Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Treatment for adults with adhd focuses on medication, therapy and family support. Clinical trials are available to test the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD.
The stimulant medications are the most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. But they need to be closely monitored. This includes monthly clinical appointments and regular review of symptoms.
Medicines
Many medications can be used to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD in adults. These are called psychostimulants and they affect the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) that transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will determine the appropriate medication for you and will determine the most effective dosage and schedule. It may take some time to determine the appropriate dosage and medication to control your symptoms.
The first medication doctors prescribe to adults suffering from ADHD is stimulants. understanding increase the amount of dopamine in your brain and norepinephrine, which allows you to manage your thoughts and keep your focus. They are available in short-, intermediateand long-acting varieties. Short-acting stimulants can last for up to 6 hours. Intermediate-acting drugs last between 8 and 10 hours. Long-acting drugs last up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely to cause adverse effects than shorterand intermediate-acting drugs, however they still can cause sleepiness and changes in appetite.
Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera), are used to treat adult ADHD if stimulants do not work or cause undesirable adverse effects. These medications don't alter your dopamine or norepinephrine however they do increase the amount of norepinephrine available to your brain and increase your ability to concentrate. These medications are available in capsule form and are taken either twice or three times every day.
Some adults with ADHD suffer from co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety. These are referred to as comorbid conditions and can affect the way you respond to treatment for ADHD. Before starting treatment for ADHD, it's important to address any comorbidities. People who have a history of substance abuse disorders are more likely to misuse psychostimulants. This is why it's generally advised to wait until the person has quit using substances before considering treatment with stimulants for ADHD.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an interaction process of talking and discussing things that can be troubling or troubling to someone. The therapist gives advice on the basis of his or her qualifications, experience, training and the philosophy of therapy. Psychotherapy may be short-term (a few weeks or even months) and can address more immediate issues, or longer-term. The duration and frequency of the treatment is determined by the therapist and the patient together.
The use of psychotherapy and medications together is a highly effective treatment for adults with ADHD. Behavioral therapy can help people improve their ability to manage their time, organize and prioritizing. It can also teach strategies for managing emotions such as anger and frustration. The use of medication can help reduce symptoms and increase focus, leading to more productive and effective work and academic performance.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-existing disorders, including mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. It is crucial that any co-existing conditions be addressed prior to beginning treatment for ADHD. The treatment of co-existing conditions could require different types of medication and doses than the medications prescribed to treat ADHD.
A person suffering from ADHD can also have hypertension. To select a medication to treat the ADHD symptoms without destabilizing the patient's hypertension it is essential to understand how different medications affect individuals over time as well as the interactions between medications.
It's important that you find a therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD and with whom you are comfortable. It is important to schedule your first few sessions at a time that you will not be distracted by work or family obligations.
Counseling
Adults with ADHD have many difficulties in their lives, such as issues at work and in relationships. People with ADHD can also experience frustration, anger and blame that have built up over time. Several psychosocial treatments have been proven to help them and their families learn new attitudes, skills and ways of connecting.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps people alter their thinking and behavior. It involves goal-setting, skill training and practice, as well as methods of teaching to improve self-esteem and organization. This can be done individually or in a group setting. Metacognitive therapy has been proven to significantly reduce symptoms among adults with ADHD and improve their performance (Stevenson, et al. 2002).
Certain people with ADHD might also require counseling to help them overcome specific issues in their lives. This could include family conflict, impulsive and aggressive behavior, or difficulty managing failures and disappointments. Counseling can help develop strategies to manage these situations, improve communication, and enhance problem-solving abilities. It can also enhance interpersonal relationships, especially in marriages and other long-term partnerships.
Family therapy and support groups therapy are two other types of psychotherapy that can be utilized to treat ADHD. These therapies can help families cope and develop skills to lessen conflict and improve communication when dealing with a child who has ADHD. It can assist parents understand the disorder and develop parenting methods that promote positive outcomes for their children.
Adults with ADHD must discuss their medication regularly with their doctor and inform them of any other medications, such as over-the drug products. Certain medications can trigger adverse reactions or interact with other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough examination and diagnosis, it is crucial to monitor the patient to ensure that he/she receives the benefits of the medication and doesn't suffer from side negative effects. It is recommended that patients be referred for a first clinical examination within 30 days of initiating treatment and monthly thereafter. In adhd treatment for adults of psychostimulants (methylphenidate, amphetamines) this allows for a the gradual titration of an effective dose that is well-tolerated. This permits accurate recording of the patient's reaction and helps to avoid keeping a the patient with a sensitive response on doses that are not sufficient.
Adults who are not responding well to stimulant medication or who have side effects that are intolerable might benefit from non-stimulant drugs. This is usually the case with atomoxetine or other methylphenidate-related alternatives.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are frequently affected by comorbid disorders like depression or drug abuse. Additionally, they may suffer from persistent sleep disturbances or medical issues like vision and hearing disorders. It is essential to identify and evaluate such conditions in the initial assessment for ADHD since these can have significant impact on functional impairment in adults.
Marital therapy can also be beneficial in the treatment of ADHD. Spouses often report that they are overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caring for their spouses who have ADHD and may become resentful and angry as a result. Increasing the patient's awareness of the signs of their condition and helping them understand that these are not willful actions or lack of love can reduce resentment and marital difficulties. Couples who undergo this type of therapy are more likely to have better family functioning.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD is typically recommended. It should include a behavioral and cognitive component. Behavioral therapy can help patients to improve their organizational skills, focus and control impulsive behavior. It teaches patients to manage their work, home and social settings more effectively. Psychotherapy can also help patients understand how their disorder affects various aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help alleviate the self-doubt and shame that is commonly seen in those with ADHD who are considered inept or unintelligent.
ADHD symptoms can be mirrored by various mental disorders. For example, anxiety disorders occur at high rates in adult ADHD patients, and depression is found in greater numbers among those suffering from the disorder. The presence of any other psychiatric issues should be analyzed according to the need, to determine if the patient's ADHD symptoms are linked to them.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with a combination of pharmacotherapy, and psychotherapy. It has been shown that when a combination of medications and psychotherapy is utilized the results are superior than the results of either treatment alone. Future controlled studies must attempt to measure and track functional improvements such as improved functioning at school, workplace and interpersonal relationships.