ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is associated with significant impairments in academic performance and social functioning. Adults who suffer from ADHD are at higher risk for anxiety disorders, depression and abuse of substances.
The drugs that reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing neurotransmitters responsible for controlling attention and impulsivity seem to be effective. The purpose of these trials is to determine which drugs are most effective and at what dosages.
Medication
Treatments that are quick, such as medication can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms in adults. The most effective method to improve ADHD symptoms is by affecting neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine. They work by increasing the amount of these neurotransmitters on presynaptic transporters, and reducing their reuptake, which prevents their breakdown. Since practitioners cannot predict which medications will be the most effective for a specific person, they usually conduct a trial. The low dose is gradually increased over 3-7 days, until the clinical benefits have been realized.
Methylphenidate is one of the most commonly used psychostimulants that is used to treat ADHD. It's available as a tablet, liquid, or extended-release (Concerta). Extended-release preparations are the most reliable because it cannot be crushed or used in other ways, like getting high. Adults who abuse stimulant medication are susceptible to serious health issues. Therefore, those who have a history of drug or alcohol abuse should discuss the use of psychostimulants with an expert in mental health.
Stimulants can trigger mood swings and sleep disturbances. If these effects are present they may require to alter the medication or to stop taking it. Stimulants are also contraindicated in certain people with a history of Tourette's disorder severe anorexia, psychosis disorders like schizoaffective disorders and antisocial personality disorder, and certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers like bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) can enhance mood and decrease the level of hyperactivity and impulsivity in some adults with ADHD. They are effective by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transporter and allowing more of the substance to enter the brain. They can be used in conjunction with other ADHD medications or as a stand-alone.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from comorbid disorders, such as depression or anxiety. They can be treated with psychotherapy and/or non-medication treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. This treatment helps the patient learn to manage their symptoms, boost their self-esteem and relationships, and improve their functioning. Some therapists have specialized training in treating adults with ADHD.
Counseling
One of the most important aspects of treatment for adhd in adults is counseling, a type of psychotherapy. Talk therapy can help you manage your emotions, improve your relationships and learn to manage anger and stress. It can also teach you techniques to increase your self-control and reduce your impulsive behavior. Counseling can be conducted in person or via the phone.
Counseling may involve cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches you to recognize and modify negative patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to ADHD symptoms. It may also include marital or family counseling, which helps family members cope and find ways to support you. adhd in adults treatment may be a part of the program that teaches you how to manage ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have trouble getting up in the morning and getting through the day without feeling tired or angry. A therapist may suggest an appropriate sleep schedule, which includes a bedtime and wake-up time that's consistent every day and night. It is crucial to get enough rest in order that your body functions optimally.
Many people suffering from ADHD have trouble getting their tasks completed and staying on their course at work, school and in their private lives. Their problems are often result of long-running patterns of underachievement and failure, academic difficulties as well as job changes and relationships that are not working. Individual talk therapy can help deal with emotional issues like low self esteem, feelings of shame and embarrassment over past mistakes, and resentment toward criticism, as well as the constant nagging of those close to them.
Behavioral coaching is a type of therapy for adults with ADHD that is focused on practical daily living solutions, such as organizing the home and workplace, structuring the day, prioritizing your work, and managing your money. The therapy is usually offered in person or via the internet and aims to help you develop ways to improve your life as a person with ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from multiple psychiatric conditions, and it is crucial to treat these conditions as well. In certain cases it is possible to combine medications and behavioral therapies can yield the best results. A therapist can teach you how to manage your anxiety and mood with mindfulness-based techniques, such as meditation and yoga, and deal with comorbid conditions like addiction and depression.
Therapy
Many psychiatric conditions can resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, a thorough assessment is essential to determine the root of these symptoms. This can include a review of a person's medical history, psychological tests and a detailed analysis of their behavior. The test will also include a review of a person's family history.
Psychotherapy is a crucial component of treatment for adhd in adults. It can assist people in dealing with the emotional turmoil that results from their inability to function in a way that is consistent with their expectations. It can also enhance their relationships with family and assist them in developing coping strategies. Behavioral therapy can help patients stay focused on their work and break large projects into smaller steps which are easier to manage. It can help them manage the impulsive behavior of their children and increase confidence.
Family and marriage counseling can help couples to understand the challenges ADHD can bring to their relationship. They can also learn to discuss issues that arise in their marriages or families in a constructive way, instead of blaming each other. Individual psychotherapy can help individuals discover the root of their problems, including feelings of sadness or guilt. It can also help people develop strategies for coping that are healthy like meditation or exercise.
A few adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with a calming medication, such as Clonidine. It is a 2-adrenergic agonist. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who have an underlying Tourette's disorder or other tic disorders. It is typically prescribed as a second line treatment after nonstimulant drugs have been tried but found to not be effective.
Clinical trials are research studies which examine the safety and efficacy of new treatments and diseases. They are a crucial component of adhd treatment and give patients the chance to take part in advanced research in the hope that it can lead to better treatment in the future. Before participating in any clinical trial, individuals must consult with their physician. The health professional will be able provide a list with current clinical trials for patients.
Nutrition
Adults with ADHD typically find that diet plays a significant aspect in how they feel and how they function. A balanced, healthy diet can reduce impulsivity and increase concentration. Avoiding junk food and sodas can also help to reduce or eliminate ADHD symptoms. Additionally, people who suffer from ADHD should try to take regular meals and snacks, ensuring their blood sugar levels steady throughout the day. This will improve their energy levels, mood, and sleep quality.
Many psychiatric disorders may have symptoms that resemble the symptoms of ADHD, so it is crucial for adults suffering from these disorders to be assessed carefully to determine if their symptoms are caused by a different condition. Numerous medical conditions can cause ADHD-like signs and symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and problems with vision and hearing. Depression and anxiety as well as a drinking or drug history and certain medications are possible.
Adults can have a more difficult to diagnose ADHD than children. A diagnosis is determined by evaluating functional impairment as well as the history of childhood ADHD symptoms. Many adults don't have a clear childhood ADHD background, or may not have a parent or an older sibling who can verify their symptoms. A person who is actively drinking or using drugs may not be a suitable candidate for treatment with psychostimulants, and their doctor should be aware of this when deciding if or not to prescribe these medications.
There are several FDA-approved medications that can be used to treat adult ADHD which include stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. They can be effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD however, they should be used with caution and those with this disorder must be monitored for any side effects. These medications are available in long-acting formulations that can be taken twice or once per day by adults with ADHD. These preparations are available in tablet, liquid or chewable forms, and they can be taken with or without food.