Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Adults who suffer from adhd are treated through medication, therapy and support from the family. Clinical trials are available to test the effectiveness of 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 clinical appointments as well as frequent reviews of symptoms and side effects.
Medicines
Many medications can be used to reduce the symptoms of ADHD among adults. They are known as psychostimulants and they alter the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) that transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will choose the right medication for you and determine the best dose and schedule to take it. It could take some time to determine the appropriate medication and dosage that controls your symptoms.
Stimulants are usually the first prescribed medication by doctors for adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs increase the amount of dopamine that is present in your brain and norepinephrine which allows you to manage your thoughts and focus. These medicines are available in short-, mediumand long-acting forms. Short-acting stimulants last for up to 6 hours. Intermediate-acting medications last 8-10 hours. adhd adults treatment -acting drugs can last up to 16. Long-acting stimulants are less likely cause adverse effects than shorter- or intermediate-acting medications. However, they can cause sleepiness and changes in appetite.
Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) are used to treat adults with ADHD when stimulants don't perform or cause undesirable adverse effects. These medications don't affect the levels of dopamine or norepinephrine, but they increase the brain's supply of norepinephrine, which improves your focus. These capsules are taken once or two times a day.
Some adults with ADHD suffer from co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety. These are known as comorbid disorders and can affect how you respond to treatment for ADHD. Before beginning treatment for ADHD it is important to address any comorbid issues. For instance, people who have an history of using substances disorder may be more likely to use psychostimulants. It's best to wait until someone has stopped using drugs before taking them on with stimulants.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an interactive method of discussing and discussing issues that could be troubling or troubling to someone. The therapist listens and provides advice based on her education, training and experience professional credentials and therapeutic philosophical philosophies. Psychotherapy can be short-term (a few weeks or months) dealing with issues that are more immediate or more long-term (months or years) in which a person is attempting to resolve more complicated and longstanding issues. The duration and frequency of the treatment is determined by the patient and therapist together.
The use of psychotherapy and drugs together is an extremely effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy can help individuals improve their time management, organizational skills, and prioritizing. It can also teach techniques to manage emotions, such as anger and frustration. The use of medication can help reduce symptoms, improve focus, and result in better academic and work performance.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely of co-existing illnesses. This is especially relevant for mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Before starting treatment for ADHD it is essential to treat any co-existing disorders. Treatment for co-existing disorders might require different types and doses of medication than the ones used to treat ADHD.
A person with ADHD can also have hypertension. Finding a medication that can treat the ADHD symptoms, but does not affect the patient's hypertension which is being controlled requires knowledge of how different medications affect individuals over time and an understanding of the interactions between medications.
It is essential to find an professional with whom you share a an excellent relationship and who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. It is important to schedule your initial sessions at times when you aren't distracted by work or family obligations.
Counseling
Adults who suffer from ADHD face a variety of challenges in their lives, including problems at work and in relationships. A person with ADHD may be prone to anger, frustration and blame that have built up over time. Psychosocial treatments can help patients and their families develop new abilities, attitudes, and ways of relating.
Psychotherapy can include cognitive behavior therapy, which is a type of psychotherapy that aids individuals to change their thinking and behavior. It involves goal-setting, training and practice of skills, and teaching strategies for improving self-esteem and organization. This can be done individually or in a group setting. A few studies have proven that the use of metacognitive therapy can reduce symptoms and improve performance in adults with ADHD (Stevenson et al 2002).
In addition to psychotherapy, some people with ADHD also need counseling to address specific life difficulties. These may include family conflict, impulsive or aggressive behavior, or difficulty dealing with failures and disappointments. Counseling can teach the strategies to manage these situations, improve communication, and improve problem-solving skills. It can also enhance relationships, especially in marriages and other long-term relationships.
Other types of psychotherapy for ADHD are family therapy and supportive group therapy. These can help families cope with the anxiety of having a child who has ADHD, as well as teach skills to improve communication and reduce conflict. It also helps parents understand the disorder and develop parenting strategies that encourage positive outcomes for their children.
It is crucial for adults with ADHD to discuss their medication with their health care professionals regularly, and to disclose all other medications they're taking, including over-the-counter drugs. Certain medications can cause adverse reactions or interact with other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough examination and diagnosis, it is important to monitor the patient to ensure that he/she reaps the benefits of the medication and does not experience any adverse side negative effects. It is recommended to visit a patient for the initial clinical assessment within 30 days of starting treatment, and then every month following that. In the case of psychostimulants (methylphenidate, amphetamines) this allows for complete titration to an effective and well-tolerated dosage. This allows for a precise registration of the patient's response and helps to avoid keeping sensitive patients on insufficient doses (slow metabolism) or forcing those who require higher doses to excessively high levels (rapid metabolizers).
Adults who do not respond well to stimulant medications or have side effects that are intolerable may benefit from nonstimulant medications. This typically involves the use of atomoxetine, or other methylphenidate-related alternatives.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have comorbid disorders like mood or anxiety disorder, substance abuse issues or depression. Additionally, they may suffer from chronic sleep disturbances or medical issues like hearing and vision disorders. As part of the initial assessment for ADHD, it is important to screen such conditions and evaluate the severity of them. These conditions can have a significant effect on functional impairments in adults.
ADHD can also be treated through marital therapy. Couples often say that they feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caring for their spouses who have ADHD and can become resentful and angry as a result. increasing the awareness of the patient about the symptoms of his/her illness and helping them realize that these aren't impulsive actions or a lack of love can help to reduce marital tensions and resentment. Couples who go through this type of therapy tend to be more functional as a family.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy for adults with ADHD is typically suggested. It should include a behavioral and cognitive component. Behavioral therapy assists patients in improving their organization skills, focus, and control impulsive behaviors. It helps patients manage their home, work and social interactions more effectively. Psychotherapy assists patients in understanding how their disorder impacts different areas of their life and relationships. This can reduce the stigma and feelings of shame that are often seen among people with ADHD. They could be perceived by others as being lazy or unintelligent.
ADHD symptoms can be mimicked by many psychiatric disorders. For example, anxiety disorders occur at a higher rate in adult ADHD patients, and depression is found at higher levels in adults with the disorder. If necessary, the presence of other psychiatric disorders must be evaluated to determine if ADHD symptoms are caused by them.
A combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy is usually recommended for the treatment of ADHD in adults. It has been demonstrated that when a combination of medications and psychotherapy is utilized the results are superior than the results of either treatment alone. Future controlled studies must attempt to track and measure functional improvements such as improved performance at work, school, and interpersonal relationships.