ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is associated with significant impairments in academic performance and social functioning. Adults with ADHD are at higher risk for depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse.
The use of medications to treat the core ADHD symptoms are believed to work by increasing the supply of neurotransmitters responsible for controlling the impulsivity and attention. Trials of medication are typically conducted to find out which medications and in what dosages are most effective for each person.
Medication
Acute treatments, such as medication, can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD in adults. The most effective medications improve core 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 stop their breakdown. Practitioners aren't able to know ahead of time which medications will be most effective for a particular patient, so most adults undergo an experiment with their medications. The dose of the low dose is gradually increasing over 3-7 days, until the clinical benefits have been realized.
A popular psychostimulant used to treat ADHD is methylphenidate. It's available in the form of tablets, liquids extended-release (Concerta). Extended release is the most reliable because it isn't able to be crushed and used for other purposes, such as to get high. Adults who misuse stimulant medications are susceptible to serious health issues. Therefore, those who have an background of alcohol or drug abuse should discuss the use of psychostimulants with a mental health professional.
The stimulants can cause mood swings and sleep disturbances. If these effects occur it is possible that the patient needs an adjustment in medication or to stop taking it. The use of stimulants is not recommended for those who have the history of having Tourette's disease, severe aorexia, certain mental illnesses such as schizoaffective disorders and antisocial personality disorders, or medical conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin XL), can improve mood and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity among adults with ADHD. They act by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic receptor, allowing more of the substance to reach the brain. They can be used in combination with other ADHD medications or as a stand-alone.
Adults with ADHD are often affected by comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression. They can be treated using psychotherapy or non-medication therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. This treatment helps patients manage their symptoms and improve their self-esteem, functioning, and relationships. Some therapists have specialized training in treating adults with ADHD.
Counseling
Counseling, a form of psychotherapy, is a crucial part of treatment for adhd in adults. Talk therapy can help you work through your emotions improve your relationships, and learn to manage stress and anger. It can also teach you methods to improve your self-control and reduce impulsive behavior. Counseling can take place in person or via phone.
Counseling could include cognitive behavior therapy. This teaches you how to recognize and alter negative thoughts and behaviors that can contribute to ADHD symptoms. It can also involve family or marital therapy which can assist loved ones cope with their feelings and discover ways to help your success. It may also involve lifestyle coaching, which teaches you skills to help manage your ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD have trouble getting up in the morning or going through the day. A therapist may suggest a sleeping routine, which includes a consistent bedtime and a wake-up time every day. It's essential to get adequate sleep so that your body can function optimally.
Many people with ADHD have trouble completing tasks and staying on the right track at work, school and in their private lives. Their issues are often result of long-running patterns of failure and underachievement academic challenges, job changes, and relationship conflicts. Individual therapy can help deal with emotional baggage like low self-esteem, feelings of shame and embarrassment resulting from past mistakes and resentment towards read more criticism and nagging from those closest.
Behavioral coaching for adults ADHD is a type of therapy that concentrates on practical solutions to daily life, such as organizing your home and work environment and organizing your schedule, prioritizing tasks and managing money. This therapy is usually available in person or on the internet and aims to teach you strategies to help you live a better life with ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD have a higher likelihood of having comorbid disorders. It is important to treat these conditions as well. In some instances the combination of medication and behavioral therapies can provide the most effective results. A therapist can show you how to manage your mood and anxiety with mindfulness-based techniques, such as meditation and yoga, and deal with comorbid conditions like addiction and depression.
Therapy
Many psychiatric disorders can resemble ADHD symptoms. To determine the root cause of these ADHD symptoms, a comprehensive evaluation is needed. The evaluation could include a medical history, psychological test and a thorough review of the behavior of a person. The evaluation will include a review of a person's family history.
Psychotherapy is a key part of treatment for adhd in adults. It can assist people in dealing with the emotional stress and frustrations triggered by their inability to perform at a level that satisfies their own expectations. It can also help them develop coping strategies and improve relationships with family members. Behavioral therapy can teach 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.
Marriage and family counseling helps couples understand the difficulties ADHD can bring to their relationship. They can also learn to discuss issues that arise within their families or marriages in a constructive way, instead of blaming each other. Individual psychotherapy can help people identify the root causes of their problems, such as feelings of sadness or guilt. It can also help them to develop healthy strategies for coping like meditation or exercise.
A calming medication, such as clonidine, which is a 2-adrenergic receptor agonist, is used to treat impulsivity and hyperactivity in adults who suffer from ADHD. It can be especially beneficial for those who suffer from an underlying Tourette's disorder or other tic disorders. It is typically used as a last resort treatment after nonstimulant drugs have been tried but found to be ineffective.
Clinical trials are research studies that test the effectiveness and safety of new treatments and diseases. They can be an essential part of adhd treatment for adults and provide an opportunity to take part in cutting-edge research that could lead to improved care in the future. Before participating in any clinical trial, patients should talk to their physician. The health care professional can provide a list of current clinical trials that are open to the patient.
Nutrition
Adults who have ADHD typically find that diet plays a significant role in how they feel and how well they perform. A healthy, balanced diet can decrease impulsivity and increase focus. It is also a good idea to avoid junk food and drink soda, as they can trigger or exacerbate symptoms of ADHD. Adults suffering from ADHD should take regular meals and snacks, as well as drink to keep their blood sugar levels constant throughout the day. This can boost their mood, energy and sleep quality at night.
Many psychiatric disorders can have symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD, so it is important for adults with these conditions to be examined carefully to ensure that their symptoms are due to a different condition. Many medical conditions can trigger symptoms and signs that resemble those of ADHD, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and issues with hearing and vision. Depression and anxiety are common, as is a alcohol or drug history, and certain medications are also possible.
Adults can have a more difficult time diagnosing ADHD than children. A diagnosis requires a history of childhood symptoms that are similar to ADHD, as well as an assessment of functional impairment. Many adults don't have a clear childhood ADHD history, or they may not have a parent or older sibling who can verify their symptoms. A person who is abusing drugs or alcohol may not be a suitable candidate for treatment with psychostimulants and their doctor should consider this when deciding whether or not to prescribe these drugs.
There are several FDA-approved medications that can be used to treat adult ADHD such as stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. Stimulants can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD, but they should be used in a responsible manner and those with this disorder must be monitored regularly for side effects. The medications are available in long-acting forms that can be taken twice or once every day by adults suffering from ADHD. These preparations come in chewable, tablet or liquid form and can be taken with food or without.