Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Adults with adhd are treated through therapy, medication, and family support. Patients can also take part in clinical trials that test new methods of treating ADHD.
Stimulant medications are the most effective drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. They must be monitored regularly. This means monthly appointments with a doctor and regular examinations of symptoms.
Medications
A variety of medications can be utilized to treat the symptoms of ADHD in adults. They are referred to as psychostimulants. they alter the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) that pass messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will choose the best medication for you and determine the most appropriate dosage and time to take it. It could take some time to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that is able to control your symptoms.
Stimulants are typically the first prescribed medication by doctors for adults with ADHD. They increase the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain, which improve your ability to focus and manage impulses. They come in short-, intermediateand long-acting versions. Short-acting stimulants last about 6 hours, intermediate-acting medicines last 8-10 hours, and long-acting medicines last up to 16 hours. adhd treatment adults -acting stimulants are less likely to cause adverse reactions than intermediate- or shorter-acting medicines. However, they may still cause sleepiness and change in appetite.
Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, (Strattera) are used to treat adult ADHD if stimulants do not perform or cause unwanted adverse effects. These medications don't affect your norepinephrine or dopamine however they do increase the amount of norepinephrine. They also improve your concentration. These medications are in capsules and can be taken either twice or three times a day.
Certain adults who suffer from ADHD suffer from co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety. These are called comorbid conditions and they can influence how you respond to treatment for ADHD. Before starting treatment for ADHD it is essential to address any comorbidities. For instance, people who have an history of using substances disorder may be more likely to misuse psychostimulants. It's best to wait until a person has stopped using drugs before treating them with stimulants.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a method of therapy that involves discussing and talking about topics that are troubling or disturbing for a person. The therapist gives advice based upon his or her training, experience, credentials and therapeutic philosophy. Psychotherapy may be short-term (a few weeks or even months) or addressing more immediate issues, or longer-term. The duration and frequency of therapy is determined by the therapist and patient together.
The combination of psychotherapy and medication together is an extremely effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy can assist people improve their time management, organizational skills, and prioritizing. It can also teach strategies to manage emotions such as anger and frustration. Medication can reduce symptoms and increase concentration, which results in more efficient and successful academic and work.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-existing conditions, particularly mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Before beginning treatment for ADHD it is crucial to treat any co-existing disorders. The treatment of co-existing conditions may require different types of medications and dosages compared to those used 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 does not alter the patient's hypertension which is being controlled requires knowledge of how different medications affect people over time and an understanding of the interactions between medications.
It is essential to find the right therapy provider with whom you have a a good relationship, and who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. It's important to schedule your first few sessions at times when you will not be distracted by work or family obligations.
Counseling
Adults who suffer from ADHD face a variety of challenges in their lives, such as issues at work and in relationships. They may also experience anger, blame and frustration that have built up in their lives due to their symptoms. Numerous psychosocial therapies have been proven effective in helping them and their families develop new skills, attitudes and ways of relating.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that assists people in changing their habits and thoughts. It involves goal-setting, training and practice of skills, and strategies for teaching that help improve self-esteem and organization. This can be done individually or in a group. Metacognitive therapy has been proven to significantly reduce symptoms among adults with ADHD and improve their functioning (Stevenson et al. 2002).
Some people suffering from ADHD might also require counseling to help them overcome specific issues in their lives. These challenges may include family conflicts, aggressive or impulsive behaviors, or difficulty in dealing with disappointments and failures. Counseling can teach the how to handle these situations, improve communication and improve problem-solving skills. It can also help improve interpersonal relationships, especially in long-term marriages or other relationships.
Other types of psychotherapy for ADHD include family therapy and supportive group therapy. These therapies can assist families in coping and learn skills to reduce conflict and improve communication when dealing with children who have ADHD. It can aid parents to understand the disorder and develop parenting strategies that encourage positive outcomes in their children.
Adults suffering from ADHD should discuss their medication regularly with their doctors and also disclose any other medications, such as over-the counter drugs. Some medications can interact with specific medications or cause side effects that are worsened by other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough examination and diagnosis is established, it is important to monitor the patient to ensure that they are receiving the benefits of the medication and is not experiencing adverse effects. It is recommended to consult patients for initial medical monitoring within 30 days after starting treatment and every month thereafter. This permits a thorough titration of psychostimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, to a well-tolerated and effective dose. This permits accurate recording of the patients' response and helps avoid keeping patients who are sensitive to doses that are too low.
For adults who do not respond well to stimulant medication or have intolerable side effects the use of nonstimulant medications may be indicated. This typically involves the use of the methylphenidate based atomoxetine alternatives.
Adults with ADHD typically suffer from comorbid disorders like mood disorder or anxiety disorder, substance abuse issues or depression. Additionally, they may suffer from chronic sleep disturbances or medical issues like vision and hearing disorders. It is essential to identify and assess these conditions in the initial assessment for ADHD because they can have a significant effects on functional impairment in adults.
ADHD can also be controlled through marital therapy. spouses feel overwhelmed by the caretaking duties of their spouses with ADHD, and can be angry or resentful due to this. Reduced resentment can be achieved by enhancing the understanding of the condition, and helping them understand that the symptoms aren't the result of an absence of willfulness or love. Couples who go through this kind of therapy tend to have better functioning families.
Behavioral Therapy
For those who suffer from ADHD, psychotherapy is generally recommended and should incorporate the cognitive-behavioral aspect. Behavioral therapy helps patients improve their focus, organization skills and control their impulsive behaviors. It helps patients manage their work, home and social interactions in more productive ways. Psychotherapy helps patients understand how their condition affects different aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help decrease the shame and low self-esteem that are often experienced by people with ADHD who are considered lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
Many psychiatric disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms. For instance, anxiety disorders occur at a high rate in adult ADHD patients, and depression is found at higher levels in those suffering from the disorder. If needed, the presence of other mental disorders should be analyzed to determine if ADHD symptoms are caused by them.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated using a combination of pharmacotherapy, and psychotherapy. It has been demonstrated that when a combination of medications and psychotherapy is utilized results are more favorable than the results of either treatment alone. Future controlled studies must attempt to measure and track the improvement in functional aspects such as improved performance at work, school and interpersonal relationships.