ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is associated with significant impairments of academic performance and social functioning. Adults who suffer from ADHD are at higher risk of developing anxiety disorders, depression, and abuse of substances.
The drugs that reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing neurotransmitters that regulate attention and impulsivity seem to work. Medication trials are usually conducted to determine which drugs and in what dosages work best for each individual.
Medication
Acute treatments, like medication, can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD in adults. The most effective medications improve core ADHD symptoms by affecting neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. They work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters available at presynaptic receptors, and reducing their reuptake in order to prevent their breakdown. Practitioners aren't able to know ahead of time which medication will work best for a particular patient, so most adults undergo an experiment with their medications. It starts with a small dose that is slowly increased over 3-7 days until the clinical benefits are realized.
Methylphenidate is a psychostimulant that is used to treat ADHD. It is available in tablet liquid, extended-release or liquid forms (Concerta). Extended-release is the most reliable because it cannot be crushed or used in other ways, such as getting high. Adults who abuse stimulant medication can suffer serious health problems. People who have a history of drinking or using drugs should consult an expert in mental health regarding the use of psychostimulants.
Stimulants can trigger mood swings or sleep disturbances. If these effects occur, a person may need to change to a different kind of medication or discontinue it. The use of stimulants is not recommended for those who have an underlying history of Tourette's disorder severe aorexia, mental disorders such as schizoaffective disorder and antisocial personality disorders, or for certain medical conditions, such as high blood-pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers, such as bupropion, (Wellbutrin XL) can boost mood and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity among some adults with ADHD. They block the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transmitter which allows for a greater amount of the substance to be absorbed by the brain. They can be administered in combination with other ADHD medications or on their own.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety. These can be treated with psychotherapy or non-medication treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. This treatment teaches patients to manage their symptoms and improve their self-esteem, functioning, and relationships. Certain therapists are trained 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 manage your stress and anger, improve your relationships, and deal with your emotions. It can also assist you in learning techniques to improve self-control and reduce your impulsive behavior. Counseling can be conducted in person or via phone.
Counseling may include cognitive behavioral therapy. This teaches you how to recognize and modify negative attitudes and behaviors that contribute to ADHD symptoms. It may also include marital or family therapy, which can assist loved ones cope with their feelings and help them support your success. It could also include lifestyle coaching, which teaches you skills to help manage your ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty getting up in the morning and navigating the day without feeling exhausted or angry. A therapist can suggest a sleep schedule, including the time of bed and wake-up that is consistent each day and night. It is important to get enough sleep so that your body is functioning at its best.
Many people with ADHD struggle to complete their tasks and remain on track in school, work and their personal lives. Often, their problems stem from longstanding patterns of failure and underachievement, academic difficulties as well as job loss and relationship conflict. Individual talk therapy can be used to address emotional issues like low self esteem and feelings of shame, embarrassment from past mistakes and resentment towards criticism and the constant nagging of those close to them.
Behavioral coaching for adult ADHD is a form of therapy that concentrates on practical solutions for daily life, such as organizing your home and work environment as well as structuring your schedule, prioritizing work and managing your money. This type of therapy is generally available in person or online and aims to teach you strategies to help you live a better life with ADHD.
Adults with ADHD are more likely of having comorbid disorders. It is important to treat these conditions well. In some instances it is possible to combine medications and behavioral therapies can provide the most effective results. A therapist can help you learn to control your anxiety and mood through mindfulness-based treatments like yoga and meditation, as well as treat other comorbid conditions like addiction or depression.
Therapy
Many psychiatric conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, a thorough evaluation is essential to determine the root of these symptoms. This evaluation may include an examination of the medical history, psychological test and a thorough examination of the behavior of a person. The evaluation will include a review of the person's family history.
Psychotherapy is an integral part of adhd treatment for adults. treat adhd can assist people in dealing with the emotional distress and frustrations triggered by their inability to function at a level that satisfies their own expectations. It can also enhance their relationships with family and aid in the development of coping strategies. Behavioral therapy can help patients to concentrate on their tasks and break big projects into smaller steps that are more manageable. It can help them control the impulsive behavior of their children and increase confidence.
Family and marriage counseling can help couples to understand the difficulties that ADHD can bring about in their relationships. They can also learn to discuss issues in a constructive manner that arise within their families or in their marriages instead of blaming another. Individual psychotherapy can help individuals explore the root causes of their issues, such as feelings of sadness or guilt. It can also help people develop strategies for coping that are healthy, such as exercises or meditation.
A calming medication such as clonidine, a 2-adrenergic receptor agonist, is used to treat impulsivity and hyperactivity in some adults suffering from ADHD. It is particularly beneficial for those suffering from Tourette's Syndrome or other disorders of the tic. It is typically used as a second line medication after nonstimulant medications have been tried but found to not be effective.
Clinical trials are research studies that study the effectiveness and safety of new treatments for a variety of diseases and conditions. They can be an important part of adhd treatment and give patients the chance to be part of advanced research in the hope that it will lead to better care in the future. Before taking part in any clinical trial, individuals should consult their doctor. The health professional can provide a list of current clinical trials that are available to the patient.
Nutrition
Adults with ADHD frequently find that their diet plays a major role in how they feel and how well they function. A balanced and healthy diet can help decrease impulsivity and improve focus. Avoiding junk food and sodas can help reduce or eliminate ADHD symptoms. Adults with ADHD should also eat regular meals, snacks and drinks to keep their blood sugar levels constant throughout the day. This can boost their mood, energy and sleep quality at night.
Many mental disorders can exhibit symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD It is essential for people suffering from these disorders to be assessed carefully to determine if their symptoms are caused by a different disorder. Numerous medical conditions can cause symptoms and signs that resemble those of ADHD like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and issues with hearing and vision. Depression and anxiety as well as a drinking or drug history, and certain medications are possible.
Adults may have a difficult to diagnose ADHD than children. A diagnosis requires a thorough history of childhood symptoms that are consistent with ADHD, as well as an assessment of functional impairment. Many adults do not have a clear childhood ADHD history, or might not have a parent or a sibling who can confirm their symptoms. A person who is actively abusing drugs or alcohol may not be a suitable candidate for treatment with psychostimulants, and their physician should take into account this when deciding if or not to prescribe these medications.
There are several FDA approved medications that can treat adults with ADHD. These include stimulants and nonstimulant medication. The stimulants can be effective in decreasing ADHD symptoms however, they should be used responsibly and people affected by the disorder must be checked regularly for adverse effects. There are also longer-acting versions of these drugs that can be taken one or twice daily and are an option that is more suitable for adults with ADHD. These preparations come in chewable, tablet or liquid forms, and can be taken along with food or without food.