ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is associated with significant impairments in academic performance and social functioning. Adults with ADHD are at higher risk for depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse.
The drugs that reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing neurotransmitters responsible for controlling attention and impulsivity seem to be working. Medication trials are conducted to determine which drugs are most effective and at what dosages.
Medication
Treatments that are quick, such as medication can help to improve ADHD symptoms in adults. The most effective way to reduce ADHD symptoms is to alter neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine. They improve the amount of these neurotransmitters at the presynaptic transporters, and reducing their reuptake, which prevents their breakdown. Practitioners aren't able to know ahead of time which medication will work best for a particular person So, most adults undergo a medication trial. The process begins with a low dose that is slowly increased over a period of 3-7 days until the clinical benefits are obtained.
A popular psychostimulant used to treat ADHD is methylphenidate. It comes in tablet, liquid or extended-release form (Concerta). Extended-release preparations are the most reliable because it cannot be crushed or used in other ways, such as getting high. Adults who abuse stimulant medications can experience serious health problems. Therefore, those who have an history of alcohol or drug abuse should discuss the use of psychostimulants with a mental health professional.
Stimulants can trigger mood swings and sleep disturbances. If these effects occur it is possible that the patient needs an adjustment in medication or to stop taking it. The use of stimulants is not recommended for those who have the history of having Tourette's disease severe aorexia, mental disorders such as schizoaffective disorder and antisocial personality disorders or medical conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers like bupropion, (Wellbutrin XL), may boost mood and reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity among adults suffering from ADHD. They act by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transporter, allowing more of the substance to reach the brain. They can be used together with other ADHD medications or on their own.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression. These disorders can be treated through psychotherapy or non-medication treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. This treatment teaches patients to manage their symptoms and improve their functioning, self-esteem, and relationships. Certain therapists are trained to treat adults with ADHD.
Counseling
Counseling, a type of psychotherapy, is a key component of adhd treatment in adults. Talk therapy can help you manage your anxiety and stress, enhance your relationships, and help you deal with your emotions. It can also teach you methods to increase your self-control and reduce your impulsive behavior. Counseling can be conducted in person or via the phone.
Counseling may include cognitive behavioral therapy. This teaches you how to recognize and alter negative attitudes and behaviors that cause ADHD symptoms. It can also include family or marital therapy which can assist loved ones deal with their emotions and help them support your progress. It may also involve lifestyle coaching, which will teach you skills to help manage your ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have difficulty waking up in the morning and navigating the day without feeling exhausted or annoyed. A therapist may suggest a sleeping routine that is consistent, with a bedtime and a wake-up time every day. It's important to get enough sleep to ensure that your body can function optimally.
Many people with ADHD have trouble working through tasks and staying on the right track at work, school and in their personal lives. Their issues are often due to long-standing patterns of underachievement and failure, academic difficulties, job changes, and relationships that are not working. Individual talk therapy can be used to address emotional baggage such as low self esteem and feelings of shame, embarrassment from past mistakes and resentment toward criticism, as well as nagging from those closest.
Behavioral coaching for adult ADHD is a form of therapy that focuses on practical solutions to daily life, such as organizing your work and home environment as well as structuring your day, prioritizing tasks and managing money. This therapy is usually available in person or on the internet and aims to teach you strategies to improve your life when you suffer from ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely of developing comorbid disorders. It is crucial to treat these disorders as well. In some cases it is possible to combine treatments and medications can produce the best results. A therapist can show you how to control your mood and anxiety with mindfulness-based techniques, such as yoga and meditation, and deal with comorbid conditions like depression and substance abuse.
Therapy
Many psychiatric disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, a complete evaluation is required to determine the root of these symptoms. This evaluation can include a thorough review of the person's medical history, psychological tests and a detailed analysis of their behavior. The evaluation will also include an investigation of a person's family background.
Psychotherapy is a key part of adhd treatment for adults. It helps people deal with the emotional stress caused by their inability to function in a way that is consistent with their expectations. It can also assist them to develop strategies for coping and strengthen relationships with family members. Behavioral therapy can help patients to concentrate on their tasks and break big projects into small steps that are easier to manage. It helps them to learn to manage their impulsive behavior and gain confidence in their abilities to achieve success.
Marriage and family counseling can help couples to understand the difficulties that ADHD can bring about in their relationships. They can also learn to constructively address issues that arise in their families or in their marriages instead of blaming other. Individual psychotherapy can assist people to explore the root causes of their problems, including feelings of sadness or guilt. It can also assist them to create healthy coping strategies like meditation or exercise.
A calming medication such as clonidine which is a 2adrenergic receptor agonist, is used to treat impulsivity and hyperactivity in some adults with ADHD. It is especially beneficial for those who have Tourette's Syndrome or other tic disorders. It is typically used as a last here resort treatment after nonstimulant drugs have been tried but found to be ineffective.
Clinical trials are research studies that investigate the effectiveness and safety of new treatments for diseases and conditions. They can be an essential component of adhd treatment for adults and provide an opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research which could lead to improved treatment in the near future. Before participating in any clinical trial, individuals should consult their doctor. The health professional can provide an overview of current clinical trials available to the patient.
Nutrition
Adults with ADHD might find that their diet has a significant impact on their mood and function. A balanced and healthy diet can help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. Avoiding junk food and sodas can also help reduce or eliminate ADHD symptoms. In addition, adults who suffer from ADHD should try to eat regular meals and snacks to keep their blood sugar levels in check throughout the day. This can improve their mood, energy, and sleep quality.
Many mental disorders can exhibit symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD, so it is important for adults with these disorders to be assessed carefully to ensure that the symptoms are caused by an underlying issue. In addition, many medical problems can also cause ADHD-like symptoms, including thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, hearing and vision problems as well as anxiety and depression, an history of drug or alcohol abuse, and certain medications.
Adults may have a difficult in determining ADHD than children. A diagnosis is based on a history of childhood symptoms similar to ADHD, as well as an assessment of functional impairment. Many adults do not have a clear history of childhood ADHD, or may not have an older sibling or parent who can confirm the symptoms. A person who is abusing drugs or alcohol may not be a good candidate for treatment with psychostimulants, and their doctor should consider this when deciding whether or not to prescribe these medications.
There are many FDA-approved medications that can be used to treat adult ADHD which include stimulants and nonstimulant medications. They are effective in decreasing ADHD symptoms however, they should be used responsibly and people with the disorder should be monitored regularly to check for any adverse effects. These medications are available in long-acting versions that can be taken twice or once every day by adults suffering from ADHD. These preparations come in tablet, chewable or liquid forms and can be taken along with food or without food.