Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Treatment for adhd in adults is based on therapy, medication and family support. People can also participate in clinical trials that test new ways of treating ADHD.
Stimulant medications are the most effective medications for adults suffering from ADHD. They need to be monitored regularly. This includes monthly appointments with a doctor and regular reviews of side effects and symptoms.
Medicines
Numerous medications can be used to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD among adults. They are known as psychostimulants and they affect the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) that transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will recommend a medication that's right for you and will decide the most effective dose and time to take it. It may take a while to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that is able to control your symptoms.
Stimulants are usually the first prescription medication doctors recommend to adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs increase the amount of dopamine found in your brain and norepinephrine which allows you to manage your thoughts and keep your focus. These medications are available in short-, medium-and long-acting varieties. Short-acting stimulants can last for 6 hours. Intermediate-acting drugs last between 8 and 10 hours. Long-acting stimulants last from 8 to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants have fewer adverse effects than shorterand intermediate-acting medications, but they can still cause insomnia and changes in appetite.
Nonstimulant drugs, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) can be used to treat adults with ADHD when stimulants aren't effective or cause unwanted side effects. These medications do not alter your norepinephrine or dopamine however, they can increase your brain's availability of norepinephrine. They also improve your concentration. These medicines come in capsule form and are taken either twice or three times a day.
Certain adults who suffer from ADHD suffer from co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression. These are referred to as comorbid conditions and they can impact how you react to treatment for ADHD. Before starting treatment for ADHD it is important to address any comorbidities. People with a history substance abuse disorders are more likely to use psychostimulants. Because of this, it's generally advised to wait until the person has stopped using substances before considering treatment with stimulants to treat ADHD.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a method of therapy that involves talking and discussing topics that cause anxiety or are disturbing for a person. The therapist provides guidance based upon his or her training, experience, credentials and the philosophy of therapy. Psychotherapy may be short-term (a few weeks or even months) and can address more immediate issues, or long-term. The duration and frequency of treatment is decided by the therapist and the patient together.
Psychotherapy and medication are an extremely effective method to treat adults with ADHD. Behavioral therapy can help individuals improve their time management, organizational skills and prioritizing. It can also teach strategies to manage emotions like anger and frustration. Medication can reduce symptoms, improve focus, and result in better work and academic performance.
Adults with ADHD have a higher likelihood of having co-existing disorders. This is especially relevant for mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. It is essential that any co-existing conditions be treated prior to starting treatment for ADHD. Treatment of co-existing disorders may require different types and doses of medication than the ones used to treat ADHD.
For instance, a patient with ADHD may also have hypertension. Choosing a medication that treats the ADHD symptoms but doesn't affect the patient's tentatively controlled hypertension requires knowledge of how various medications affect people over time and an understanding of the interactions between different medications.
It is essential to find the right professional with whom you share a a good relationship, and who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. It's important to schedule your first few sessions at times when you aren't distracted by work or family obligations.
Counseling
Adults suffering from ADHD face many challenges in their lives, including problems at work and in relationships. A person with ADHD may also experience anger, frustration and guilt that has developed over time. Psychosocial treatments can help patients and their families develop new attitudes, skills and ways of relating.
Psychotherapy can include cognitive behavior therapy, a type of psychotherapy that aids individuals to change their behavior and thinking. It involves goal-setting, skill training and practice, as well as teaching strategies to increase self-esteem and organizational skills. This can be done individually or in a group. A few studies have proven that treatment for metacognitive disorders can reduce symptoms and improve functioning in adults with ADHD (Stevenson and colleagues 2002).
Some people suffering from ADHD might also require counseling to help them overcome particular issues in their lives. These could include family conflict, impulsive and aggressive behavior, or difficulty dealing with failures and disappointments. Counseling can help you develop the strategies to help manage these situations and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. It can also help improve relationships, especially in marriages and other long-term partnerships.
Family therapy and support groups therapy are also types of psychotherapy that could be utilized to treat ADHD. These therapies can assist families in coping and improve their skills to manage conflict and improve communication when dealing with children who have ADHD. It can help parents understand the disorder and develop parenting strategies that encourage positive outcomes in their children.
It is crucial for people suffering from ADHD to discuss their medication with their health care providers regularly, and to reveal any other medications they're taking, including any over-the-counter medications. Certain medications can trigger side effects or interact with other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough examination and diagnosis is established, it is crucial that the patient be monitored to ensure that he or she is receiving the benefits of medication and not experiencing adverse effects. treatment of add is recommended that patients be seen for a first clinical examination within 30 days of starting treatment, and every month afterward. This permits the proper titration of psychostimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate to a well-tolerated, effective dose. This allows for accurate registration of the patients' response and prevents the patient from being a sensitive patient on insufficient doses.
For adults who do not respond effectively to stimulant medications or suffer from uncontrollable side effects, the use of nonstimulant medications might be suggested. Typically this involves 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 issues like hearing and vision problems, or chronic sleep disorders. As part of the initial assessment for ADHD it is essential to identify these conditions and assess their severity. These conditions could have a significant impact on functional impairments in adults.
ADHD can also be treated through marital therapy. Couples complain of being overwhelmed by the caretaking duties of their spouses suffering from ADHD and may become angry or resentful as a consequence. increasing the awareness of the patient about the signs of their condition and helping them realize that these aren't willful actions or a lack of love can help reduce resentment and marital difficulties. Couples who go through this kind of therapy tend to have better family functioning.
Behavioral Therapy
For people who suffer from ADHD Psychotherapy is generally recommended and should include the cognitive-behavioral aspect. Behavioral therapy helps patients learn to improve their ability to organize their lives and focus and control their the impulsive behavior. It helps patients manage their home, work and social settings more effectively. Psychotherapy assists patients in understanding how their disorder impacts different aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help reduce the self-doubt and shame that is often seen in adults with ADHD who are viewed as inept or unintelligent.
ADHD symptoms can be mimicked by various mental disorders. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to be suffering from anxiety disorders and depression. The presence of any other psychiatric problems should be assessed according to the need, to determine if the patient's ADHD symptoms are connected to them.
A combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy is typically recommended for the treatment of ADHD in adults. It has been proven that when a combination of medication and psychotherapy is used results are more favorable than treatment on its own. Future controlled medication studies should attempt to measure and track the effects of functional improvements, such as better performance at work, school, and interpersonal relationships.