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ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the first treatment that doctors recommend. They aid in balancing levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants can reduce symptoms, but they operate more slowly.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults acquire strategies to improve their organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy are effective in improving social functioning.
Medicines
You can take medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people find they are more comfortable after changing their diet or taking supplements. However they should only be used under the guidance of a physician. Other treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy (CBT), and counseling for families. Some adults with ADHD struggle to adhere to medication, but they should talk with their doctors and ask for assistance. adult add treatment can be purchased over the counter, while others require a prescription.
The majority of the drugs prescribed for ADHD work by increasing the levels of dopamine in your brain, which reduces the impulsivity and increases concentration. Some of the most popular medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. These are considered to be the most effective in ADHD treatment, however they can have adverse effects. Some of these side effects could be serious, such as heart problems. The stimulant medication can also trigger the tics of blinking eyes or throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth in adolescents and children by just a few months.
Nonstimulant drugs are prescribed to patients who experience intolerable side-effects from stimulants, or who are at risk of developing heart disease. These medications include dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. These medications are not as effective as stimulants, but are safe and don't have the abuse potential that certain people experience with stimulant medications.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms by following an established schedule, making and adhering to an exact budget, enhancing your organization skills, gaining knowledge about your condition and implementing strategies to address your symptoms. Talk to a doctor about the best ways to manage your ADHD. You will also find numerous useful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your ADHD symptoms can strain your relationships. You can improve your relationships by speaking to an therapist and attending classes in conflict resolution. You can improve your relationships with your family members or friends by having them understand your ADHD and telling them that your behavior is not intentional.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can result in significant emotional, social, and occupational consequences. This includes lower academic performance and higher rates of job loss and transfer, and poor work performance. There are also more car accidents, and higher divorce rates than the general population. Adults with ADHD are more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs. People with comorbid conditions might be less responsive to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A thorough history of the patient is crucial, as a variety of medical conditions can have symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Patients with seizures, developmental disorders sleep apnea, and thyroid disorders should be evaluated more closely. Patients who abuse substances, or those with particular medical conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure are contraindicated from receiving stimulant therapy (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy is a form of therapy that includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their condition, including its effects on different aspects of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can help patients build their self-esteem, particularly those who are often stigmatized as lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
The purpose of behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD, is to improve their organizational skills and teach them better ways to manage their time. This will reduce the chance of missing appointments or making decisions impulsively that could create problems at the workplace, at school or with 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 designed to help individuals change their behaviour patterns. This kind of therapy is extremely effective at improving the functioning of those suffering from ADHD especially when it is combined with family therapy and psychoeducation. By educating patients and their loved ones about ADHD it will reduce the frequency with which they blame each other for the issues caused by a person's inability to manage his or her behavior. Classes that teach couples and families how to communicate more effectively and resolve conflicts can be helpful.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan for ADHD will address the symptoms and their impacts on the family, work and school. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant drugs as well as psychosocial therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change their thinking about their behavior. It also teaches them 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 known as neurotransmitters. There are a myriad of types of stimulant medications, each with their own benefits and side-effects. The two most popular stimulants are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate and methylphenidate, which are sold under various brand names such as Adderall and Ritalin. Viloxazine is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine increases the amount of a brain chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are used to treat ADHD among adults, as they have a slower onset than stimulants. These medications are also available to those who cannot take stimulants due other health issues or severe adverse effects.
It is important to remember that comorbid disorders can mimic 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 eliminate physical causes of the symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, hearing or sight problems.
Some patients may also be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. But it's crucial to seek medical advice prior to cutting out any foods which could result in nutritional deficiencies. It should only be done with the help of a physician or dietician. Counseling can also help patients deal with their symptoms, and also improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can also help spouses realize that the patient's behaviors are not necessarily indicative of a lack of affection or a deliberate act of wrongdoing.
Education
Patients and doctors alike can be confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. Other mental disorders may coexist with ADHD and certain medical conditions and medications can also cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Lifestyle changes or treatment can resolve many of these issues. For instance, a person suffering from ADHD might benefit from adjusting diet or taking supplements to improve his eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy will teach him how to better resist distractions, impulsiveness and increase his focus. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness meditation practice that can help manage emotions and increase focus.
A thorough medical history and a physical exam are crucial. A doctor can also examine the patient for sleep apnea, hearing and thyroid problems, vision problems or lead poisoning as well as alcohol or drug abuse. These assessments can not only help determine the presence of a underlying disorder but also reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders which could contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
Most often, stimulants are prescribed by doctors for ADHD. They include dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate as well as Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant drugs include clonidine and Guanfacine. These blood pressure medications can aid in reducing the impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they might take longer to effect and may cause negative side effects, such as constipation, heartburn and a lack of sex.
People suffering from ADHD often miss appointments, are late for work, and make irrational choices which can strain the patience of even the most forgiving friends and relatives. Couples therapy or classes that help improve communication skills can help sufferers develop solid relationships.
Diet, exercise, and stress reduction can all help in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have found that removing certain foods or taking supplements can help them, but it's important to talk to a doctor before trying these methods. If you do this without a doctor's guidance could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.