Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Adults suffering from adhd are treated through medication, therapy and support from the family. Clinical trials are available to test new treatments for ADHD.
Adults with ADHD are most likely to benefit from stimulant medication. They must be monitored regularly. This means monthly appointments with a doctor and regular examinations of symptoms.
Medicines
Many medications can be used to treat symptoms of ADHD among adults. They are known as psychostimulants and they work by changing the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) that pass messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will select the most appropriate medication for your needs and will determine the most effective dosage and schedule. It could take a while to determine the proper dosage and medication to control your symptoms.
Stimulants are typically the first prescription medication doctors recommend for adults with ADHD. These medicines increase the amounts of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which increase your ability to focus and manage impulses. These medicines are available in short-, medium-and long-acting varieties. Short-acting stimulants last for 6 hours. Intermediate-acting drugs last between 8 and 10 hours. Long-acting drugs can last up to 16. Long-acting stimulants are less likely to cause adverse reactions than intermediate or shorter-acting medicines. However, they may cause sleepiness and changes in appetite.
Nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine (Strattera), are used to treat adult ADHD in cases where stimulants don't perform or cause unwanted adverse effects. These medications do not alter your dopamine or norepinephrine levels however they do increase the brain's supply of norepinephrine. They also improve your ability to concentrate. These medications are in capsules and are taken twice or once each day.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other psychiatric disorders, like anxiety and depression. These are called comorbid conditions and they can impact how you react to treatment for ADHD. Before starting treatment for ADHD, it's important to address any comorbidities. People who have a history of substance abuse disorder are more likely to abuse psychostimulants. It is best to wait until a person has stopped using drugs before using stimulants.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an interactive process of discussing and talking about issues that could be troubling or troubling to a person. The therapist listens and provides guidance based on his or their education, training, experience, professional credentials and therapeutic philosophies. Psychotherapy may be short-term (a few weeks or months) dealing with more immediate challenges, or long-term (months or years) where a person is working on more complex and long-standing issues. The duration and frequency of therapy are determined by the therapist and the patient together.
The combination of psychotherapy and medication together is an extremely effective treatment option for adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy assists people in improving their abilities to organize their lives, manage their time and prioritizing; it can also teach techniques for managing emotions such as anger and frustration. Treatment can ease symptoms and increase concentration, which results in more efficient and successful academic and work.
Adults suffering from ADHD have a higher likelihood of co-existing illnesses. This is especially true for mood disorders like depression and anxiety. It is essential that any co-existing condition be treated prior to starting treatment for ADHD. The treatment of co-existing disorders may require different types of medication and doses than the medications used to treat ADHD.
For instance, a patient with ADHD might also be suffering from hypertension. To choose a medication to treat the ADHD symptoms without causing destabilization of the hypertension of the patient it is essential to understand how different medications affect individuals over time and the interactions between medications.
It's important to find the right professional with whom you share a an excellent relationship and who is experienced in treating adults suffering from ADHD. It is crucial to schedule your first few sessions at times when you aren't distracted by family or work obligations.
Counseling
Adults suffering from ADHD face many challenges in their lives, such as difficulties in their relationships and at work. They may also experience anger, blame, and frustration that have accumulated in their lives due to their symptoms. Numerous psychosocial therapies have been proven effective in helping them and their families learn new skills, attitudes and ways of relating.
Psychotherapy can also include cognitive behavioral therapy, a type of psychotherapy that assists individuals change their thinking and behavior. It includes goal-setting, skills training and practice, and methods to help improve organization and self-esteem. It can be done in a private or in a group setting. Certain studies have demonstrated that the use of metacognitive therapy can reduce symptoms and improve functioning in adults with ADHD (Stevenson and co-authors 2002).
In addition to psychotherapy, some people with ADHD require counseling to deal with specific life difficulties. These difficulties could include family conflicts, impulsive or aggressive behaviors, and difficulty coping with disappointments and failures. Counseling can help develop skills to help deal with these situations and increase communication and problem-solving skills. It can also help improve relationships, especially in marriages and other long-term partnerships.
Family therapy and support groups therapy are two other types of psychotherapy that can be used to treat ADHD. These can help families cope with the stress of having a child who has ADHD and teach skills to improve communication and reduce conflicts. It can also help parents understand the disorder and develop parenting strategies that promote positive outcomes for their children.
Adults suffering from ADHD should discuss their medications regularly with their doctors and also disclose any other medications, including over-the counter drugs. Some medications can cause side effects or interact with other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough examination and diagnosis is made, it is essential to monitor the patient to ensure he/she is getting the benefits of the medication and not experiencing any adverse side effects. It is recommended that patients be inattentive adhd treatment adults seen for initial clinical monitoring within 30 days of beginning treatment and monthly following that. This allows for the proper adjustment of psychostimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines to a safe, effective dose. This permits accurate recording of the patient's response and assists in avoiding having sensitive patients remain on doses that are not sufficient (slow metabolizers) or forcing those who require higher doses on unnecessarily high levels (rapid metabolizers).
For adults who are unable to respond well to stimulant medication or have intolerable side effects the use of nonstimulant medication might be suggested. This typically involves the use of atomoxetine, or other alternatives to methylphenidate.
Adults suffering from ADHD are frequently affected by comorbid disorders such as depression or substance abuse. In addition, they may experience persistent sleep disturbances or medical problems such as hearing and vision disorders. As part of the initial assessment for ADHD, it is important to detect for these conditions and then evaluate the severity of them. These conditions can have a significant impact on functional impairments in adults.
Marital therapy can also be beneficial in the management of ADHD. spouses feel overwhelmed by the caretaking duties of their spouses who suffer from ADHD and may become angry or resentful due to this. increasing the awareness of the patient about the signs of their condition and helping them realize that these aren't impulsive acts or a lack of affection can reduce marital tensions and resentment. Couples who go through this kind of therapy usually experience improved family functioning.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy for adults with ADHD is typically advised. It should include a cognitive and behavioral component. Behavioral therapy can help patients to improve their abilities to manage their time, focus and control impulsive behavior. It helps patients manage their work, home and social settings more effectively. Psychotherapy assists patients in understanding how their condition impacts different areas of their life and relationships. This can help decrease the shame and low self-esteem that is commonly seen in people with ADHD who are viewed as inept or unintelligent.
ADHD symptoms can be mirrored by many mental disorders. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. If it is necessary the presence of other mental disorders should be assessed to determine if ADHD symptoms are caused by them.
A combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy is usually recommended for the treatment of ADHD in adults. It has been demonstrated that the combination of psychotherapy and medication produces superior results over either treatment on its own. Future controlled medication studies should attempt to measure and track functional improvements such as improved performance at work, school, and interpersonal relationships.