ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is associated with significant impairments in academic performance and social functioning. Adults who suffer from ADHD are more at risk for depression, anxiety disorders, and abuse of substances.
Treatments that help improve core ADHD symptoms appear to work by increasing the availability of neurotransmitters that control the ability to focus and impulsivity. Medication trials are usually conducted to determine which medications and at what dosages work best for each individual.
Medication
Treatments that are quick, such as medication, can help improve symptoms of ADHD in adults. They are the most effective way to treat core ADHD symptoms by affecting neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They work by increasing the amount of these neurotransmitters on presynaptic transporters and decreasing their reuptake, which prevents their breakdown. Since practitioners cannot predict the medication that will be most effective for a specific person, they typically conduct a medication trial. The dose of the low dose is gradually increasing over 3-7 days, until the clinical benefits have been achieved.
A common type of psychostimulant used to treat ADHD is methylphenidate. It's available in the form of a tablet, liquid, or extended-release (Concerta). Extended release is the most reliable since it can't be crushed and used for different purposes, such as to get high. Adults who misuse stimulant medications can suffer serious health problems. So, those with a background of alcohol or drug abuse should discuss the use of psychostimulants with a mental health professional.
The stimulants can cause mood fluctuations or sleep disturbances. If these effects are present, a person may need to change to a different form of medication, or even stop it. The use of stimulants is also not recommended for some people who have a family history of Tourette's disease, severe anorexia, certain psychiatric conditions such as antisocial personality disorder and schizoaffective disorder, and some medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) can improve mood and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity among adults suffering from ADHD. They work by preventing the reuptake of norepinephrine in 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 suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from comorbid disorders, such as depression or anxiety. These disorders can be treated through psychotherapy or non-medicated treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. This treatment helps patients manage their symptoms and improve their functioning, self-esteem and relationships. Therapists trained in this field are able to treat adults with ADHD.
Counseling
Counseling, which is a form of psychotherapy, is a key component of adhd treatment in adults. Talk therapy can help you deal with your feelings, improve your relationships and learn how to manage anger and stress. It can also teach you methods to increase your self-control and reduce your impulsive behavior. Counseling can be conducted in person or via phone.
Counseling can include cognitive behavioral therapy. It teaches you to recognize and change negative attitudes and behaviors that contribute to ADHD symptoms. It can also involve family or marital therapy which can help your loved ones deal with their emotions and help them support your success. Lifestyle coaching can also be included that teaches you how to manage ADHD.
Adults with ADHD often have difficulty waking up in the morning and getting through the day without feeling groggy or irritable. A therapist could recommend a sleep schedule, which includes a consistent bedtime and a time for waking up every day. It is crucial to get enough rest in order that your body functions optimally.
Many people with ADHD struggle with getting their tasks completed and staying on their course at work, school and in their personal lives. The majority of their problems stem from longstanding patterns of underachievement and failure, academic difficulties, job turnover and relationship conflicts. Individual talk therapy can help you deal with emotional baggage, like low self-esteem, feelings embarrassment and shame from past mistakes, and resentment at the criticism and nagging you receive from those close to you.
Behavioral coaching for adult ADHD is a kind of therapy that concentrates on practical solutions to daily living, such as organising your home and work environment, structuring your day, prioritizing tasks and managing your money. The therapy is typically offered in person or via the internet, and aims at teaching you strategies to improve your life when you suffer from ADHD.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders than other disorders of the psyche, and it is crucial to address these issues as well. In some instances it is possible to combine medications and behavioral therapies can yield the best results. A therapist can help you learn to manage your anxiety and mood with mindfulness-based treatments like meditation and yoga, and deal with other comorbidities like substance abuse or depression.
Therapy
Many psychiatric conditions can resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, a complete evaluation is required to determine the cause of these symptoms. This evaluation can include a review of a person's medical history, psychological testing and a thorough analysis of their behavior. The test will also include a thorough review of a person’s family history.
Psychotherapy is an integral part of treatment for adhd for adults. It can assist people in dealing with the emotional distress that results from their inability to function at a level which meets their expectations. treatments for add can also assist them to develop strategies for coping and improve relationships with family members. Behavioral therapy can help patients focus on their tasks and break large projects into smaller steps that are easier to manage. It can help them control the impulsive behavior of their children and increase confidence.
Counseling for families and marriage helps couples to understand the challenges ADHD can cause in their relationship. They can also learn how to constructively discuss issues that arise within their marriages or family instead of blaming another. Individual psychotherapy can help individuals discover the root of their issues, such as feelings of sadness or guilt. It can also help people develop strategies for coping that are healthy like exercising or meditation.
A calming drug such as clonidine, a 2-adrenergic receptor agonist, is used to treat hyperactivity and impulsivity in some adults suffering from ADHD. It can be particularly helpful for people who suffer from an underlying Tourette's disorder or other tic disorders. It is generally considered as a second-line therapy after nonstimulant drugs were tried and discovered to be ineffective (Wilens 2004).
Clinical trials are research studies that investigate the safety and effectiveness of new treatments for diseases and conditions. They can be an important part of adhd treatment and give patients the chance to participate in cutting-edge research with the hope that it will lead to better care in the future. Before participating in any clinical trial, patients must consult with their physician. A health care specialist will be able to provide a list of current clinical trials available to patients.
Nutrition
Adults who have ADHD often find that diet plays an important aspect in how they feel and how they function. A balanced, healthy diet can help reduce impulsivity and improve focus. Avoiding sodas and junk food can also help reduce or eliminate ADHD symptoms. Adults who suffer from ADHD should also eat regular meals and snacks, as well as drink to keep their blood sugar levels constant throughout the day. This can help improve their mood, energy, and sleep quality.
It is important to evaluate adults suffering from ADHD symptoms to make sure they are not caused by a different medical condition. Additionally, many medical problems can also cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, including thyroid disorders and lead poisoning hearing and vision issues, depression and anxiety, the history of alcohol or drug abuse, and certain drugs.
Adults can have a more difficult to diagnose ADHD than children. A diagnosis requires a history of childhood symptoms consistent with ADHD, as well as an assessment of functional impairment. Many adults do not have a clear diagnosis of childhood ADHD, or may not have an older parent or sibling who can verify symptoms. If someone is using drugs or alcohol, they may not be the ideal candidate for psychostimulants. The doctor should consider this when deciding whether or not to prescribe them.
There are a variety of FDA approved medications that are able to help adults with ADHD. These include stimulants and nonstimulant medication. They are effective in the reduction of ADHD symptoms however, they should be used responsibly and people who suffer from the disorder should be monitored regularly to check for side effects. There are also long-acting versions of these medications that can be taken one or twice a day, which is an ideal choice for those who suffer from ADHD. These medications are available in liquid, tablet or chewable forms, and they can be taken with or without food.