Robbie Hollander
Blog entry by Robbie Hollander
ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is associated with significant problems in academic achievement and social functioning. Adults with ADHD are at higher risk of developing depression, anxiety disorders, and addiction to drugs.
The use of medications to treat the core ADHD symptoms are believed to work by increasing the supply of neurotransmitters that control attention and impulsivity. The purpose of these trials is to determine which medications are most effective and in what dosages.
Medication
Treatments that are quick, such as medication, can help improve symptoms of ADHD in adults. The most effective medications improve the core ADHD symptoms by affecting neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters available at presynaptic nerves and reducing their reuptake in order to prevent their breakdown. Since doctors cannot know which medications used to treat adhd will be the most effective for a particular person, they usually conduct a drug trial. The dose of the low dose is gradually increased over a period of 3-7 days, until clinical benefits have been achieved.
A popular type of psychostimulant used to treat ADHD is methylphenidate. It comes in tablet, liquid or extended-release form (Concerta). Extended release is the most reliable because it isn't crushed and used for different purposes, such as to get high. Adults who use stimulant drugs may be afflicted with serious health issues. People who have a history of alcohol or drug abuse should speak with a mental health professional about the use of psychostimulants.
Stimulants can trigger mood swings or sleep disturbances. If these effects are present it is possible that the patient needs an adjustment in medication or even stop taking it. The use of stimulants is not recommended for those who have a history of Tourette’s disorder, severe aorexia, certain mental illnesses such as schizoaffective disorders and antisocial personality disorders or for certain medical conditions, like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers like bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) can improve mood and reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity among adults with ADHD. They work by preventing the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transporter, allowing more of the substance to reach the brain. They can be given together with other ADHD medications or as a stand-alone.
Adults with ADHD often have comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression. They can be treated with psychotherapy and/or non-medicative treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. This treatment teaches the patient to manage their symptoms, improve their self-esteem and relationships and improve their performance. Therapists trained in this field are able to treat adults with ADHD.
Counseling
Counseling, which is a form of psychotherapy, is a key element of adhd treatment adhd for adults. Talk therapy can help you manage stress and anger, improve your relationships, and deal with your emotions. It can also help you master strategies to control your self and reduce the risk of impulsive behavior. Counseling can be conducted in person or over the phone.
Counseling may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you to recognize and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors that cause ADHD symptoms. It can also include family or marital therapy, which can help loved ones deal with their emotions and find ways to support your success. Lifestyle coaching could also be included, which teaches skills to manage ADHD.
Adults with ADHD have difficulty getting up in the morning or navigating through the day. A therapist could suggest a sleep routine that includes a regular bedtime and a time for waking up every day. It's important to get enough sleep to ensure that your body can function optimally.
Many people with ADHD have trouble completing tasks and staying on track at school, work and in their personal lives. Often, their problems stem from longstanding patterns of underachievement and failure academic issues as well as job loss and relationship conflicts. Individual talk therapy can help address emotional baggage like low self-esteem, feelings of shame and embarrassment from past mistakes and resentment at criticism, and the constant nagging of those close to them.
Behavioral coaching for adults with ADHD is a kind of therapy that concentrates on practical solutions for daily life, such as organizing your work and home environment as well as structuring your day, prioritizing tasks and managing money. This therapy is typically available in person or online and is designed to help you develop strategies to improve your life as a person with ADHD.
Adults with ADHD are more likely of having comorbid disorders. It is crucial to treat these conditions as well. In some instances the combination of medication and behavioral therapies can yield the best results. A therapist can help you learn to control your mood and anxiety with mindfulness-based therapies like meditation and yoga, and deal with other comorbidities, such as depression or substance misuse.
Therapy
Many psychiatric conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, a thorough evaluation is required to determine the cause of these symptoms. This evaluation may include a medical history, psychological test and a thorough analysis of the person's behavior. The evaluation will include a review of the person’s family history.
Psychotherapy is an important part of treating adhd in adults. It can assist people in dealing with the emotional stress caused by their inability to function at a level which meets their expectations. It can also improve relationships with their family members and help them develop coping mechanisms. Behavioral therapy can help patients concentrate on their tasks and break down large tasks into smaller ones which are easier to manage. It helps them to learn to manage their impulsive behaviors and increase confidence in their abilities to succeed.
Marriage and family counseling helps couples understand the difficulties ADHD can bring to their relationship. They can also learn to constructively address issues that arise within their marriages or family, instead of blaming one other. Individual psychotherapy allows people to explore the root causes behind their issues, like feelings of guilt or sadness. It can also help people develop strategies for coping that are healthy like exercising or meditation.
A calming drug such as clonidine, a 2-adrenergic receptor agonist, can be used to treat impulsivity and hyperactivity in adults who suffer from ADHD. It is particularly beneficial for those suffering from Tourette's Syndrome or other disorders of the tic. It is usually regarded as a second-line treatment after non-stimulant medications were tried and found to be ineffective (Wilens 2004).
Clinical trials are research studies that test the effectiveness and safety of new treatments and diseases. They are a crucial part of treatment for adhd for adults, and offer an opportunity to take part in cutting-edge research that could lead to better treatment in the near future. Patients should always consult their health care provider before taking part in a clinical study. The health care professional can provide the current list of clinical trials that are available to the patient.
Nutrition
Adults suffering from ADHD may find that their diet has a significant influence on how they feel and function. A balanced, healthy diet can help decrease the impulsivity of people and increase concentration. Avoiding sodas and junk food can also help to reduce or eliminate ADHD symptoms. In addition, adults with ADHD should eat regular meals and snacks, ensuring their blood sugar levels in check throughout the day. This can boost their mood, energy and sleep quality at night.
Many psychiatric disorders can have symptoms similar to those of ADHD It is essential for people suffering from these conditions to be examined carefully to ensure that their symptoms are due to a different condition. Additionally, a variety of medical problems can also cause ADHD-like symptoms, including thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, hearing and vision problems as well as anxiety and depression, the history of alcohol or drug use, and certain medications.
Adults may have a more difficult in determining ADHD than children. A diagnosis is determined by assessing functional impairment and an underlying history of childhood ADHD symptoms. Many adults do not have a distinct childhood ADHD history, or may not have a parent or an older sibling who can confirm their symptoms. If a person is actively using drugs or alcohol, they may not be the best candidate for psychostimulants. Their doctor should take this into consideration when deciding if or not to prescribe these medications.
There are several FDA approved medications that can help adults with adhd treatment without meds. These include stimulants as well as nonstimulant medications. Stimulants are effective in reducing ADHD symptoms however, they should be used responsibly and people with the disorder should be monitored regularly to check for adverse effects. The medications are available in long-acting versions that can be taken twice or even once per day by adults with ADHD. These preparations come in chewable, tablet or liquid form and can be taken along with food or without food.