ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is associated with significant impairments in academic performance and social functioning. Adults with ADHD are more likely to be victims of anxiety disorders, depression as well as substance abuse and addiction disorders.
Medications that improve core ADHD symptoms are believed to work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters that control attention and impulsivity. Medication trials are conducted to determine which medication is most effective and at what dosages.
Medication
Treatments that are quick, such as medication, can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD in adults. The most effective way to improve ADHD symptoms is by affecting neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine. They work by increasing the amount of these neurotransmitters on presynaptic transportation systems and reducing their reuptake to prevent their breakdown. Since doctors cannot know which medications will be the most effective for a particular person, they usually conduct a trial. This begins with a low dose that is slowly increased over 3-7 days until clinical benefits are obtained.
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 can't be crushed and used for different purposes, like to gain a high. Adults who misuse stimulant medications may be afflicted with serious health issues. People who have a history of substance abuse or alcohol use should consult a mental health professional regarding the use of psychostimulants.
Stimulants can cause mood fluctuations and sleep disturbances. If these effects occur, a person may need to switch to a different type of medication, or even stop it. Some stimulants are also not recommended for those who have a history of Tourette’s disorder or severe aorexia, mental illnesses such as schizoaffective disorders and antisocial personality disorders or certain medical conditions, like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers, like bupropion (Wellbutrin XL), can improve mood and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity among adults with ADHD. They block the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transporter, allowing for more of the substance in the brain. They can be used in conjunction with other ADHD medications or alone.
Adults with ADHD are frequently afflicted with disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety or depression. They can be treated using psychotherapy and/or non-medication treatments, like cognitive-behavioral therapy. This treatment teaches patients to manage their symptoms and improve their self-esteem, functioning and relationships. Certain therapists are trained to treat adults with ADHD.
Counseling
One of the most important aspects of treatment for adhd in adults is counseling, which is a kind of psychotherapy. Talk therapy can help you manage anger and stress, improve your relationships, and help you deal with your emotions. It can also teach you methods to improve your self-control as well as reduce impulsive behaviors. Counseling can be provided in person or via phone.
Counseling could include cognitive behavior therapy. This helps you learn to recognize and alter negative attitudes and behaviors that contribute to ADHD symptoms. It may also include family or marital therapy, which can help your loved children cope with their emotions and find ways to support your progress. Lifestyle coaching may be added in the training to manage ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty waking up in the morning and navigating the day without feeling exhausted or annoyed. A therapist could suggest a sleeping routine, which includes a consistent bedtime and a time for waking up every day. It is crucial to get enough rest so that your body can function optimally.
Many people with ADHD have difficulty completing tasks and staying on the right track at work, school and in their private lives. The majority of their problems are rooted in long-standing patterns of underachievement and failure academic issues, job turnover and relationship conflict. Individual talk therapy can be used to address emotional baggage such as low self esteem and feelings of shame, embarrassment over past mistakes, and resentment at criticism, and the constant nagging of those close to them.
Behavioral coaching is a type of therapy for adults with ADHD that is focused on practical everyday living solutions, such as organizing your home and office and arranging your day, prioritizing tasks, and managing your money. The therapy is typically offered in person or via the internet, and aims at teaching you strategies to improve your life when you suffer from ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely of having comorbid conditions. It is important to treat these disorders as well. In some instances, a combination of medications and behavioral therapies can yield the most effective results. A therapist can teach you how to manage your mood and anxiety with mindfulness-based techniques, such as meditation and yoga, and address comorbid conditions such as addiction and depression.
Therapy
Many psychiatric conditions can resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, a complete evaluation is required to determine the root of these symptoms. This evaluation may include an examination of the medical history, psychological tests and a thorough examination of the behavior of a person. The evaluation may include a review of a person’s family history.
Psychotherapy is a key part of treatment for adhd for adults. It can assist people in dealing with the emotional turmoil and frustrations triggered by their inability to perform at a level that satisfies their own expectations. It can also enhance relationships with their family members and help them develop coping mechanisms. Behavioral therapy can teach patients to focus on tasks and break large projects down into small steps that are more manageable. It can help them manage their impulsive behavior and build confidence.
Counseling for families and marriage can help couples to understand the difficulties that ADHD can bring about in their relationships. They are also able to discuss issues that arise within their families or marriages in a constructive way, rather than blaming each other. Individual psychotherapy allows people to explore the root causes behind their problems, such as feelings of sadness or guilt. It can also help people create healthy coping strategies that include meditation or exercise.
A few adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with a calming medication, such as clonidine. This is a 2 adrenergic agonist. 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 medication after nonstimulant medications have been tried but found to not be effective.
Clinical trials are research studies that study the safety and effectiveness of new treatments for various diseases and conditions. They can be a vital part of adhd in adults treatment and give patients the chance to participate in cutting-edge research in the hopes that it will result in better treatment in the future. Before participating in any clinical trial, patients should consult their doctor. A health care professional can provide the current list of clinical trials available to the patient.
Nutrition
Adults suffering from ADHD may discover that their diet has a profound impact on their mood and function. A healthy, balanced diet can decrease the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. Avoiding adhd adults treatment and junk food can also help reduce or eliminate ADHD symptoms. Adults who suffer from ADHD should consume regular meals, snacks and drinks to ensure that their blood sugar levels remain constant throughout the day. This can help boost their mood, energy and sleep quality at night.
Many mental disorders can exhibit symptoms that resemble those of ADHD, so it is essential for people suffering from these conditions to be examined carefully to ensure that their symptoms are caused by an underlying disorder. Numerous medical conditions can cause ADHD-like signs and symptoms like 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 possible.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be more difficult than it is for children. The diagnosis is made by assessing functional impairment and the history of childhood ADHD symptoms. Many adults do not have a distinct childhood ADHD background, or may not have a parent or a sibling who can verify their symptoms. If someone is using drugs or alcohol and is a frequent user of drugs, they may not be the ideal candidate for psychostimulants. The doctor should take this into consideration when deciding if or not to prescribe them.
There are several FDA-approved medications that can be used to treat adult ADHD which include stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Stimulants are effective in reducing ADHD symptoms however, they should be used responsibly and people affected by the disorder must be checked regularly for any adverse effects. There are also long-acting versions that can be taken one or twice daily, which is an option that is more suitable for adults suffering from ADHD. These tablets are available in chewable, tablet, or liquid forms and can be taken with food or without food.