ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is associated with significant impairments in academic performance and social functioning. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of anxiety disorders, depression as well as substance abuse and addiction disorders.
Medications that improve core ADHD symptoms appear to work by increasing the supply of neurotransmitters that regulate the ability to focus and impulsivity. Medication trials are usually conducted to determine which drugs and in what dosages work best for each person.
Medication
Acute treatments such as medication can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms in adults. The most effective medications improve the core ADHD symptoms by affecting neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. They function by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters available at presynaptic receptors and decreasing their reuptake in order to stop their breakdown. Since physicians cannot determine the medication that will be most effective for a particular person, they usually conduct a medication trial. It starts with a small dose that is gradually increasing over 3-7 days until clinical benefits are observed.
A popular type of psychostimulant used to treat ADHD is methylphenidate. It is available in tablet form liquid, extended-release or liquid forms (Concerta). Extended release is the most reliable because it isn't able to be crushed and used for other purposes, like to achieve a high. Adults who abuse stimulant medications are susceptible to serious health issues. So, those with a background of alcohol or drug abuse should discuss the use of psychostimulants with an expert in mental health.
The stimulants can cause mood fluctuations and sleep disturbances. If these symptoms occur, a person may need to change to a different kind of medication or discontinue it. The use of stimulants is also not recommended for those who have a family history of the disorder, severe anorexia, certain psychosis disorders like schizoaffective disorders and antisocial personality disorder, and certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
I Am Psychiatry , such as bupropion, (Wellbutrin XL) can improve mood and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity among some adults with ADHD. They work by preventing the reuptake process of norepinephrine by the presynaptic transporter, which allows more of the substance to reach the brain. They can be given together with other ADHD medicines or by themselves.
Adults suffering from ADHD are frequently afflicted with comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety. They can be treated with psychotherapy and/or non-medicative treatments, like cognitive-behavioral therapy. This treatment teaches the patient to manage their symptoms, boost their self-esteem and relationships and improve their functioning. Some therapists are trained to treat adults with ADHD.
Counseling
Counseling, which is a form of psychotherapy, is a key component of adhd treatment in adults. Talk therapy can help you work through your emotions, improve your relationships and learn to manage stress and anger. It can also teach you techniques to improve your self-control as well as reduce your impulsive behavior. Counseling can take place in person or over the phone.
Counseling can include cognitive behavioral therapy. It teaches you to recognize and alter negative attitudes and behaviors that contribute to ADHD symptoms. It may also include family or marital therapy which can assist loved children cope with their emotions and discover ways to help your progress. Lifestyle coaching may also be included that teaches you how to manage ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD have trouble getting up in the morning or navigating through the day. A therapist may suggest an appropriate sleep schedule, which includes the time of bed and wake-up that's consistent every day and night. It's important to get enough sleep to ensure that your body is functioning optimally.
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle with working through tasks and staying on track at school, work and in their personal lives. Their problems are often due to long-standing patterns of underachievement and failure academic issues or job changes, as well as relationships that are not working. Individual talk therapy can help you manage emotional baggage, like low self-esteem, feelings of embarrassment and shame from past mistakes, as well as anger at the criticism and the nagging that you receive from the people closest to you.
Behavioral coaching is a kind of therapy for adults with ADHD that is focused on practical everyday living solutions, such as organizing your home and office, structuring the day, prioritizing your tasks, and managing your money. This type of therapy is usually available in person or via the internet and aims to help you develop strategies for improving your life with ADHD.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to have co-occurring disorders than those with other mental health conditions, so it's important to address these as well. In certain cases it is possible to combine medications and behavioral therapies can yield the best results. A Therapist can assist you in learning to manage your anxiety and mood with mindfulness-based treatments like meditation and yoga, and treat other comorbid conditions, such as addiction or depression.
Therapy
Many psychiatric conditions can resemble ADHD symptoms. To determine the reason for these ADHD symptoms an extensive evaluation is needed. This can include a review of the person's medical history, psychological tests and a thorough analysis of their behavior. The evaluation will include a review of the person’s family history.
Psychotherapy is an important part of adhd in adults treatment. It can help people deal with the emotional distress and frustrations caused by their inability to perform at a level that is in line with their own expectations. It can also assist them to create strategies to cope and strengthen relationships with family members. Behavioral therapy can help patients to concentrate on their tasks and break large projects down into small steps which are easier to manage. It can help them manage their impulsive behavior and build confidence.
Family and marriage counseling can help couples recognize the issues ADHD can bring to their relationship. They can also learn to discuss issues that arise in their marriages or families in a constructive way, instead of blaming each other. Individual psychotherapy can assist people to identify the root causes of their problems, including feelings of sadness or guilt. It can also help individuals develop strategies for coping that are healthy like exercises or meditation.
A calming medication such as clonidine which is a 2adrenergic receptor agonist, can be used to treat hyperactivity and impulsivity in some adults with ADHD. It is particularly beneficial for those who suffer from an underlying Tourette's disorder or other tic disorders. It is typically used as a second line medication after nonstimulant drugs have been tried, but are found to be ineffective.
Clinical trials are research studies that investigate the effectiveness and safety of new treatments for various diseases and conditions. They can be an important part of adhd treatment and provide the opportunity to be part of advanced research in the hope that it will result in better treatment in the future. Before taking part in any clinical trial, patients should talk to their physician. The health care specialist will be able to provide a list of current clinical trials that are available to patients.
Nutrition
Adults who suffer from ADHD often find that diet plays a major influence on how they feel and how well they function. A healthy, balanced diet can reduce the impulsivity of people and help improve concentration. Eliminating junk food and sodas can also help to reduce or eliminate ADHD symptoms. Adults who suffer from ADHD should take regular meals, snacks and drinks to maintain their blood sugar levels constant throughout the day. This can help improve their mood, energy, and sleep quality.
Many mental disorders can exhibit symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD It is crucial for adults suffering from these conditions to be evaluated carefully to ensure that the symptoms are caused by an underlying disorder. Many medical conditions can trigger ADHD-like signs and symptoms, such as 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 for adults can be more difficult than it is for children. A diagnosis is determined by assessing functional impairment and an underlying history of childhood ADHD symptoms. Many adults do not have a clear diagnosis of childhood ADHD, or may not have an older parent or sibling who can verify symptoms. If a person is actively using drugs or alcohol and is a frequent user of drugs, they may not be the best candidate for psychostimulants. Their doctor should consider this when deciding if or not to prescribe them.
There are several FDA-approved medications that can be used to treat adult ADHD, including stimulants and nonstimulant medications. They are effective in decreasing ADHD symptoms however, they should be used in a responsible manner and those with the disorder should be monitored regularly to check for adverse effects. The medications are available in long-acting formulations that can be taken two or three times per day by adults with ADHD. These medications are available in tablet, liquid or chewable forms, and they can be taken with or without food.