ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is associated with significant impairments of academic performance and social functioning. Adults who suffer from ADHD are at a higher risk for anxiety disorders, depression and abuse of substances.
The medications that improve ADHD symptoms by increasing neurotransmitters responsible for controlling impulsivity and attention appear to be effective. Medication trials are usually conducted to find out which medications and dosages work best for each person.
Medication
The use of acute treatments, such as medication, can help improve ADHD symptoms in adults. Medications most effectively improve the underlying ADHD symptoms by affecting neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. They work by increasing the availability of neurotransmitters at presynaptic receptors, and reducing their reuptake to prevent breakdown. The doctors are not able to predict which medications will be most effective for a particular person and so the majority of adults go through a medication trial. The low dose is gradually increasing over 3-7 days, until clinical benefits have been achieved.
A popular psychostimulant used to treat ADHD is methylphenidate. It's available in the form of tablets, liquids or extended-release (Concerta). Extended-release preparations are the most reliable because it cannot be crushed and used in other ways, like getting high. Adults who abuse stimulant medication may be afflicted with serious health issues. Therefore, people with an background 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 a change in medication or even stop taking it. Stimulants may also be contraindicated for people with the history of having Tourette's disease severe aorexia, mental illnesses such as schizoaffective disorders and antisocial personality disorders or for certain medical conditions, like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers like bupropion (Wellbutrin XL), may boost mood and reduce the level of hyperactivity and impulsivity in some adults suffering from ADHD. They block the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transportationer which allows for a greater amount of the substance to be absorbed by the brain. They can be administered together with other ADHD medicines or by themselves.
Adults with ADHD are often afflicted by comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can be treated with psychotherapy or non-medicated treatments like cognitive behavior therapy. This treatment teaches patients to manage their symptoms and improve their functioning, self-esteem and relationships. Some therapists have special training in treating adult ADHD.
Counseling
One of the most important aspects of adhd treatment for adults is counseling, a form of psychotherapy. Talk therapy can help you work through your emotions improve your relationships, and help you manage stress and anger. It can also teach you techniques to improve your self-control and reduce impulsive behavior. Counseling can take place in person or by phone.
Counseling may involve cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches you to recognize and change negative patterns of thought and behavior that cause ADHD symptoms. It could also involve counseling for families or couples that helps your loved ones cope and discover ways to support you. Lifestyle coaching could be added, which teaches skills to manage ADHD.
Adults with ADHD have trouble getting up in the morning or getting through the day. A therapist can suggest an appropriate sleep schedule, which includes a bedtime and wake-up time that is consistent throughout the night and day. It's important to get enough sleep to ensure that your body can function optimally.
Many people with ADHD struggle to complete their tasks and remain on schedule in school, work and their personal lives. Their issues are often caused by long-standing patterns of underachievement and failure academic issues or job changes, as well as relationships that are not working. Individual therapy can help tackle emotional baggage like low self-esteem as well as feelings of shame and embarrassment from past mistakes and resentment toward criticism, as well as nagging from those closest.
Behavioral coaching is a form of therapy for adults suffering from ADHD that is focused on practical daily living solutions, such as organizing your workplace and home organizing your day, prioritizing your tasks, and managing your money. The therapy is typically offered in person or via the internet, and aims at teaching you strategies to help you live a better life with ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely of having comorbid conditions. It's important to treat these conditions as well. In some cases it is possible to combine medications and behavioral therapy can result in the best results. A therapist can show you how to manage your anxiety and mood with mindfulness-based treatments, like meditation and yoga, as well as treat comorbid disorders like addiction and depression.
Therapy
Many psychiatric disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms. To determine the cause of the symptoms of ADHD an extensive evaluation is required. This evaluation may include an assessment of a person's medical history, psychological test and a thorough review of a person's behavior. The test may also include a thorough investigation of a person's family background.
Psychotherapy is a key part of treatment for adhd in adults. It helps people deal with the emotional distress caused by their inability to function at a level which meets their expectations. It can also enhance the relationships with their families and assist them in developing coping strategies. Behavioral therapy can teach patients to focus on their work and break large projects down into small steps which are easier to manage. adhd symptoms and treatment helps them to learn to control impulsive behaviors and build confidence in their abilities to achieve success.
Counseling for families and marriage can help couples to understand the issues that ADHD can create in their relationships. They can also learn to talk about issues that arise within their families or marriages in a constructive manner, instead of blaming each other. Individual psychotherapy can help people explore the root causes behind their issues, like feelings of sadness or guilt. It can also help people develop healthy coping strategies that include exercising or meditation.
A calming medication, such as clonidine, a 2-adrenergic receptor agonist, is used to treat hyperactivity and impulsivity in adults who suffer from ADHD. It can be especially beneficial for individuals who have comorbid Tourette's syndrome or other tic disorders. It is typically regarded as a second-line therapy after nonstimulant drugs have been tried and were found to be ineffective (Wilens 2004).
Clinical trials are research studies which investigate the safety and effectiveness of new treatments and diseases. They can be an important part of adhd in adults treatment and offer a chance to be part of cutting-edge research with the hope that it will result in better treatment in the future. Patients should always consult their health care provider before taking part in a clinical study. A health care professional will be able to provide a list of current clinical trials for patients.
Nutrition
Adults who suffer from ADHD might find that their diet has a major impact on their mood and function. A balanced, healthy diet can reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. Avoiding sodas and junk food can also help reduce or eliminate ADHD symptoms. Adults who suffer from ADHD should consume regular meals and snacks, as well as drink to ensure that their blood sugar levels remain constant throughout the day. This can help improve their energy levels, mood, and sleep quality.
It is important to evaluate people suffering from ADHD symptoms to make sure they are not caused by a different condition. Numerous medical conditions can cause ADHD-like signs and symptoms like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and problems with vision and hearing. Depression and anxiety as well as a drinking or drug history, and certain medications are possible.
Adults can have a more difficult in determining ADHD than children. The diagnosis is made by analyzing functional impairment and a history of childhood ADHD symptoms. Many adults do not have a clear childhood ADHD history, or they may not have a parent or older sibling who can confirm their symptoms. A person who is actively abusing drugs or alcohol may not be a good 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 such as stimulants and nonstimulant medications. The use of stimulants can be beneficial in reducing the symptoms of ADHD however they must be used responsibly and those suffering from ADHD should be monitored for any side effects. There are also long-acting versions of these medications that can be taken once or twice a day, which is a more convenient option for adults with ADHD. These medications are available in chewable, tablet or liquid forms, and can be taken with food or without food.