ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is associated with significant impairments of academic performance and social functioning. Adults who suffer from ADHD are at a higher risk for depression, anxiety disorders, and abuse of substances.
The use of medications to treat core ADHD symptoms appear to work by increasing the supply of neurotransmitters responsible for controlling attention and impulsivity. The majority of trials conducted are to determine which drugs and at what dosages are most effective for each person.
Medication
The use of acute treatments, such as medication, can help to improve ADHD symptoms in adults. The most effective medications improve the underlying ADHD symptoms by altering neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They work by increasing the amount of these neurotransmitters on presynaptic transporters, and reducing their reuptake to prevent their breakdown. Practitioners cannot know in advance what medication is most effective for a specific person, so most adults undergo a medication trial. The process begins with a low dose, which is gradually increased over 3-7 days until clinical benefits are realized.
Methylphenidate is a common psychostimulant that is used to treat ADHD. It is available in tablet, liquid or extended-release form (Concerta). Extended release is the most reliable because it can't be crushed and used for different reasons, like to achieve a high. Adults who misuse stimulant medications may be afflicted with serious health issues. Those with a history of drinking or using drugs should consult a mental health professional regarding the use of psychostimulants.
Stimulants can trigger mood swings or sleep disturbances. If these effects occur it is possible that the patient needs to alter the medication or even 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 certain medical conditions, such as high blood-pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers such as bupropion, (Wellbutrin XL) can enhance mood and decrease the level of hyperactivity and impulsivity in some adults suffering from ADHD. They are effective by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transportationer, allowing for more of the substance to enter the brain. They can be administered in combination with other ADHD medications or as a stand-alone.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety. These can be treated with psychotherapy and/or non-medication treatments, like cognitive-behavioral therapy. This treatment teaches the patient to manage their symptoms, improve their self-esteem and relationships and improve their functioning. Therapists trained in this field are able to treat adult ADHD.
Counseling
Counseling, a form of psychotherapy, is a crucial element of adhd treatment for adults. Talk therapy can help you manage anger and stress, improve your relationships, and deal with your emotions. It can also help you master methods to improve self-control and decrease your impulsive behavior. Counseling can take place in person or over the phone.
Counseling may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you to recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that cause ADHD symptoms. It could also involve marital or family counseling, which helps loved ones cope and discover ways to support you. It could also include lifestyle coaching, which teaches you skills to help manage your ADHD.
Adults with ADHD often have difficulty waking up in the morning and going through the day without feeling exhausted or angry. A therapist can recommend a schedule for sleep, which could include a bedtime and wake-up time that's consistent every day and night. It is crucial to get enough sleep so that your body functions optimally.
Many people suffering from ADHD have difficulty working through tasks and staying on the right track at work, school and in their private lives. Their issues are often result of long-running patterns of underachievement and failure, academic difficulties, job changes, and relationship conflicts. Individual therapy can help you deal with emotional baggage, like low self-esteem, feelings of embarrassment and shame due to past mistakes, and anger at the criticism and the nagging that you receive from the people closest to you.
Behavioral coaching is a type of therapy for adults suffering from ADHD that focuses on practical daily life solutions, such as organizing your workplace and home and arranging your day, prioritizing your work, and managing your money. This type of therapy is usually available in-person or online and aims to teach you strategies for improving your life when you suffer from ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD have a higher likelihood of developing comorbid disorders. It is crucial to treat these conditions well. In some cases it is possible to combine medication and behavioral therapy may result in the best results. A therapist can help you learn to control your anxiety and mood through mindfulness-based interventions such as yoga and meditation, and address other comorbid conditions, such as addiction or depression.
Therapy
Many psychiatric disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, a thorough assessment is necessary to determine the cause of these symptoms. The evaluation could include a medical history, psychological test and a thorough examination of the person's behavior. The evaluation will also include a thorough analysis of a person's familial background.
Psychotherapy is an integral part of adhd treatment for adults. It can help people cope with the emotional turmoil that results from their inability to function at a level which meets their expectations. It can also help them create strategies to cope 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 can also help them learn to control impulsive behaviors and gain confidence in their abilities to succeed.
Counseling for families and marriage can help couples understand the difficulties that ADHD can bring about in their relationships. They can also learn to constructively discuss issues that arise within their families or marriages, instead of blaming one another. Individual psychotherapy helps people to identify the root causes of their troubles, such as feelings of guilt or sadness. It can also help people develop healthy coping mechanisms, such as meditation or exercise.
A few adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with a calming drug such as clonidine. This is a 2 adrenergic agonist. It is especially helpful for those suffering from Tourette's Syndrome or other disorders of the tic. It is typically used as a last resort medication after nonstimulant drugs have been tried, but are found to not be effective.
Clinical trials are research studies that study the effectiveness and safety of new treatments for various diseases and conditions. They can be a vital component of treatment for adhd in adults and offer the chance to participate in advanced research that could lead to better treatments in the future. Before taking part in any clinical trial, individuals should consult their doctor. The health care professional will be able provide a list with current clinical trials more info for patients.
Nutrition
Adults who have ADHD often find that diet plays an important influence on how they feel and how well they function. A healthy, balanced diet can reduce impulsivity and increase concentration. It is also best to stay away from beverages that contain sugar or junk food as they can trigger or exacerbate symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, people who suffer from ADHD should eat regular meals and snacks, keeping their blood sugar levels steady throughout the day. This can improve their mood, energy, and sleep quality.
It is important to evaluate adults with ADHD symptoms to make sure they are not caused by another condition. Many medical conditions can cause ADHD-like signs and symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and problems with vision and hearing. Depression and anxiety are common, as is a alcohol or drug history, and certain medications are also possible.
The diagnosis of ADHD for adults can be more difficult than for children. A diagnosis is determined by analyzing functional impairment as well as an underlying history of childhood ADHD symptoms. A lot of adults don't have a clear history of childhood ADHD, or may not have an older parent or sibling who can confirm 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 if or not to prescribe these drugs.
There are many FDA-approved medications that can be used to treat adult ADHD such as stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. They can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD however they should be used in a responsible manner and those suffering from this disorder must be monitored frequently for adverse effects. These medications are available in long-acting forms that can be taken twice or once daily by adults suffering from ADHD. These preparations come in chewable, tablet or liquid forms and can be taken with food or without.