ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is associated with significant impairments in academic achievement and social functioning. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of anxiety disorders, depression as well as addiction and disorders of use.
The drugs that reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing neurotransmitters that control impulsivity and attention appear to work. The majority of trials conducted are to find out which medications and dosages work best for each individual.
Medication
Acute treatments such as medication can help improve ADHD symptoms in adults. Medications most effectively improve core ADHD symptoms by altering neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They function by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters available at presynaptic nerves and reducing their reuptake in order to prevent their breakdown. Since physicians cannot determine which medications will be the most effective for a particular patient, they usually conduct a trial. The dose of the low dose is gradually increasing over 3-7 days, until the clinical benefits have been realized.
A popular psychostimulant used to treat ADHD is methylphenidate. It comes in tablet liquid, extended-release or liquid forms (Concerta). Extended-release is the most reliable because it is not crushed and used in other ways, like getting high. Adults who use stimulant drugs are susceptible to serious health issues. So, those with a history of drug or alcohol abuse should discuss the use of psychostimulants with a mental health professional.
The stimulants can cause mood changes and sleep disturbances. If these effects occur, the person may need a change in medication or stop taking it. Some stimulants are also not recommended for those who have the history of having Tourette's disease, severe aorexia, certain mental conditions like schizoaffective disorder and antisocial personality disorders or medical conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) can enhance mood and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity among some adults with ADHD. They block the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic transporter, allowing more of the substance to reach the brain. They are able to be used with other ADHD medications or as a stand-alone.
Adults with ADHD are frequently afflicted with comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety. These conditions can be treated with psychotherapy or non-medicated treatments like cognitive behavior therapy. This treatment helps patients manage their symptoms and improve their self-esteem, functioning and relationships. Some therapists are trained to treat adult ADHD.
Counseling
Counseling, which is a form of psychotherapy, is an essential element of adhd treatment for adults. Talk therapy can help you manage stress and anger, improve your relationships, and deal with your emotions. It can also teach you strategies to increase your self-control and reduce impulsive behavior. Counseling can be conducted in person or over the phone.
Counseling can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you to recognize and alter negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to ADHD symptoms. It may also include marital or family therapy, which can help your loved ones deal with their emotions and help them support your progress. Lifestyle coaching may be a part of the program that teaches you how to manage ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have trouble getting up in the morning and going through the day without feeling groggy or annoyed. A therapist can recommend an appropriate sleep schedule, which includes an evening and wake-up time that is consistent throughout the day and night. It's important to get enough sleep so that your body can function optimally.
Many people with ADHD have trouble completing tasks and staying on track at school, work and in their private lives. The majority of their problems stem from longstanding patterns of underachievement and failure academically or job changes, as well as relationship conflicts. Individual therapy can help tackle emotional baggage like low self-esteem as well as feelings of shame and embarrassment resulting from past mistakes and resentment at criticism, and persistent nagging from the people closest to you.
Behavioral coaching is a type of therapy for adults with ADHD that is focused on practical daily living strategies, like organizing your workplace and home and arranging your day, prioritizing your work and managing your money. The therapy is usually offered in-person or online and aims to help you develop strategies for improving your life as a person with ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders than other mental health conditions, so it's important to treat these conditions as well. In some cases the combination of medications and behavioral therapy can result in the best results. A therapist can help you learn to manage your mood and anxiety with mindfulness-based treatments like meditation and yoga, and address other comorbid conditions, such as substance abuse or depression.
Therapy
Many psychiatric conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. To determine the reason for the symptoms of ADHD an extensive evaluation is required. The evaluation could include an examination of the medical history, psychological test and a thorough analysis of a person's behavior. The evaluation may also include an investigation of a person's family background.
Psychotherapy is an important part of treating adhd in adults. It can help people deal with the emotional stress and frustrations triggered by their inability to perform at a level that meets their own expectations. It can also help them create strategies to cope and strengthen relationships with family members. Behavioral therapy can teach patients to focus on their work and break large projects down into small steps that are easier to manage. It can also assist them in learning to control impulsive behaviors and build confidence in their ability to achieve success.
Marriage and family counseling helps couples to understand the challenges ADHD can cause in their relationship. They can also learn how to constructively address issues that arise in their families or marriages instead of blaming one other. Individual psychotherapy can help individuals explore the root causes of their issues, which could include feelings of guilt or sadness. It can also help individuals develop strategies for coping that are healthy that include meditation or exercise.
A calming medication, such as clonidine which is a 2adrenergic receptor agonist, is used to treat hyperactivity and impulsivity in adults who suffer from ADHD. It is particularly beneficial for people who suffer from a comorbidity of Tourette's syndrome or other tic disorders. It is typically used as a last resort medication after nonstimulant medications were tried but proved to not be effective.
Clinical trials are research studies which test the effectiveness and safety of new treatments and diseases. They are a crucial part of adhd treatment and provide the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research in the hopes that it will result in better treatment in the future. Individuals should always consult with their health care provider before taking part in a clinical study. The health professional will be able to give a list of current clinical trials available to patients.
Nutrition
Adults with ADHD typically find that diet plays a significant influence on how they feel and how they perform. A balanced, healthy diet can help reduce impulsivity and increase focus. It is also best to stay away from beverages that contain sugar or junk food as they can trigger or exacerbate symptoms of ADHD. Adults with ADHD should consume regular meals, snacks and drinks to maintain their blood sugar levels constant throughout the day. This can improve their mood, energy levels and sleep quality at night.
It is important to evaluate adults suffering from ADHD symptoms to make sure they are not caused by another condition. Additionally, a variety of medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning hearing and vision issues as well as anxiety and depression and an history of drug or alcohol abuse, and certain drugs.
Adults can have a more difficult to diagnose ADHD than children. A diagnosis requires a history of childhood symptoms that are in line with ADHD and an evaluation of functional impairment. Many adults do not have a clear childhood ADHD history, or they might not have a parent or an older sibling who can confirm their symptoms. A person who is actively using alcohol or drugs might not be a suitable candidate for treatment with psychostimulants and their physician should take into account this when deciding whether or not to prescribe these drugs.
There are treating add of FDA-approved drugs that can be used to treat adult ADHD which include stimulants and nonstimulant medications. They can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD however, they should be used with caution and those with ADHD should be monitored for any adverse effects. There are also longer-acting versions of these drugs that can be taken one or twice daily and are an option that is more suitable for those who suffer from ADHD. These preparations are available in liquid, tablet or chewable forms, and they can be taken with or without food.