Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Adults suffering from adhd are treated with therapy, medication, and family support. Clinical trials are being conducted to test new treatments for ADHD.
Stimulant medication is the most effective medications for adults with ADHD. They need to be monitored regularly. This includes regular clinical appointments and regular reviews of symptoms and side effects.
Medicines
There are many drugs that can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. They are referred to as psychostimulants. they alter the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) which transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will determine the appropriate medication for you and will determine the most effective dosage and schedule. It may take some time to determine the appropriate dosage and medication to control your symptoms.
Stimulants are usually the first prescribed medication by doctors for adults with ADHD. These medications increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain, which improve your ability to focus and manage impulses. They come in short-, intermediateand long-acting varieties. Short-acting stimulants can last up to up to 6 hours. Intermediate-acting drugs last between 8 and 10 hours. Long-acting stimulants last from 8 to 16. Long-acting stimulants have fewer negative effects than shorter- and intermediate-acting medications, but they still can cause sleepiness and changes in appetite.
Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, (Strattera) are used to treat adults with ADHD if stimulants do not work or cause unwanted adverse effects. These medications do not alter your norepinephrine or dopamine however, they can increase the amount of norepinephrine. They also improve your ability to concentrate. These medications are available in capsules and are taken twice or once each day.
Some adults with ADHD also have other psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions are referred to as comorbidities and can affect your response to ADHD treatment. Before starting treatment for ADHD, it's important to address any comorbid issues. For instance, those who have an history of using substances disorder may be more likely to abuse psychostimulants. It is recommended to wait until a person has stopped using drugs before treating them with stimulants.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a method of therapy that involves discussing and talking about topics that cause distress or anxiety for a person. The therapist gives advice based upon his or her qualifications, experience, training, and therapeutic philosophy. Psychotherapy can be short-term, (a couple of weeks or months) or addressing more immediate issues, or longer-term. The duration and frequency of the treatment are determined by the patient and therapist together.
The use of psychotherapy and drugs together is an extremely effective treatment for adults with ADHD. Behavioral therapy assists people in improving their organizational skills, time management and prioritizing; it can also teach techniques to manage emotions, such as anger and frustration. Medication can reduce symptoms, increase concentration and improve academic and work performance.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to have co-existing issues, especially mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Before starting treatment for ADHD it is crucial to treat any co-existing conditions. The treatment of co-existing conditions might require different kinds of medications and dosages than the medications that are used to treat ADHD.
For instance, a patient with ADHD might also be suffering from hypertension. Finding a medication that can treat the ADHD symptoms, but does not affect the patient's hypertension which is being controlled requires understanding how different medications affect people over time and an understanding of the interactions between various medications.
It is important to choose the right therapist with whom you have a good relationship, and who has experience treating adults with ADHD. It is important to schedule your initial sessions at times when you aren't distracted by family or work obligations.
Counseling
Adults suffering from ADHD typically face a variety of life challenges, including work and relationship problems. People with ADHD can be prone to anger, frustration and blame that has built up over time. Several psychosocial treatments have been proven effective in helping them and their families develop new behaviors, skills, and ways of relating.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of psychotherapy that helps people change their habits and thoughts. It includes goal-setting, skills training and practice, as well as teaching strategies to improve organization and self-esteem. This can be accomplished individually or in a group. Metacognitive therapy has been proven to significantly reduce symptoms among adults suffering from ADHD and improve their performance (Stevenson, et al. 2002).
Some people with ADHD may also require counseling to help them overcome certain life issues. These challenges may include family conflicts, aggressive or impulsive behavior, and difficulties in dealing with disappointments and failures. Counseling can help develop strategies to help deal with these situations and increase communication and problem-solving skills. It can also enhance relationships, particularly in marriages and other long-term partnerships.
Family therapy and support groups therapy are also types of psychotherapy that could be used to treat ADHD. These therapies can help families cope and improve their skills to manage conflict and improve communication when dealing with a child suffering from ADHD. adhd symptoms and treatment can help parents understand the disorder, and develop parenting techniques that encourage positive outcomes in their children.
Adults with ADHD should discuss their medication regularly with their doctor and inform them of any other medications, such as over-the prescription drugs. Some medications can cause adverse reactions or interact with other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough examination and diagnosis is made, it is important to monitor the patient to ensure that he or she is receiving the benefits of the medication and not experiencing any adverse side effects. It is recommended to consult a patient for the initial clinical assessment within 30 days after starting treatment and every month after that. This permits a thorough adjustment of psychostimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines to a safe, effective dose. This permits accurate recording of the patient's response and helps avoid keeping sensitive patient on insufficient doses.
Adults who do not respond well to stimulant medications or suffer from adverse effects that are unpalatable may benefit from nonstimulant medications. Most often, this is the use of atomoxetine, or other methylphenidate alternatives.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have comorbid disorders like mood disorder or anxiety disorder, substance abuse issues or depression. They may also suffer from medical conditions like hearing or vision problems, or chronic sleep disorders. As part of the initial evaluation for ADHD it is crucial to identify such conditions and evaluate the severity of them. These conditions can have a significant effect on functional impairments in adults.
Marital therapy is also useful in managing ADHD. Couples complain of being overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caring for their spouses suffering from ADHD and may become resentful or angry in response. increasing the awareness of the patient about the symptoms of his/her illness and helping them realize that these aren't impulsive actions or lack of love can help to reduce marital conflict and resentment. Couples who go through this type of therapy usually experience improved family functioning.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy for adults with ADHD is usually suggested. It should include a cognitive and behavioral component. Behavioral therapy assists patients in improving their focus, organization skills, and control impulsive behaviors. It helps patients learn to manage their social, work and home life more efficiently. Psychotherapy can also help patients understand how their disorder affects various aspects of their lives and relationships. This helps reduce the stigma and feelings of shame that are commonly seen in people suffering from ADHD. They may be viewed by others as lazy or less intelligent.
ADHD symptoms can be mimicked by many psychiatric disorders. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders and depression. The presence of any other psychiatric problems should be evaluated in order to determine whether or not the patient's ADHD symptoms are related to them.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with an amalgamation of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been shown that when a combination of medications and psychotherapy is employed results are more favorable than the results of either treatment alone. Future controlled medication studies should aim to measure and track the effects of functional improvements, such as better functioning at school, workplace, and interpersonal relationships.