Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Adults who suffer from adhd are treated through medication, therapy, and family support. Clinical trials are being conducted to test new treatments for ADHD.
The stimulant medications are the most effective drugs for adults with ADHD. However, they must be constantly monitored. This includes regular appointments with a physician and frequent review of symptoms.
Medicines
Many medications can be used to treat the symptoms of ADHD in adults. They are referred to as psychostimulants. they work by changing the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) which transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will choose the right medication for you and will determine the most appropriate dosage and time to take it. It may take a while to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that is able to control your symptoms.
The first drug that doctors prescribe to adults with ADHD is stimulants. These medications increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in your brain, which enhances your ability to concentrate and manage impulses. These medications are available in short-, mediumand long-acting varieties. Short-acting stimulants can last up to 6 hours. Intermediate-acting medications last 8-10 hours. Long-acting stimulants last from 8 to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely cause side effects than shorter- or intermediate-acting medications. However, they can induce sleepiness and a change in appetite.
Nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine (Strattera), are used to treat adult ADHD in cases where stimulants don't work or cause undesirable side effects. These medications do not alter your norepinephrine or dopamine however, they can increase the amount of norepinephrine, which improves your ability to concentrate. These medications are available in capsules and can be taken either twice or three times each day.
Certain adults who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression. These are referred to as comorbid conditions and they can influence how you react to treatment for ADHD. It is essential to treat any comorbid conditions before starting treatment for ADHD. For instance, those who have an addiction history to drugs or disorder are more likely to use psychostimulants. This is why it's often advisable to wait until the person has quit using substances before considering treatment with stimulants to treat ADHD.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an interactive process of talking and discussing issues that may be disturbing or troubling to a person. The therapist listens and offers guidance based on his or his or her training, education as well as experience as well as professional qualifications and therapeutic theories. Psychotherapy can be short-term, (a few weeks or months) or addressing more immediate issues, or more long-term. The duration and frequency of the treatment is determined by the therapist and the patient together.
The use of psychotherapy and drugs together is an extremely effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy assists people in improving their ability to manage their time, organize and prioritizing. It can also teach strategies for managing emotions like anger and frustration. Treatment can ease symptoms, increase focus, and result in better academic and work performance.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-existing issues, especially mood disorders like anxiety and depression. Before beginning treatment for ADHD it is essential to treat any co-existing disorders. The treatment of co-existing conditions could require different types of medication and doses than the ones prescribed to treat ADHD.
A person with ADHD can also have hypertension. To pick a medication that can treat the ADHD symptoms without causing instability to the hypertension of the patient it is essential to understand how various medications affect individuals over time as well as the interactions between medications.
It is important to choose the right therapist with whom you have an excellent relationship and who is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. It's important to schedule your first few sessions at times when you won't be distracted by family or work obligations.
Counseling
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically face a variety of problems in their lives, such as work and relationship problems. They also may experience anger, blame, and frustration that have developed in their lives due to their symptoms. Psychosocial therapies can help patients and their families develop new attitudes, skills and ways of relating.
Psychotherapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of psychotherapy that assists individuals change their behavior and thinking. It includes goal-setting, skills training and practice, and methods of teaching to increase self-esteem and organizational skills. It may be done in groups or individually. Some studies have shown that treatment for metacognitive disorders can reduce symptoms and improve functioning for adults suffering from ADHD (Stevenson et al, 2002).
In addition to psychotherapy, some people with ADHD also require counseling to address specific life issues. These issues could include adhd treatment family conflicts, impulsive or aggressive behaviors, and difficulty coping with disappointments and failures. Counseling can help you develop the strategies to help deal with these situations and enhance communication and problem-solving skills. It can also improve relationships, especially in marriages and other long-term partnerships.
Family therapy and support groups therapy are other forms of psychotherapy that could be used to treat ADHD. These can help families deal with the stress of having a child who has ADHD, as well as develop skills to improve communication and reduce conflict. It also helps parents recognize the symptoms and develop parenting styles that encourage positive outcomes for their children.
Adults with ADHD must discuss their medication regularly with their physicians and inform them of any other medications, including over the prescription drugs. Certain medications may interact with certain medications or trigger adverse reactions that are made worse by other medicines.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough examination and diagnosis is made, it is important to monitor the patient to ensure he/she is getting the benefits of medication and not experiencing any adverse side effects. It is recommended that a patient be referred for an initial medical check-up within 30 days of beginning treatment, and every month thereafter. This permits a thorough adjustment of psychostimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate to a safe, effective dose. This allows for accurate registration of the patient's response and prevents the patient from being a the patient with a sensitive response on doses that are not sufficient.
Adults who do not respond well to stimulant medication or suffer from adverse effects that are unpalatable could benefit from non-stimulant medications. This usually involves the use atomoxetine, or other methylphenidate-related alternatives.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically suffer from comorbid disorders such as mood or anxiety disorder, substance abuse problems or depression. In addition, they may experience persistent sleep disturbances or medical issues like vision and hearing disorders. As part of the initial evaluation for ADHD, it is important to screen these conditions and assess them. These conditions can have a significant impact on functional impairments in adults.
Marital therapy can also be beneficial in the management of ADHD. Spouses report feeling overburdened with the caretaking duties of their spouses who suffer from ADHD and can be angry or resentful due to this. Reduced resentment can be achieved by increasing the patient's awareness of their condition, and assisting them understand that the symptoms aren't the result of a lack in affection or willfulness. Couples who go through this kind of therapy usually experience improved family functioning.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy for adults with ADHD is usually suggested. It should include a cognitive and behavioral component. Behavioral therapy can help patients improve their focus, organization skills and control their impulsive behaviors. It helps patients manage their work, social and home life more efficiently. Psychotherapy helps patients to understand how their disorder impacts various aspects of their lives and relationships. This helps reduce the feelings of shame and low self-esteem that are often felt by adults with ADHD. They could be perceived by others as lazy or less intelligent.
Many psychiatric disorders can be akin to ADHD symptoms. For example, anxiety disorders occur at high rates in adults ADHD patients and depression is observed in greater numbers among people suffering from the disorder. The presence of any other psychiatric problems should be assessed according to the need, to determine if the patient's ADHD symptoms are related to them.
A combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy is generally recommended for treatment of ADHD in adults. It has been established that a combination of psychotherapy and medication produces better results than either therapy by itself. Future controlled medication studies should attempt to track and measure functional improvements such as improved performance at work, school, and interpersonal relationships.