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ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are the first option that doctors recommend. They help balance the levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants also may help alleviate symptoms, but they work slower.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, helps adults improve their planning and organization abilities. Psychotherapy and coaching are also effective in improving social functioning.
Medicines
You can use medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people might be able to improve their condition by altering their diet or taking supplements, however they should only be taken under a doctor's guidance. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT), or family counseling are all viable treatment options. Certain adults suffering from ADHD struggle to stick to their medication. They should consult their doctor and seek assistance. Certain medications are available over the counter and some require the prescription of a doctor.
The majority of ADHD medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This decreases impulsivity and increases concentration. Some of the most popular medications are stimulants like methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. Although they are considered the most effective treatment for ADHD, they also have side consequences. Some of these side effects can be severe, like cardiovascular problems. In addition, stimulants can cause symptoms like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth by a few months for teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant medications can be prescribed to people who suffer from adverse reactions to stimulants that are not tolerated or are at risk of developing heart problems. These medications are mostly norepinephrine, dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. These medications are not as effective as stimulants, but are safe and don't have the abuse potential that certain people experience with stimulant drugs.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms by following the prescribed schedule, creating and adhering to a strict budget, improving your organizational skills, learning about your disorder and creating strategies to address your symptoms. It is recommended to talk with an expert to find out the best approach to managing your condition, and you can find a wealth of information on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your ADHD symptoms can strain your relationships. Talking to a therapist about how you interact with your spouse or co-workers and taking classes to learn conflict resolution can be helpful. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how ADHD affects you and understanding that some of your actions are not intended to be mean-spirited.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has serious social, emotional and occupational consequences. This includes lower academic performance, higher rates of job failure and transfer, poor performance at work as well as a higher number of car accidents, and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer and co. 2007). Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. Those with comorbid disorders may have more difficulty responding to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
It is important to have a detailed background of the patient as many medical conditions can present symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Patients with seizures, developmental disorders sleep apnea, thyroid disorders should be evaluated more closely. Patients who are active in their addiction to substances or with certain medical conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure should refrain from receiving stimulant treatments (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of informing patients about their disorder and its effects on their lives. Psychoeducation can help patients build their self-esteem, particularly those who are frequently viewed as lazy or less intelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to help patients learn better ways to manage their time and work and improve their organizational skills. This will to reduce the risk of not attending appointments or making decisions impulsively that could cause issues at work, school or in their private lives. This type of therapy may help improve relationships with their children, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is geared towards helping individuals change their behavior patterns. This type of therapy is extremely efficient in improving the functioning of those suffering from ADHD, particularly when check here combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. Through educating patients and their loved family members about ADHD it will reduce the frequency at which they blame each other for the difficulties caused by a patient's inability control their behavior. Classes that teach couples and families to communicate more effectively and to develop techniques for conflict resolution can help.
Counseling
A successful treatment plan for ADHD will tackle the symptoms and their impact on family, work, and school. It will include both stimulant and nonstimulant medications as well as psychosocial therapy, notably cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change the way they think about their behavior. It also teaches them how to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD boost and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They've been around for a long period of time, and there are several different types of medications each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The two most popular stimulants are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate and methylphenidate, which are sold under a variety of brand names such as Adderall and Ritalin. Other medications used to treat ADHD include atomoxetine, which helps by increasing the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain that passes messages between brain cells and viloxazine which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are commonly used to treat ADHD in adults because they are less likely to cause symptoms than stimulants. They are also available to people who are unable to take stimulants due to other health issues or severe side effects.
It's important to note that co-occurring disorders can cause symptoms of ADHD, so the severity and frequency of any other condition must be considered when determining the ADHD diagnosis. It is important to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, hearing and sight problems.
Some patients may also be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms through diet changes. It is essential to consult a physician prior to eliminating any foods. This could lead to nutritional deficiencies and should only be done under the guidance of a doctor or dietician. Another option is counseling which helps patients cope with their symptoms and establish better relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses recognize that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign they are unloving or malicious.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing for both doctors and patients. It's not uncommon for different mental health disorders to coexist with the disorder. Additionally, certain medications and medical conditions may also produce symptoms that mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
Many of these issues can be solved with treatments or lifestyle changes. A person with ADHD could benefit from changing their diet or taking supplements to improve their eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy can teach him how to better resist distractions, impulsiveness and increase his focus. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, both of which can help control emotions and increase concentration.
A thorough history of symptoms is essential and so is a physical exam. A doctor can also examine a patient for sleep apnea, hearing or vision problems, thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and drug or alcohol abuse. These assessments will not only aid in determining the presence of a underlying disorder but also help reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders which can contribute to the ADHD-like behavior.
Most often, stimulants are prescribed by doctors for ADHD. These include dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate as well as Concerta and Adderall. Other non-stimulant drugs include clonidine as well as guanfacine. These blood pressure medication can help with hyperactivity and impulsivity, but might take longer to effect and have adverse effects like heartburn, constipation, and low sex desire.
People suffering from ADHD often forget appointments or are late for work and make irrational decisions that strain the patience of even the most tolerant family members and friends. Couples therapy or classes to improve communication skills can help people establish solid relationships.
Exercise, diet, and stress reduction can all be a factor in managing ADHD symptoms. Some people with the condition have found that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements aids them, but it's important to consult a physician before trying these therapies. If you try this without consulting with a physician, it could lead to nutritional deficiency and other health issues.