Robbie Hollander
Blog entry by Robbie Hollander
ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate are the first option that doctors recommend. They help balance the levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Antidepressants, as well as Atomoxetine (Strattera) can reduce symptoms, but they do so more slowly.
Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults develop skills to improve organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy are capable of improving social functioning.
Medicines
You can take medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people might find that they get better by altering their diet or taking supplements, however they should only be taken under a doctor's guidance. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), or family counseling are all viable solutions. Certain adults with ADHD struggle to adhere to medication however, they should speak to their doctor and seek help. Certain medications are available for purchase over the counter, while others require a prescription.
Most ADHD medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This decreases impulsivity and increases concentration. Some of the most popular medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. Although they are considered to be the most effective treatment for ADHD but they can also trigger side effects. Some of these side effects could be severe, like cardiovascular problems. In addition, stimulants can cause the appearance of tics, like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications can also delay growth by a few months for teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant medicines are prescribed to those who suffer from insufferable side-effects of stimulants, or who are at risk of developing heart disease. These medications are primarily dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. They aren't as efficient as stimulants, but they are safe and don't carry the risk of abuse that some people are prone to with stimulant drugs.
You can decrease your ADHD symptoms by following the prescribed schedule, creating and adhering to an exact budget, enhancing your organization skills, gaining knowledge about your disorder and developing strategies to address your symptoms. Consult a professional regarding the best strategies to manage your disorder. You can also find many helpful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your ADHD symptoms can strain your relationships. Talking to a therapist about how you interact with your coworkers or spouse and attending classes that teach conflict resolution can help. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how ADHD affects you, and also recognizing that some of your actions are not a deliberate act of aggression.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood has serious occupational, emotional and social consequences. These include lower academic achievement and higher rates of job loss and transfer, and poor work performance. There are also more car accidents, and higher divorce rates than the general population. Comorbidity of depression, anxiety and addiction to drugs is common in adults with ADHD. People with comorbid disorders might be more difficult to respond to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A thorough history of the patient is crucial, as a variety of medical conditions may have symptoms of adhd in adults treatment similar to those of ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning must be carefully evaluated. Treatment with stimulants is not recommended in patients with active substance abuse or those suffering from certain medical conditions, including heart disease or high blood pressure, arrhythmias and tachycardia (Greenhill 2001).).
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation involves teaching patients about their condition and its impact on different areas of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can help patients boost their self-esteem, particularly those who are often stigmatized as being lazy or less intelligent.
The aim of a the therapy for adults who suffer from ADHD is to enhance their organizational skills and teach them how to manage their time. This can to reduce the risk of not attending appointments or making impulsive decisions that could cause issues at work, school or in their private lives. This type of therapy could also improve a person's relationships with their spouse, children and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral natural treatment for adhd for adults with ADHD is aimed at helping people to change their negative behaviors. This kind of therapy is extremely efficient in improving the functioning of people with adhd symptoms and Treatment in adults particularly when it is paired with psychoeducation for families and family therapy. By educating patients and their loved ones about ADHD, it can reduce the frequency with which they blame each other for the issues caused by a patient's inability manage his or her behavior. Classes that teach families and couples how to better communicate and manage conflicts can be beneficial.
Counseling
A good treatment plan for ADHD will address the symptoms and their effects on work, family and school. It will include both stimulant and nonstimulant drugs and psychosocial therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients to change their thinking about their behavior. It also helps patients learn how to manage their symptoms, and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
Stimulant drugs used to treat adhd treatment adults boost and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. There are a myriad of types of stimulant medications, each with their own benefits and adverse effects. The two most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine that are available under many different brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. Viloxazine is a selective reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine enhances the quantity of a brain chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are commonly used to treat ADHD in adults since they are more gradual in onset than stimulants. They are also available for those who aren't able to use stimulants due to other health problems or who suffer from serious side effects.
It's important to note that co-occurring disorders can cause symptoms of ADHD So the presence and severity of any other medical condition must be considered when determining the ADHD diagnosis. It's also important to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, like thyroid disorders or hearing and vision problems.
It's also worth noting that some patients might be able reduce their ADHD symptoms by altering their diet. It's important to consult a physician prior to eliminating any foods. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and should be done under the supervision of a doctor or dietician. Another option is counseling, which can assist patients in learning to manage their symptoms and develop better relationships with their families. Counseling can also help spouses understand that the patient's behaviors are not necessarily a sign of a lack of affection or willful misconduct.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing for both patients and doctors. Other mental disorders can coexist with ADHD and certain medications and medical conditions may also produce symptoms that resemble ADHD.
Treatment or lifestyle changes can resolve many of these issues. For instance, a person suffering from ADHD could benefit from changing their diet or taking supplements to improve their eating habits, for instance. Behavioral therapy can help him to better resist the temptations and impulsiveness that can distract him, improve his focus and develop self-control. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness meditation practice that can help manage emotions and improve attention.
A thorough history of symptoms and a physical exam are important. A physician can also evaluate a patient for sleep apnea and hearing and thyroid problems, vision issues as well as lead poisoning, alcohol or drug abuse. These evaluations can not only help determine the presence of an underlying disorder but also help reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders that could contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
Most commonly, stimulants are prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. They include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant drugs include clonidine and guanfacine. These blood pressure medication can aid in reducing the impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they can take longer to work and may cause adverse effects like constipation, heartburn, and low sexual desire.
People with ADHD often miss appointments and are often late to work and make irrational decisions which can strain the patience of even the most forgiving family members and friends. Couples therapy and classes that focus on improving communication skills can help patients build relationships that are stable.
Diet, exercise, and stress reduction all can play a part in managing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from the condition have found that removing certain foods or taking supplements can help them, but it's important to talk to a doctor before trying these therapies. Making these decisions without a physician's direction could result in nutritional deficiencies and other health problems.