Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Adults suffering from adhd are treated by medication, therapy and support from the family. Clinical trials are available to test the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD.
Stimulant medications are the most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They must be monitored regularly. This includes monthly appointments with a doctor and regular reviews of side effects and symptoms.
Medicines
There are many medications that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. These medications are called 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 best medication for you and will determine the most effective dose and time to take it. It may take some time to determine the appropriate dosage and medication to control your symptoms.
The first medication doctors prescribe to adults suffering from ADHD is stimulants. These medications increase the amount of dopamine found in your brain, and also norepinephrine which allows you to manage your thoughts and focus. These medications are available in short-, medium-and long-acting forms. Short-acting stimulants last for about 6 hours, intermediate-acting medicines last between 8 and 10 hours, and long-acting medications last for up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely to cause side effects than intermediate or shorter-acting medicines. However, they can cause sleepiness and changes in appetite.
Nonstimulant drugs, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera) are used to treat adult ADHD when stimulants aren't effective or cause unwanted adverse side consequences. These medicines don't affect your norepinephrine or dopamine levels however they increase the amount of norepinephrine that's available to your brain and increase your ability to focus. These medications are in capsule form and are taken twice or once every day.
Some adults with ADHD also have other psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety. These are called comorbid conditions and they can impact the way you respond to treatment for ADHD. Before starting treatment for ADHD it is essential to address any comorbidities. People with a history substance abuse disorders are more likely to misuse psychostimulants. This is why it is generally recommended to wait until the patient has quit using substances before considering treatment with stimulants to treat ADHD.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy involves discussing and discussing issues that cause distress or anxiety for a person. The therapist listens to the person and provides advice based on her education, training as well as experience, professional credentials and therapeutic philosophical philosophies. Psychotherapy can be short-term (a few weeks or even months) and can address more immediate issues, or longer-term. The duration and frequency of treatment is determined by the therapist and patient together.
The use of psychotherapy and drugs together is a highly effective treatment for adults with ADHD. Behavioral therapy helps people improve their abilities to organize their lives, manage their time and prioritizing; it can also teach strategies for managing emotions such as anger and frustration. The use of medication can help reduce symptoms, increase focus and lead to better academic and work performance.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to have co-existing conditions, particularly mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Before starting treatment for ADHD it is essential to treat any co-existing disorders. The treatment of co-existing disorders may require different types of medications and dosages compared to those prescribed to treat ADHD.
For example, a person with ADHD could also be suffering from hypertension. Finding a medication that can treat the ADHD symptoms but doesn't alter the patient's hypertension which is being controlled requires knowledge of how different medications affect people over time, as well as an understanding of the interactions between various medications.
It's important that you locate a therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD and with whom you are comfortable. It is crucial to schedule your first few sessions at a time that you aren't distracted by work or family obligations.
Counseling
Adults who suffer from ADHD have many difficulties in their lives, such as problems at work and in relationships. They also may experience anger, blame, and frustration that have developed in their lives due to their symptoms. A variety of psychosocial treatments have been proven effective in helping their families and patients learn new attitudes, skills and ways of connecting.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps people alter their thinking and behavior. It involves goal-setting, training and practicing of skills, as well as strategies for teaching that help improve self-esteem and organization. It may be done in groups or individually. Metacognitive therapy has proven to significantly reduce symptoms among adults suffering from ADHD and improve their functioning (Stevenson, et al. 2002).
In addition to psychotherapy, some people with ADHD also require counseling to address specific life challenges. These challenges may include family conflicts, impulsive or aggressive behaviors, and difficulty coping with failures and disappointments. Counseling can help develop techniques to deal with these situations and enhance communication and problem-solving skills. It can also enhance interpersonal relationships, especially in marriages or other long-term partnerships.
Family therapy and supportive group therapy are other forms of psychotherapy that can be used to treat ADHD. These can help families cope with the stress of having a child suffering from ADHD, as well as teach skills to improve communication and reduce conflicts. It can assist parents to understand the disorder and develop parenting strategies that promote positive outcomes for their children.
It is essential for adults with ADHD to discuss their medications with their health care professionals regularly, and to inform them of all other medications they are taking, including prescription drugs. Certain medications can trigger side effects or interact with other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough evaluation and diagnosis, it is important to monitor the patient's progress to ensure that the patient receives the benefits of the medication and does not experience side effects. It is recommended that patients be seen for an initial medical check-up within 30 days of initiating treatment and monthly following that. In the case of psychostimulants (methylphenidate, amphetamines) this allows for a the gradual titration of an effective and well-tolerated dosage. This permits accurate recording of the patient's response and prevents the patient from being a patients who are sensitive to doses that are too low.
Adults who do not respond well to stimulant medications or who have unwanted side effects that are difficult to tolerate might benefit from non-stimulant drugs. This is usually the case with the methylphenidate based atomoxetine alternatives.
Adults with ADHD are usually affected by comorbid disorders, such as depression or substance abuse. Additionally, they may suffer from chronic sleep disturbances or medical problems such as hearing and vision problems. It is important to screen and assess these conditions in the initial assessment for ADHD because they can have a significant effects on functional impairment in adults.
Marital therapy can also be beneficial in the management of ADHD. Many spouses report that they feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities to care for their spouses with ADHD and may become resentful and angry as a result. Reducing resentment can be achieved by enhancing the understanding of his/her condition, and assisting them understand that the symptoms are not due to an absence of love or willfulness. Couples who go through this type of therapy tend to have better functioning families.
Behavioral Therapy
For people who suffer from ADHD Psychotherapy is generally recommended and should include a cognitive-behavioral component. Behavioral therapy can help patients improve their organization skills, focus, and control impulsive behaviors. It helps patients manage their social, work, and home situations more effectively. Psychotherapy helps patients understand how their disorder affects various aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help reduce the feelings of shame and low self-esteem that are often felt by people with ADHD. They could be perceived by others as being lazy or less intelligent.
Many psychiatric disorders may mimic ADHD symptoms. go to these guys are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. The presence of other mental health problems should be evaluated according to the need, to determine whether or not the patient's ADHD symptoms are linked to them.
A combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy is generally recommended for treatment of ADHD in adults. It has been shown that when a combination of medications and psychotherapy is employed, the results are better than treatment on its own. Future controlled medication studies should attempt to measure and track functional improvements such as improved performance at work, school and interpersonal relationships.