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ADHD Treatments For Adults
Most doctors recommend stimulants, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine. They can help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants may help reduce symptoms, but they do so slower.
Psychotherapy, similar to cognitive behavioral therapy, aids adults to improve their planning and organizational skills. Coaching and psychotherapy are able to improve social functioning.
Medicines
You can take medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people find they feel better after altering their diets or taking supplements. However they should only be administered under the supervision of a medical professional. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family counseling are all viable solutions. Many adults suffering from ADHD struggle to adhere to their medication. They should consult their doctor and ask for assistance. Certain medications are available over-the-counter while others need prescriptions.
The majority of ADHD medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This reduces impulsivity, and improves concentration. Some of the most popular medications are stimulants like methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. They are believed to be the most effective ADHD treatment, however they can cause side effects. Cardiovascular problems are some of the more serious adverse effects. In addition, stimulants can cause the tics of blinking eyes or throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth by a few months in teenagers and children.
Nonstimulant drugs are prescribed to patients who experience intolerable side-effects from stimulants, or who are at risk of heart disease. These medications are mostly norepinephrine, dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. These aren't as effective as stimulants, however they are safe and don't carry the potential for abuse that some people have with stimulant medications.
You can attempt to lessen your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a well-planned schedule, making and sticking to a budget, developing your organizational skills, gaining knowledge about your condition, and developing strategies for dealing with your symptoms. You should talk to an expert to find out the best approach to managing your disorder, and you can find many useful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your ADHD symptoms can strain your relationships. Talking to a therapist about how you interact with your spouse or co-workers and taking classes that teach conflict resolution can be helpful. You can improve your relationships with your family members or friends by having them understand your ADHD and letting them know that your behavior isn't intentional.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can result in significant emotional, social, and occupational effects. These include lower academic success and higher rates of job loss and transfer, poor performance at work as well as a higher number of car accidents, and higher rates of divorce than the general population (Spencer and colleagues 2007). Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression or abuse of substances. Those with comorbid disorders may have a harder time responding to stimulant medication (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A detailed patient history is crucial, as a variety of medical conditions can have symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders, sleep apnea thyroid disorders and lead poisoning should be more cautiously assessed. Patients who are active in their addiction to substances or those suffering from particular medical conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure are contraindicated from receiving stimulant treatments (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of educating patients about their disorder and its impact on their lives. Psychoeducation can help patients build their self-esteem, particularly those who are often stigmatized as lazy or less intelligent.
The aim of a behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is to enhance their ability to organize their lives and help them learn better ways to organize their time. This can help reduce the risk of missing appointments and making decisions impulsively that could result in problems at school, at work or with their personal lives. This type of therapy can also help improve the effectiveness of an individual's interactions with children, spouses and co-workers.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is focused on helping people modify their behavior patterns that are harmful to them. This type of therapy is alternative adhd treatment for adults extremely effective in improving the functioning of those with ADHD particularly when it is combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. Informing patients and loved ones about ADHD can help reduce the frequency of blaming each other for the problems caused by the patient's inability to control their own behavior. Classes that teach couples and families how to communicate more effectively and improve their techniques for conflict resolution can be beneficial.
Counseling
A good treatment plan for ADHD will address the symptoms and their impact on family, work and school. It will include stimulant and nonstimulant medication as along with psychosocial treatment, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change their thinking about their behavior. It also helps them develop skills to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They have been around for a long time and there are many kinds of drugs, each with its distinct advantages and negative effects. The two most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine. They are available under a variety of brand names including Ritalin and Adderall. Other drugs used to treat ADHD include atomoxetine, which works by increasing the amount of a substance in the brain that passes messages between brain cells and viloxazine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are both used to treat ADHD among adults, as they have a more gradual development than stimulants. These drugs are also available to people who cannot take stimulants due to health conditions or severe adverse effects.
It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbidities can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore the severity and presence of other conditions should be considered when diagnosing ADHD. It is also essential to rule out physical reasons for the symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or hearing and vision problems.
It's also worth noting that some patients may be able to lessen their ADHD symptoms by changing their diet. It is essential to consult a physician prior to eliminating any foods. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and should be done under the guidance of a doctor or dietician. Another option is counseling which can assist patients in learning to manage their symptoms and develop better relationships with their families. Counseling can also assist spouses in understanding that the patient's behavior is not necessarily a sign of a lack of love or a deliberate act of infractions.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be a bit confusing for both patients and doctors. It's not uncommon for different mental health disorders to coexist with the disorder. Additionally, certain medications and medical conditions may cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
Lifestyle changes or treatment can help with many of these issues. A person with ADHD might benefit from adjusting diet or taking supplements to improve their eating habits, for example. Behavioral therapy will teach him how to manage distractions, impulsiveness and increase the focus of his mind. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or the practice of mindfulness meditation both of which can help manage emotions and increase focus.
A thorough history of the symptoms and a physical examination are essential. A doctor can also look for sleep apnea, as well as other conditions such as problems with vision and hearing, thyroid disorders, alcohol or drug abuse and lead poisoning. In addition to determining the presence of a root cause, these tests can assist in determining or lessen the effects of other disorders that could cause a patient's ADHD-like behavior.
The majority of stimulants are prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. They include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine Concerta and Adderall. Other non-stimulant drugs include clonidine as well as Guanfacine. These blood pressure medications can help with hyperactivity and impulsivity, but can take longer to work and may cause negative side effects, such as constipation, heartburn and a lack of sex.
People with ADHD frequently forget appointments, are late for work and make irrational decisions that can be a challenge for even the most patient family members and friends. Couples therapy or classes that help improve communication skills can help people build solid relationships.
Exercise, diet and stress reduction can all be a factor in managing ADHD symptoms. Certain people suffering from the condition have found that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements helps them, but it's crucial to talk to a doctor before trying these therapies. Doing so without a doctor's advice could result in nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.