ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is associated with significant difficulties in social and academic functioning. Adults with ADHD are at higher risk for anxiety disorders, depression and addiction to drugs.
The medications that help improve ADHD symptoms by increasing neurotransmitters that regulate attention and impulsivity appear to be effective. Medication trials are usually conducted to determine which medications and dosages work best for each person.
Medication
Acute treatments, such as medication, can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD in adults. The most effective medications improve the underlying ADHD symptoms by affecting neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters available at presynaptic receptors and decreasing their reuptake to prevent their breakdown. Since physicians cannot determine which medication will be most effective for a particular person, they typically conduct a trial. The low dose is gradually increased over a period of 3-7 days, until clinical benefits are achieved.
A common type of psychostimulant used to treat ADHD is methylphenidate. It comes in tablet liquid or extended-release form (Concerta). Extended-release is the most secure because it is not crushed and used in other ways, like getting high. Adults who use stimulant medications are susceptible to serious health issues. Therefore, those who have an history of alcohol or drug abuse should discuss the use of psychostimulants with an expert in mental health.
The stimulants can cause mood fluctuations and sleep disturbances. If these effects are present they may require to alter the medication or even stop taking it. The use of stimulants is also not recommended for some people who have a family history of Tourette's disorder, severe anorexia, certain psychiatric conditions such as schizoaffective disorders, antisocial personality disorder, and some medical conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers, like bupropion (Wellbutrin XL), can improve mood and decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity in adults with ADHD. They work by preventing the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic receptor, allowing more of the substance to reach the brain. They are able to be used with other ADHD medication or on their own.
Adults with ADHD are often affected by other disorders, like anxiety or depression. These can be treated with psychotherapy and/or non-medicative therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. This treatment teaches the patient to manage their symptoms, boost their self-esteem and relationships and improve their performance. Some therapists have special training in treating adult ADHD.
Counseling
A key part of treatment for adhd in adults is counseling, which is a type of psychotherapy. Talk therapy can help you manage your anxiety and stress, enhance your relationships, and work through your emotions. It can also teach you strategies to improve your self-control and reduce your impulsive behavior. Counseling can be done in person or via the phone.
Counseling may involve cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you to recognize and alter negative thought patterns and behaviors that cause ADHD symptoms. It may also include marital or family therapy, which can assist loved ones deal with their emotions and help them support your progress. Lifestyle coaching can also be included that teaches you how to manage ADHD.
Adults with ADHD struggle to get up in the morning or getting through the day. A therapist may suggest an appropriate sleep schedule, which includes an evening and wake-up time that's consistent every night and day. It is essential to get enough sleep so that your body functions optimally.
Many people suffering from ADHD have trouble getting their tasks completed and staying on their course at work, school and in their private lives. Often, their problems stem from longstanding patterns of underachievement and failure academically as well as job loss and relationship conflict. Individual talk therapy can be used to tackle emotional baggage such as low self-esteem, feelings of shame and embarrassment from past mistakes and resentment towards criticism and the constant nagging of those close to them.
Behavioral coaching is a form of therapy for adults with ADHD that is focused on practical daily living solutions, such as organizing the home and workplace, structuring the day, prioritizing your tasks and managing your money. This therapy is usually available in person or on the internet, and aims at teaching you strategies to help you live a better life with ADHD.
Adults with ADHD have a higher likelihood of having comorbid conditions. It is important to treat these conditions as well. In certain cases the combination of medication and behavioral therapies can yield the best results. A therapist can help you learn how to control your anxiety and mood with mindfulness-based interventions, such as meditation and yoga, as well as treat comorbid disorders like depression and addiction to substances.
Therapy
Many psychiatric conditions can resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, a complete evaluation is required to determine the root of these symptoms. This may include a medical history, psychological test and a thorough analysis of the person's behavior. The evaluation may also include a thorough examination of a person's family history.
Psychotherapy is a key part of adhd treatment for adults. It helps people deal with the emotional stress caused by their inability to function at a level that meets their expectations. It can also help them create strategies to cope and improve their relationships with family members. Behavioral therapy can teach patients to focus on tasks and break big projects into small steps that are more manageable. It can also help them learn to control impulsive behaviors and build confidence in their abilities to achieve success.
adhd treatment in adults and family counseling can help couples to understand the difficulties that ADHD can create in their relationships. They can also learn how to constructively discuss issues that arise within their families or in their marriages instead of blaming other. Individual psychotherapy can help people explore the root causes of their issues, which could include feelings of guilt or sadness. It can also help individuals create healthy coping strategies like exercise or meditation.
Some adults with ADHD can be treated with a calming drug like clonidine. It is a 2-adrenergic agonist. It can be especially beneficial for those who suffer from a comorbidity of Tourette's syndrome or other tic disorders. It is usually regarded as a second-line medication after nonstimulant drugs were tried and found to be ineffective (Wilens 2004).
Clinical trials are research studies which test the effectiveness and safety of new treatments and diseases. They are a crucial part of adhd in adults treatment and offer a chance to be part of 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. The health care professional will be able provide a list of current clinical trials available to patients.
Nutrition
Adults with ADHD might find that their diet has a significant impact on their mood and function. A balanced, healthy diet can help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. It's also a good idea to avoid junk food and drink soda as they can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. In addition, those who suffer from ADHD should consume regular meals and snacks, keeping their blood sugar levels steady throughout the day. This can help improve their mood, energy and sleep quality at night.
Many mental disorders can exhibit symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD This is why it is crucial for adults suffering from these disorders to be assessed carefully to determine if the symptoms are caused by an underlying condition. Additionally, a variety of medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning hearing and vision issues, depression and anxiety as well as the background of alcohol or drug abuse, and certain medications.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be 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 assessment of functional impairment. Many adults don't have a clear history of childhood ADHD or have an older parent or sibling who can confirm the symptoms. Someone who is drinking or using 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 drugs.
There are many FDA-approved medications that can be used to treat adult ADHD which include stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. Stimulants are effective in reducing ADHD symptoms, but they should be used in a responsible manner and those who suffer from the disorder should be checked regularly for any adverse effects. There are also long-acting versions of these medications that can be taken once or twice a day, which is an ideal choice for those who suffer from ADHD. These medications are available in tablet, liquid or chewable forms, and they can be taken with or without food.