especially in marriages and other long-term relationships.
Other forms of psychotherapy for ADHD include family therapy as well as supportive group therapy. These therapies can help families cope and improve their skills to manage conflict and improve communication when dealing with a child who has ADHD. It also helps parents understand the disorder and develop parenting strategies that promote positive outcomes for their children.
It is crucial for people suffering from ADHD to discuss their medication with their health care professionals regularly, and to reveal any other medications they're taking, including over-the-counter drugs. Certain medications can trigger adverse reactions or interact with other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough evaluation and diagnosis is made, it is crucial to monitor the patient to ensure he/she is getting the benefits of medication and not experiencing any adverse side effects. It is recommended that patients be referred for an initial medical check-up within 30 days of starting treatment and then every month thereafter. For psychostimulants (methylphenidate, amphetamines) this enables complete titration to an effective and well-tolerated dose. This allows for accurate registration of the patient's reaction and helps avoid keeping patients who are sensitive to doses that are too low.
For adults who are not responding well to stimulant medication or experience uncontrollable side effects the use of nonstimulant medications might be suggested. This usually involves the use atomoxetine or other methylphenidate-related alternatives.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are frequently affected by comorbid conditions, like depression or substance abuse. In addition, they may experience persistent sleep disturbances or medical issues such as hearing and vision disorders. It is essential to identify and evaluate such conditions in the initial evaluation for ADHD because they could have a significant impact on functional impairment in adults.
ADHD can also be controlled through marital therapy. Couples complain of being overwhelmed by the caretaking responsibilities of their spouses suffering from ADHD and can be angry or resentful due to this. Making the patient aware of the symptoms of his/her condition and helping to understand that these aren't willful actions or lack of affection can help to reduce marital conflict and resentment. Couples who go through this type of therapy typically experience better family functioning.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy for adults with ADHD is usually recommended. It should include a behavioral and cognitive component. Behavioral therapy helps patients improve their focus, organization skills, and control impulsive behaviors. It teaches patients to manage their work, home, and social situations more effectively. Psychotherapy also helps patients understand how their disorder impacts different aspects of their lives and relationships. This helps reduce the stigma and feelings of shame that are often seen among adults with ADHD. They may be perceived by others as lazy or less intelligent.
Many psychiatric disorders may be akin to ADHD symptoms. For example anxiety disorders are seen at high rates in adults ADHD patients and depression is seen at higher levels in adults with the disorder. If it is necessary, the presence of other mental disorders should be analyzed to determine if ADHD symptoms are caused by them.
A combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy is generally recommended for treatment of ADHD in adults. It has been proven that when a combination of medications and psychotherapy is utilized the results are superior than treatment on its own. Future controlled medication studies will try to track and evaluate the effects of functional improvement, like improvement in school performance or at work, as well as interpersonal relationships.