ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is associated with significant difficulties in social and academic functioning. Adults who suffer from ADHD are more at risk of developing depression, anxiety disorders, and addiction to drugs.
The drugs that reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing neurotransmitters responsible for controlling attention and impulsivity seem to work. Medication trials are usually conducted to find out which medications and at what dosages are most effective for each individual.
Medication
Acute treatments, like medication, can help improve symptoms of ADHD in adults. The most effective way to reduce ADHD symptoms is by affecting neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine. They improve the amount of these neurotransmitters on presynaptic transporters and decreasing their reuptake, which prevents their breakdown. Practitioners cannot know in advance which medication will work best for a particular person, so most adults undergo an experiment with their medications. The dose of the low dose is gradually increased over a period of 3-7 days, until the clinical benefits have been achieved.
A popular type of psychostimulant used to treat ADHD is methylphenidate. It is available in tablet liquid or extended-release form (Concerta). The extended release preparation is the most reliable because it isn't able to be crushed and used for other purposes, like to achieve a high. Adults who misuse stimulant medications can suffer serious health problems. So, those with a history of alcohol or drug abuse should discuss the use of psychostimulants with an expert in mental health.
Stimulants can trigger mood changes or sleep disturbances. If these effects are present, a person may need to change to a different form of medication, or even stop it. Some stimulants are also not recommended for those who have the history of having Tourette's disease, severe aorexia, certain mental illnesses such as schizoaffective disorders and antisocial personality disorders or for certain medical conditions, such as high blood-pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers like bupropion (Wellbutrin XL), may improve mood and reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity among adults suffering from ADHD. They work by blocking norepinephrine reuptake at the presynaptic transmitter which allows for a greater amount of the substance in the brain. They can be used in combination with other ADHD medication or on their own.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety. These conditions can be treated by psychotherapy or non-medicated 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. Certain therapists are trained in treating adults with ADHD.
Counseling
Counseling, a form of psychotherapy, is a crucial element of adhd treatment for adults. Talk therapy can help you manage anxiety and stress, enhance your relationships, and help you deal with your emotions. It can also help you master strategies to control your self and decrease your impulsive behavior. Counseling can be conducted in person or over the phone.
Counseling may include cognitive behavioral therapy. It teaches you to recognize and modify negative thoughts and behavior that could cause ADHD symptoms. It could also include counseling for your family or marital relationship that helps your loved ones cope and discover ways to support you. Lifestyle coaching could be added, which teaches skills to manage ADHD.
Adults with ADHD struggle to get up in the morning or navigating through the day. A therapist can suggest a sleep routine that is consistent, with a bedtime and a wake-up time every day. It's important to get enough sleep so that your body can function optimally.
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to complete their tasks and stay on schedule in school, work and in their personal lives. Their issues are often caused by long-standing patterns of underachievement and failure academic issues or job changes, as well as relationship conflicts. Individual talk therapy can help you overcome emotional baggage, such as low self-esteem, feelings of shame and embarrassment resulting from past mistakes, as well as anger at the criticism and the nagging that you receive from those closest to you.
Behavioral coaching is a form of therapy for adults with ADHD that focuses on practical daily living solutions, such as organizing your workplace and home and arranging your day, prioritizing your work and managing your finances. This therapy is usually available in person or on the internet, and aims at teaching you strategies to help you live a better life with ADHD.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from multiple disorders of the psyche, and it's important to address these issues as well. In some instances, a combination between medications and behavioral therapy can result in the best results. A therapist can help you learn how to manage your mood and anxiety with mindfulness-based treatments, like meditation and yoga, as well as treat comorbid disorders like depression and substance abuse.
Therapy
Many psychiatric disorders can resemble ADHD symptoms. To determine the root cause of these ADHD symptoms, a comprehensive assessment is required. The evaluation could include a thorough review of the person's medical history, psychological tests and a detailed analysis of their behavior. The evaluation will include a review of a person’s family history.
Psychotherapy is an essential component of treatment for adhd for adults. It helps people deal with the emotional distress caused by their inability function at a level which meets their expectations. It can also help them create strategies to cope and improve their relationships with family members. Behavioral therapy can help patients to focus on their work and break large projects down into small steps that are easier to manage. It can also assist them in learning to manage their impulsive behaviors and gain confidence in their abilities to succeed.
Marriage and family counseling can help couples understand the difficulties that ADHD can cause in their relationships. They can also learn how to constructively discuss issues that arise in their marriages or family, instead of blaming one another. Individual psychotherapy allows people to discover the root of their troubles, such as feelings of guilt or sadness. It can also assist individuals develop healthy strategies for coping like exercise or meditation.
Some adults with ADHD can be treated with a calming medication like Clonidine. This is a 2-adrenergic antagonist. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who have comorbid Tourette's syndrome or other tic disorders. It is generally considered as a second-line therapy after nonstimulant medications have been tried but were found to be ineffective (Wilens 2004).
Clinical trials are research studies that read more investigate the safety and effectiveness of new treatments and diseases. They can be an important part of adhd in adults treatment and give patients the chance to participate in cutting-edge research with the hope that it will result in better treatment in the future. Before participating in any clinical trial, patients should consult their doctor. The health professional will be able to give a list of current clinical trials that are available to patients.
Nutrition
Adults who have ADHD typically find that diet plays a major influence on how they feel and how well they perform. A balanced, healthy diet can help reduce the impulsivity of people and help improve focus. It's also a good idea to avoid beverages that contain sugar or junk food because they can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. Adults suffering from ADHD should take regular meals and snacks as well as drinks to maintain their blood sugar levels constant throughout the day. This can help improve their mood, energy and sleep quality at night.
Many mental disorders can exhibit symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD, so it is important for adults with these conditions to be examined attentively to determine if their symptoms are caused by another condition. Numerous medical conditions can cause symptoms and signs reminiscent of ADHD like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and hearing and vision problems. Depression and anxiety are common, as is a alcohol or drug history, and certain medications are possible.
Adults may have a difficult time diagnosing ADHD than children. A diagnosis is based on a history of childhood symptoms that are in line with ADHD, as well as an evaluation of functional impairment. Many adults don't have a clear diagnosis of childhood ADHD, or may not have an older sibling or parent who can verify symptoms. Someone who is drinking or using drugs may not be a good candidate for treatment with psychostimulants and their doctor should consider this when deciding whether or not to prescribe these drugs.
There are a variety of FDA-approved drugs that can be used to treat adult ADHD, including 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 ADHD should be monitored regularly for adverse effects. There are also long-acting versions that can be consumed once or twice per day and are an option that is more suitable for adults suffering from ADHD. These preparations are available in tablet, liquid or chewable forms and can be taken with or without food.