Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Adults suffering from adhd are treated by medication, therapy and support from the family. Clinical trials are being conducted to test new treatments for ADHD.
Stimulant medication is the most effective medications for adults with ADHD. However, they must be closely monitored. This includes monthly appointments with a doctor as well as frequent reviews of symptoms and side effects.
Medicines
A variety of medications can be utilized to reduce symptoms of ADHD in adults. These are known as psychostimulants. They work by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain that transmit messages between nerve cell. Your doctor will recommend the right medication for you and determine the most effective dose and time to take it. It could take some time to find the right medication and dosage that controls your symptoms.
The first drug that doctors prescribe to adults suffering from ADHD is stimulants. These medicines increase the amounts of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain, which enhances your ability to focus and manage impulses. The medications are available in short-, mediumand long-acting forms. Short-acting stimulants can last for 6 hours. Intermediate-acting medicines last for 8-10 hours. Long-acting drugs can last up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely cause adverse effects than intermediate- or shorter-acting medicines. However, they can induce sleepiness and a change in appetite.
Nonstimulant medications, like atomoxetine (Strattera), can be used to treat adults with ADHD when stimulants don't work or cause undesirable adverse consequences. These medications do not alter your norepinephrine or dopamine, but they increase the brain's supply of norepinephrine, which improves your concentration. These medications are available in capsules and can be taken either twice or three times each day.
Many people with ADHD also have other psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety. These disorders are referred to as comorbidities, and they can affect your response to ADHD treatment. Before starting treatment for ADHD, it's important to address any comorbidities. For instance, those who have an addiction history to drugs or disorder may be more likely to use psychostimulants. It's best to wait until someone has quit using drugs before treating them with stimulants.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a method of therapy that involves discussing and discussing issues that cause anxiety or are disturbing to the person. The therapist offers guidance on the basis of his or her qualifications, experience, training, and therapeutic philosophy. Psychotherapy can be short-term (a few weeks or months) dealing with immediate issues or more long-term (months or years) where a person is working on more complex and long-standing issues. The duration and frequency of therapy are determined by the therapist and the patient together.
The use of psychotherapy and drugs together is an extremely effective treatment for adults with ADHD. Behavioral therapy can assist people improve their time management, organizational skills, and prioritizing. It can also teach methods to manage emotions, such as anger and frustration. Treatment can ease symptoms and increase focus, which leads to more effective and efficient academic and work performance.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely of co-existing conditions. This is especially relevant for mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Before starting treatment for ADHD it is crucial to treat any co-existing conditions. The treatment of co-existing disorders could require different types of medications and dosages than the medications that are used to treat ADHD.
For example, a person with ADHD could also be suffering from hypertension. Choosing a medication that treats the ADHD symptoms but does not destabilize the patient's hypertension which is being controlled requires knowledge of how various medications affect people over time, as well as an understanding of the interactions between medications.
It's important to find a therapist with whom you have good relations, and who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. It is important to schedule your first few sessions at a time when you aren't distracted by work or family obligations.
Counseling
Adults suffering from ADHD often face many issues in their lives, including work and relationship problems. A person with ADHD may also experience anger, frustration and blame that has developed over time. A variety of psychosocial treatments have been proven to help them and their families learn new behaviors, skills, and ways of relating.
Psychotherapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, a type of psychotherapy that assists individuals modify their thinking and behavior. It includes goal-setting, skill training and practice, and teaching strategies to improve self-esteem and organization. This can be done individually or in a group. Metacognitive therapy has been proven to significantly reduce symptoms among adults with ADHD and improve their functioning (Stevenson, et al., 2002).
Some people with ADHD may also require therapy to help them overcome specific life challenges. These difficulties could include family conflicts, impulsive or aggressive behaviors, or difficulty in dealing with failures and disappointments. Counseling can help you develop the techniques to deal with these situations and increase communication and problem-solving abilities. It can also improve interpersonal relationships, particularly in long-term marriages or other partnerships.
Other types of psychotherapy for ADHD include family therapy and supportive group therapy. These therapies can help families cope and improve their skills to manage conflict and improve communication when dealing with a child suffering from ADHD. It also helps parents understand the disorder and develop parenting styles that encourage positive outcomes for their children.
Adults with ADHD should discuss their medications regularly with their doctors and disclose any other medications, including over-the counter drugs. Certain medications can cause side effects or interact with other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough assessment and diagnosis, it is crucial to monitor the patient to ensure that the patient receives the benefits of the medication and doesn't suffer from side negative effects. It is recommended that a patient be seen for initial clinical monitoring within 30 days of initiating treatment and then every month thereafter. This allows for the proper adjustment of psychostimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, to a safe, effective dose. This allows for accurate registration of the patient's response and assists in avoiding the patient from being kept on doses that are not sufficient (slow metabolism) or forcing those who require higher doses on excessively high levels (rapid metabolizers).
Adults who are not responding well to stimulant medication or have side effects that are intolerable may benefit from nonstimulant medications. Typically this involves the use of atomoxetine or other related methylphenidate alternatives.
Adults with ADHD typically suffer from comorbid disorders like mood disorder or anxiety disorder, substance abuse issues or depression. Additionally, they may suffer from chronic sleep disorders or medical issues like hearing and vision disorders. As part of the initial assessment for ADHD it is essential to screen these conditions and assess their severity. These conditions can have a significant impact on functional impairments for adults.
ADHD can also be treated through marital therapy. Couples complain of being overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caring for their spouses suffering from ADHD, and can become resentful or angry in response. Reducing resentment can be achieved by enhancing the understanding of the condition, and helping them understand that the symptoms are not due to an absence of affection or willfulness. Couples who go through this type of therapy typically experience better family functioning.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy for adults with ADHD is typically suggested. It should include a behavioral and cognitive component. adhd in adults treatment helps patients improve their organization skills, focus and manage impulsive behavior. It helps patients manage their home, work and social settings in more productive ways. Psychotherapy assists patients in understanding how their condition affects different aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help decrease the feelings of shame and low self-esteem that is commonly seen in people with ADHD, who may be considered lazy or less intelligent.
ADHD symptoms can be mirrored by many mental disorders. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. If it is necessary, the presence of other mental disorders should be evaluated to determine whether ADHD symptoms are caused by them.
A combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy is generally recommended for treatment of ADHD in adults. It has been demonstrated that the combination of psychotherapy with medication can produce superior results over either treatment on its own. Future controlled medication studies should aim to measure and track the improvement in functional aspects such as improved functioning at school, workplace, and interpersonal relationships.