ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is associated with significant impairments in academic performance and social functioning. Adults with ADHD are at higher risk of developing anxiety disorders, depression, and addiction to drugs.
The medications that help improve ADHD symptoms by increasing neurotransmitters that control impulsivity and attention appear to be working. Medication trials are usually conducted to determine which medications and dosages are most effective for each individual.
Medication
Acute treatments, like medication, can improve symptoms of ADHD in adults. They are the most effective way to treat core ADHD symptoms by affecting neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. They function by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters available at presynaptic nerves and reducing their reuptake to prevent their breakdown. Since practitioners cannot predict the medication that will be most effective for a specific person, they typically conduct a drug trial. The dose of the low dose is gradually increased over a period of 3-7 days, until the clinical benefits are achieved.
A popular psychostimulant used to treat ADHD is methylphenidate. It is available in tablet form liquid, extended-release or liquid forms (Concerta). The extended release preparation is the most dependable because it isn't able to be crushed and used for different reasons, like to gain a high. Adults who use stimulant drugs may be afflicted with serious health issues. Therefore, people with a background of alcohol or drug abuse should discuss the use of psychostimulants with an expert in mental health.
Stimulants can trigger mood fluctuations and sleep disturbances. If these effects are present, a person may need to change to a different form of medication or discontinue it. Some stimulants are also not recommended for those who have an underlying history of Tourette's disorder severe aorexia, mental disorders such as schizoaffective disorder and antisocial personality disorders or certain medical conditions, such as high blood-pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers such as bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) can enhance mood and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity among some adults with ADHD. They work by blocking norepinephrine reuptake at the presynaptic transporter, allowing for more of the substance to be absorbed by the brain. They can be used in conjunction with other ADHD medications or alone.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often afflicted by other disorders, like depression or anxiety. They can be treated using psychotherapy or non-medication treatments, like cognitive-behavioral therapy. This treatment teaches patients to manage their symptoms and improve their self-esteem, functioning and relationships. Some therapists have special training in treating adult ADHD.
Counseling
Counseling, a type of psychotherapy, is a key part of treatment for adhd in adults. Talk therapy can help you manage your feelings improve your relationships, and learn how to manage stress and anger. It can also help you learn strategies to control your self and reduce the risk of impulsive behavior. Counseling can be provided in person or over the phone.
Counseling can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you to recognize and modify negative thoughts and behaviors that cause ADHD symptoms. It can also include marital or family therapy, which can help loved ones cope with their feelings and find ways to support your success. Lifestyle coaching can be a part of the program in the training to manage ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently have trouble getting up in the morning and navigating the day without feeling groggy or annoyed. A therapist may suggest a sleep schedule, including the time of bed and wake-up that is consistent throughout the night and day. It's important to get enough sleep so that your body is functioning optimally.
Many people with ADHD have trouble getting their tasks completed and staying on track at school, work and in their private lives. The majority of their problems stem from longstanding patterns of failure and underachievement, academic difficulties, job turnover and relationship conflict. Individual talk therapy can help you deal with emotional baggage, including low self-esteem, feelings of shame and embarrassment resulting from past mistakes, as well as anger at the criticism and nagging you receive from those close to you.
Behavioral coaching is a type of therapy for adults suffering from ADHD that is focused on practical everyday living strategies, like organizing the home and workplace and arranging your day, prioritizing your work and managing your finances. This therapy is typically available in person or online and is designed to teach you strategies to improve your life as a person with ADHD.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders than other psychiatric conditions, and it's important to address these issues as well. In certain cases the combination of treatments and medications can yield the most effective results. A therapist can teach you how to control your mood and anxiety through mindfulness-based treatments, like yoga and meditation, and deal with comorbid conditions like addiction and depression.
Therapy
Many psychiatric disorders may mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, a thorough assessment is essential to determine the root of these symptoms. This evaluation can include a review of a patient's medical history, psychological tests and a thorough analysis of their behavior. The evaluation will also include a thorough examination of a person's family background.
Psychotherapy is a key part of adhd treatment for adults. It helps people deal with the emotional stress and frustrations triggered by their inability to perform at a level that meets their own expectations. It can also help improve relationships with their family members and help them develop coping mechanisms. adhd treatments adults can help patients to focus on tasks and break down large projects into smaller steps that are easier to manage. It can help them manage their impulsive behavior and build confidence.
Marriage and family counseling helps couples recognize the issues ADHD can bring to their relationship. They can also learn to talk about issues that arise in their families or marriages in a constructive way instead of blaming one another. Individual psychotherapy helps people to explore the root causes behind their issues, like feelings of sadness or guilt. It can also help individuals create healthy strategies for coping that include exercises or meditation.
A few adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with a calming drug like clonidine. This is a 2 adrenergic antagonist. It can be particularly helpful for individuals who have a comorbidity of Tourette's syndrome or other tic disorders. It is typically used as a second line treatment after nonstimulant drugs were tried but proved to be ineffective.
Clinical trials are research studies that investigate the safety and effectiveness of new treatments for a variety of diseases and conditions. They can be an important part of adhd treatment and offer a chance to participate in cutting-edge research in the hopes that it will result in better treatment in the future. Individuals should always consult with their health care provider before taking part in a clinical trial. The health care professional will be able provide a list with current clinical trials available to patients.
Nutrition
Adults who have ADHD frequently find that their diet plays a significant influence on how they feel and how they function. A balanced and healthy diet can help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. It is also recommended to stay clear of junk food and drink soda because they can trigger or exacerbate symptoms of ADHD. Adults suffering from ADHD should consume regular meals, snacks and drinks to maintain their blood sugar levels constant throughout the day. This can improve their mood, energy and sleep quality at night.
It is crucial to assess adults suffering from ADHD symptoms to ensure they are not caused by another health issue. Additionally, many medical issues can also trigger symptoms similar to ADHD, such as thyroid disorders as well as lead poisoning, hearing and vision problems depression and anxiety and an background of alcohol or drug abuse, and certain drugs.
The diagnosis of ADHD for adults can be more difficult than in children. A diagnosis requires a thorough history of childhood symptoms that are in line with ADHD, as well as an assessment of functional impairment. Many adults do not have a clear history of childhood ADHD or have an older parent or sibling who can verify symptoms. If a person is actively abusing alcohol or drugs, they may not be the ideal candidate for psychostimulants. The doctor should take this into consideration when deciding whether or not to prescribe these medications.
There are a variety of FDA approved drugs that can treat adults with ADHD. These include stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. The use of stimulants can be beneficial in reducing symptoms of ADHD however, they must be used responsibly and those with this disorder should be monitored frequently for side effects. There are also longer-acting versions of these drugs that can be taken once or twice a day which is an option that is more suitable for adults with ADHD. These tablets are available in chewable, tablet or liquid forms and can be taken along with food or without.