Treating ADHD With Medications
Many adults with ADHD are also suffering from other mental health issues, like depression or anxiety. These conditions can impact the effectiveness of ADHD medications and vice versa.
Health professionals use standard ADHD symptoms rating scales and psychological tests to evaluate the individual's symptoms. They may recommend physical or lab tests to rule out medical issues that could cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
Medicines
Medicines are the mainstay of treatment for ADHD and help people concentrate and stay on track. They also reduce the risk of impulsive behavior. They can help improve your family, work and school life. They also aid in sleeping better, so they are more relaxed and less likely to make poor decisions throughout the day. Medications can be used alone or in combination with other treatments such as diet, therapy or lifestyle changes.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD and help in increasing and balancing levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. The two stimulants that are most often prescribed for adults with ADHD include methylphenidate (brand names include Ritalin XR, Concerta, Adderall XR and Focalin XR) and amphetamine. Adults suffering from ADHD are also treated with antidepressants, such as bupropion and atomoxetine, which is a nonstimulant. Adults often try different types of medication and dosages to determine the most appropriate one for them.
When a person starts taking ADHD medication the drug has a different effect on everyone and it may take some time to determine the best combination of medication for them. A nurse or doctor may prescribe a lower dose and then monitor the patient's response before recommending a higher dosage. They may adjust the dose to avoid adverse effects like drowsiness or stomach upset. They could suggest a change to the diet and vitamin intake to boost the effectiveness of the medication.
The necessity for ADHD medication can change over time. This is especially true if a patient experiences significant life changes. Talk to your doctor if experiencing difficulties at school or at work. Supervisors and coworkers are usually accommodating and will make small adjustments for those with ADHD to complete their work. Getting on a regular sleep schedule can significantly enhance the symptoms of ADHD.
A therapist can help people learn new skills to overcome and manage their issues, whether they are working, at home or with their relationships. This kind of treatment can be carried out in one-on-one sessions or in group therapy and is focused on changing negative behavior and replacing them with positive ones. Counseling can also assist family members understand how to support someone with ADHD.
Counseling
Behavioral therapy and other psychosocial treatments may help improve the symptoms of ADHD. Most often, medication is used with these methods of treatment to improve outcomes. Adult ADHD medications include stimulants and non-stimulants. The medications can help you focus better, feel calmer and be less impatient. They can also help them develop and master new skills. These drugs are effective for a majority of people suffering from ADHD and their effects can last a long time. The medication does not trigger addiction or the formation of habit. People with a history or substance abuse disorders must be assessed carefully prior to taking these medications.
Many adults with ADHD struggle to focus at work and at school. This can have a negative effect on their career and relationships. Counseling can help them improve their ability to listen, focus, and follow instructions in the workplace or at school. This will improve their performance and help them improve their confidence. Therapists are trained to work with people with ADHD.
Behavior therapy can be done individually, in groups or with family members. Behavioral therapy involves modifying the environment to be more conducive to focus and concentration and assisting people to identify what reinforces problem behaviors and what drives them to engage in. It may also include training in coping techniques as well as exposure therapy to help people overcome certain fears.
Therapists can assist with the emotional challenges that are associated with ADHD. They can also teach you strategies to improve your family and marriage life. They can help you manage money, prioritize tasks, and deal with daily stress. They can assist people in understanding ADHD and also educate their families on how to support the person with it.
Some people with ADHD have anxiety and depression disorders that can be difficult to manage. treatment for adults with add can make it more difficult to manage the symptoms of ADHD. A thorough medical history is necessary to determine whether any underlying medical conditions contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with a history of seizures, developmental disorders, hearing or vision problems and sleep apnea should undergo a thorough evaluation, and may require other treatment options.
Medication Trials
The most effective medications can improve the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine (brain molecules that aid in the transmission of messages from one brain cell to another). Practitioners cannot know ahead of time what drug will be most effective for a particular person, but they can determine which medication and what dosage is most effective through a medication trial. The typical trial starts with a low dose that is slowly increased at 3-7 day intervals until the clinical benefits are evident.
It is important to have a thorough medical history, since a number of medical conditions can be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. These include developmental disorders and psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety learning and communication problems as well as medical problems like thyroid disorder as well as hearing or vision loss, and other medical conditions.
Stimulant medications are the most frequently used treatment for people suffering from ADHD, but there are other medications that can be helpful as well. Some of these drugs include antidepressants that have a direct impact on the chemical in the brain called norepinephrine or certain anticholinergics that reduce symptoms by reducing the activity of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Certain of these medications are not suitable for children. A neurologist or psychiatrist with experience should be consulted prior to prescribing any of them to an adult.
Behavioral therapy is a great option in treating ADHD for adults. Therapists can assist individuals and families learn practical skills that will assist them in managing their ADHD symptoms. This includes time management and organizational strategies. They can also offer emotional assistance and teach coping skills. People with ADHD often struggle with relationships and their families, and therapy for marriage can help learn constructive ways to communicate and resolve conflicts.
For some adults, the best treatment for their ADHD is to improve their sleep patterns. Being consistent with their bedtimes and getting enough high-quality sleep can make a significant difference in their ability to concentrate, focus and behave.
Other treatment options for ADHD include cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a talk therapy which helps people change their behavior and thinking patterns. Lifestyle changes like diet modification are also effective. Changing diet can reduce ADHD symptoms for certain people however, it shouldn't be done without consulting your doctor first, as certain food items and supplements can cause symptoms or cause them to disappear completely.
Other Treatments
Treatment for adult ADHD is the use of psychosocial therapy and medication. The medication helps people stay focused and organized and make it easier to manage tasks and maintain relationships. Psychosocial treatments can help people develop techniques that can help reduce their symptoms and improve the way they perform in their daily lives like managing time and organizing strategies. These treatments are beneficial for people who aren't able to respond well to medications.
Behavioral coaching is a type of therapy that teaches people with ADHD practical life skills, including managing their time and finances as well as prioritizing tasks and enhancing their organizational abilities. These coaches aren't as traditional talk therapy which concentrates on emotional issues. Instead, they assist clients manage their behavior. They usually work remotely and do not meet their clients personally.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other mental health disorders, like bipolar disorder, major depression and addiction issues. These conditions can cause a lot of stress and affect daily functions, so treating them is typically a top priority before starting any ADHD treatment. Some medications that are used to treat other disorders such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), and atomoxetine, (Prozac) can help with ADHD.
Yoga and meditation are non-medication therapies that can help reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing focus and attention and decreasing the tendency to be impulsive. These techniques can be taught to groups or individuals. Other therapies, like cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) is a type of talking therapy that aims to change the way people feel about a specific situation and can be conducted with a therapist in person or on the internet.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have sleep problems and a poor quality of rest can exacerbate symptoms. Establishing a regular sleep schedule and staying away from caffeine in the evening can help improve this.
The best treatment for adult ADHD is an amalgamation of psychosocial therapy and medication. Some people see dramatic improvements by taking medication, whereas others may not notice any change in any way. Finding the right dosage and regimen may take time, so it's important to work with your doctor to ensure you get the maximum benefit from this treatment.