ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is associated with significant impairments in academic performance and social functioning. Adults with ADHD are more at risk of developing anxiety disorders, depression and addiction to drugs.
The medications that improve ADHD symptoms by increasing neurotransmitters that regulate attention and impulsivity appear to work. Trials of medication are conducted to determine which medication is most effective and in what dosages.
Medication
The use of acute treatments, such as medication, can help improve ADHD symptoms in adults. adult adhd treatments improve the underlying ADHD symptoms by altering neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They function by increasing the availability of neurotransmitters at presynaptic receptors and decreasing their reuptake to stop their breakdown. Since physicians cannot determine which medication will be most effective for a specific person, they typically conduct a trial. The process begins with a low dose that is gradually increased over 3-7 days until clinical benefits are realized.
A popular psychostimulant used to treat ADHD is methylphenidate. It's available in the form of a tablet, liquid, or extended-release (Concerta). Extended release is the most reliable since it can't be crushed and used for different purposes, like to gain a high. Adults who misuse stimulant medication can experience serious health problems. Therefore, people with a history of alcohol or drug abuse should discuss the use of psychostimulants with an expert in mental health.
Stimulants may cause mood changes or sleep disturbances. If these effects are present it is possible for a person to switch to a different type of medication or stop taking it altogether. Some stimulants are also not recommended for those who have an underlying history of Tourette's disorder, severe aorexia, certain mental disorders such as schizoaffective disorder and antisocial personality disorders or medical conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) can boost mood and reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity among adults suffering from ADHD. They work by preventing the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transporter, which allows more of the substance to reach the brain. They can be used in conjunction with other ADHD medication or on their own.
Adults suffering from ADHD are frequently afflicted with other disorders, like anxiety or depression. They can be treated using psychotherapy and/or non-medicative treatments, like cognitive-behavioral therapy. This treatment helps the patient learn to manage their symptoms, boost their self-esteem, relationships, and improve their functioning. Therapists trained in this field are able to treat adult ADHD.
Counseling
A key part of treatment for adhd for adults is counseling, a type of psychotherapy. Talk therapy can help you deal with your feelings, improve your relationships and learn how to manage stress and anger. It can also teach you techniques to improve your self-control and reduce impulsive behaviors. Counseling can be provided in person or via phone.
Counseling may include cognitive behavioral therapy. This helps you learn to recognize and modify negative attitudes and behaviors that cause ADHD symptoms. It could also involve counseling for families or couples which assists loved ones cope and find ways to help you. Lifestyle coaching can also be included in the training to manage ADHD.
Adults with ADHD struggle to get up in the morning or going through the day. A therapist can suggest a sleep schedule, including a bedtime and wake-up time that is consistent throughout the day and night. It is essential to get enough sleep so that your body can function optimally.
Many people suffering from ADHD have trouble getting their tasks completed and staying on the right track at work, school and in their personal lives. Their issues are often result of long-running patterns of underachievement and failure academic challenges or job changes, as well as conflict in relationships. Individual therapy can be used to deal with emotional baggage like low self esteem and feelings of shame, embarrassment over past mistakes, and resentment towards criticism and nagging from those closest.
Behavioral coaching for adult ADHD is a form of therapy that focuses on practical solutions to daily life, such as organizing your work and home environment as well as structuring your day, prioritizing tasks and managing money. The therapy is usually offered in-person or online and aims to teach you strategies for improving your life when you suffer from ADHD.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders than those with other psychiatric conditions, and it's important to address these issues as well. In certain cases it is possible to combine medications and behavioral therapies can yield the best results. A therapist can help you learn how to control your anxiety and mood with mindfulness-based techniques, such as meditation and yoga, as well as address comorbid conditions such as depression and substance abuse.
Therapy
Many psychiatric conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. To determine the root cause of these symptoms of ADHD, a comprehensive assessment is required. This can include a review of the person's medical history, psychological tests and a detailed analysis of their behavior. The test may also include an examination of a person's family background.
Psychotherapy is a key part of treatment for adhd for adults. It can help people deal with the emotional distress and frustrations that result from their inability to function at a level that meets their own expectations. It can also help improve their relationships with family and assist them in developing coping strategies. Behavioral therapy can help patients to focus on their work and break large projects down into smaller steps which are easier to manage. It can help them manage their impulsive behavior and build confidence.
Marriage and family counseling helps couples understand the difficulties ADHD can cause in their relationship. They can also learn to discuss issues that arise within their families or marriages in a constructive way instead of blaming each other. Individual psychotherapy allows people to discover the root of their issues, like feelings of sadness or guilt. It can also help individuals develop healthy coping strategies, such as exercising or meditation.
A calming medication such as clonidine which is a 2adrenergic receptor agonist, is used to treat impulsivity and hyperactivity in some adults with ADHD. It is especially beneficial for those who have Tourette's Syndrome or other disorders of the tic. It is usually regarded as a second-line treatment after nonstimulant medications have been tried and were discovered to be ineffective (Wilens 2004).
Clinical trials are research studies that examine the safety and effectiveness of new treatments for diseases and conditions. They can be an essential part of treatment for adhd for adults and offer the chance to take part in the most cutting-edge research which could lead to improved treatment in the near future. Patients should always speak with their physician prior to taking part in a clinical trial. A health care specialist will be able to provide a list with current clinical trials for patients.
Nutrition
Adults who have ADHD often find that diet plays a significant role in how they feel and how well they perform. A balanced, healthy diet can decrease the impulsivity of people and help improve focus. Avoiding sodas and junk food can also help to reduce or eliminate ADHD symptoms. Adults suffering from ADHD should also eat regular meals and snacks, as well as drink to maintain their blood sugar levels constant throughout the day. This can help improve their mood, energy and sleep quality at night.
It is crucial to assess people suffering from ADHD symptoms to ensure they are not caused by a different health issue. Numerous medical conditions can cause symptoms and signs that resemble those of ADHD, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and hearing and vision problems. Depression and anxiety, a drug or alcohol history, and certain medications are also possible.
Adults can have a more difficult to diagnose ADHD than children. A diagnosis requires a history of childhood symptoms that are in line with ADHD, as well as an evaluation of functional impairment. Many adults do not have a clear childhood ADHD history, or they might not have a parent or a sibling who can verify their symptoms. If a person is actively abusing alcohol or drugs or other substances, they might not be a good candidate for psychostimulants. The doctor should take this into consideration when deciding whether or not to prescribe these medications.
There are several FDA approved drugs that can help adults with ADHD. These include stimulants as well as nonstimulant medications. Stimulants are effective in reducing ADHD symptoms however, they should be used in a responsible manner and those with the disorder should be checked regularly for side effects. There are also long-acting versions of these medications that can be taken one or twice daily which is an ideal choice for those who suffer from ADHD. These preparations are available in liquid, tablet or chewable form and can be taken with or without food.