ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is associated with significant difficulties in social and academic functioning. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing depression, anxiety disorders, and addiction to drugs.
The use of medications to treat the core ADHD symptoms are believed to work by increasing the supply of neurotransmitters that regulate the impulsivity and attention. The majority of trials conducted are to determine which drugs and dosages are most effective for each person.
Medication
The use of acute treatments, such as medication, can help to improve ADHD symptoms in adults. The most effective way to reduce ADHD symptoms is to alter neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine. They work by increasing the availability of neurotransmitters at presynaptic nerves and reducing their reuptake in order to prevent breakdown. The doctors are not able to predict what medication is most effective for a particular person and so the majority of adults go through a medication trial. The process begins with a low dose, which is gradually increased over 3-7 days until clinical benefits are realized.
Methylphenidate is a psychostimulant that is used to treat ADHD. It is available in tablet form, liquid or extended-release form (Concerta). Extended release is the most dependable because it can't be crushed and used for different reasons, like to achieve a high. Adults who misuse stimulant medications may be afflicted with serious health issues. Therefore, those who have an background of alcohol or drug abuse should discuss the use of psychostimulants with a mental health professional.
The stimulants can cause mood swings and sleep disturbances. If these effects are present, the person may need a change in medication or to stop taking it. Stimulants may also be contraindicated for those with a history of Tourette’s disorder or severe aorexia, mental illnesses such as schizoaffective disorders and antisocial personality disorders or certain medical conditions, such as high blood-pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin XL), may enhance mood and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity among some adults with ADHD. They block the reuptake process of norepinephrine by the presynaptic receptor, allowing more of the substance to reach the brain. They can be used in conjunction with other ADHD medications or as a stand-alone.
Adults with ADHD often have comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety. They can be treated with psychotherapy and/or non-medication treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. This treatment teaches the patient how to manage their symptoms, boost their self-esteem, relationships, and improve their functioning. Certain therapists are trained in treating adult ADHD.
Counseling
Counseling, a form of psychotherapy, is an essential part of treatment for adhd in adults. Talk therapy can help you deal with your feelings improve your relationships, and learn to manage stress and anger. It can also teach you techniques to improve your self-control and reduce your impulsive behavior. Counseling can be conducted in person or over the phone.
Counseling may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you to recognize and alter negative thoughts and behaviors that cause ADHD symptoms. It may also include counseling for families or couples which assists family members cope and find ways to help you. Lifestyle coaching can be a part of the program that teaches you how to manage ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty getting up in the morning or navigating through the day. A therapist can recommend a sleep schedule, including an evening and wake-up time that is consistent throughout the night and day. It is essential to get enough sleep to ensure that your body is functioning optimally.
Many people with ADHD struggle with completing tasks and staying on the right track at work, school and in their private lives. Often, their problems are rooted in long-standing patterns of underachievement and failure academic issues or job changes, as well as conflicts in relationships. Individual talk therapy can be used to address emotional baggage such as low self esteem, feelings of shame and embarrassment resulting from past mistakes and resentment toward criticism, as well as the constant nagging of those close to them.
Behavioral coaching for adult ADHD is a form of therapy that focuses on practical solutions to daily living, such as organizing your workplace and home as well as structuring your schedule, prioritizing tasks and managing your money. This therapy is typically available in-person or online and aims to teach you strategies for improving your life as a person with ADHD.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to have co-occurring disorders than those with other disorders of the psyche, and it is important to address these issues as well. In some instances, a combination of medications and behavioral therapies can yield the most effective results. A therapist can help you learn to manage your anxiety and mood with mindfulness-based therapies like yoga and meditation, and treat other comorbid conditions, such as substance abuse or depression.
Therapy
Many psychiatric conditions can resemble ADHD symptoms. To determine the cause of these ADHD symptoms A thorough assessment is required. This can include a review of the person's medical history, psychological tests and a detailed analysis of their behavior. The evaluation may include a review of the person's family history.
Psychotherapy is an integral part of treatment for adhd in adults. It can help people deal with the emotional distress and frustrations triggered by their inability to perform at a level that is in line with their own expectations. It can also enhance relationships with their family members and aid in the development of coping strategies. Behavioral therapy can help patients concentrate on their work and break up large projects into smaller steps that are easier for them to manage. It can help them manage their impulsive behavior and build confidence.
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 other. Individual psychotherapy can help people explore the root causes of their problems, including feelings of sadness or guilt. It can also assist people develop healthy strategies for coping that include exercise or meditation.
A calming medication such as clonidine, a 2-adrenergic receptor agonist, is used to treat impulsivity and hyperactivity in adults who suffer from ADHD. It can be particularly helpful for individuals who have a comorbidity of Tourette's syndrome or other tic disorders. It is usually used as a second line treatment after nonstimulant drugs have been tried but found to not be effective.
Clinical trials are research studies that examine the safety and efficacy of new treatments and diseases. They can be an important part of adhd in adults treatment and provide the opportunity to be part of cutting-edge research in the hopes that it can lead to better treatment in the future. Patients should always speak with their health care provider before taking part in a clinical study. The health specialist will be able to provide a list of current clinical trials that are available to patients.
Nutrition
Adults with ADHD may find that their diet has a major impact on their mood and perform. A healthy, balanced diet can reduce the impulsivity of people and help improve concentration. Avoiding sodas and junk food can also help reduce or eliminate ADHD symptoms. Adults with ADHD should consume regular meals, snacks and drinks to maintain their blood sugar levels constant throughout the day. This can help boost their mood, energy and sleep quality at night.
It is crucial to assess adults with ADHD symptoms to ensure they are not caused by a different health issue. Additionally, a variety of medical problems can also cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning hearing and vision issues depression and anxiety and a background of alcohol or drug abuse, and certain drugs.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults is more difficult than it is for children. A diagnosis requires a thorough history of childhood symptoms that are similar to ADHD, as well as an evaluation of functional impairment. Many adults don't have a clear record of childhood ADHD, or may not have an older parent or sibling who can confirm symptoms. A person who is actively drinking or using symptoms of untreated adhd drugs may not be a suitable candidate for treatment with psychostimulants and their doctor should be aware of this when deciding whether to prescribe these medications.
There are many FDA-approved medications that can be used to treat adult ADHD, including stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. Stimulants can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD however, they should be used in a responsible manner and those suffering from this disorder must be monitored frequently for adverse effects. The medications are available in long-acting versions that can be taken twice or even once daily by adults suffering from ADHD. These tablets are available in tablet, chewable or liquid form and can be taken along with food or without.