ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is associated with significant impairments in academic performance and social functioning. Adults who suffer from ADHD are at a higher risk for anxiety disorders, depression and substance abuse.
The medications that help improve ADHD symptoms by increasing neurotransmitters that control impulsivity and attention appear to be effective. Medication trials are usually conducted to determine which drugs and dosages are most effective for each person.
Medication
Treatments that are quick, such as medication can help to improve ADHD symptoms in adults. The most effective medications improve the core ADHD symptoms by affecting neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They improve the availability of these neurotransmitters at the presynaptic transporters, and reducing their reuptake, which prevents their breakdown. Practitioners cannot know in advance what medication is most effective for a specific person So, most adults undergo a medication trial. The low dose is gradually increased over a period of 3-7 days, until clinical benefits are achieved.
Methylphenidate is a psychostimulant that is used to treat ADHD. It is available in tablet liquid or extended-release form (Concerta). The extended-release preparation is the most reliable since it is not crushed and used in other ways, for example, getting high. Adults who use stimulant drugs can experience serious health problems. So, those with an background of alcohol or drug abuse should discuss the use of psychostimulants with a mental health professional.
Stimulants can trigger mood fluctuations or sleep disturbances. If these effects occur the person might need to switch to a different type of medication or discontinue it. Stimulants are also contraindicated in certain people with a history of Tourette's disorder severe anorexia, psychiatric conditions such as antisocial personality disorder and schizoaffective disorder, as well as certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers, like bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) can improve mood and reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity in adults suffering from ADHD. They act by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transporter, which allows more of the substance to reach the brain. They are able to be used with other ADHD medications or alone.
Adults with ADHD are often afflicted by disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety or depression. These can be treated with psychotherapy and/or non-medicative treatments, like cognitive-behavioral therapy. This treatment teaches the patient how to manage their symptoms, boost their self-esteem and relationships, and improve their performance. treatment for adult add have specialized training in treating adults with ADHD.
Counseling
Counseling, a type of psychotherapy, is an essential element of adhd treatment for adults. Talk therapy can help you manage your anxiety and stress, enhance your relationships, and work through your emotions. It can also help you learn techniques to improve self-control and decrease your impulsive behavior. Counseling can be done in person or via the phone.
Counseling may include cognitive behavioral therapy. This teaches you how to recognize and change negative thoughts and behavior that could cause ADHD symptoms. It may also include counseling for families or couples that helps your loved ones cope and find ways to help you. It may also involve lifestyle coaching, which can teach you how to manage your ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD have trouble getting up in the morning or getting through the day. A therapist could recommend a sleep schedule that includes a regular bedtime and a wake-up time every day. It's important to get enough sleep to ensure that your body can function optimally.
Many people with ADHD struggle to complete tasks and stay on track in school, work and in their personal lives. The majority of their problems stem from longstanding patterns of underachievement and failure, academic difficulties or job changes, as well as conflicts in relationships. Individual therapy can help tackle emotional baggage like low self-esteem as well as feelings of shame and embarrassment from past mistakes and resentment towards criticism and nagging from those closest.
Behavioral coaching is a type of therapy for adults suffering from ADHD that focuses on practical daily living strategies, like organizing the home and workplace and arranging your day, prioritizing tasks and managing your money. The therapy is usually offered in person or via the internet and aims to teach you ways to improve your life when you suffer from ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely of developing comorbid disorders. It's important to treat these conditions as well. In some instances, a combination of medications and behavioral therapies can provide the best results. A therapist can help you learn how to manage your anxiety and mood with mindfulness-based techniques, such as meditation and yoga, and deal with comorbid conditions like addiction and depression.
Therapy
Many psychiatric conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. To determine the root cause of the symptoms of ADHD an extensive evaluation is required. This can include a thorough review of the patient's medical history, psychological tests and a thorough analysis of their behavior. The evaluation may include a thorough review of a person's family history.
Psychotherapy is an integral part of adhd treatment for adults. It helps people deal with the emotional distress and frustrations that result from their inability to function at a level that is in line with their own expectations. It can also assist them to develop strategies for coping and improve relationships with family members. Behavioral therapy can help patients stay focused on their tasks and break large projects into smaller pieces that are easier for them 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 to understand the issues that ADHD can bring about in their relationships. They can also learn how to discuss issues in a constructive manner that arise in their families or marriages instead of blaming another. Individual psychotherapy can assist people to identify the root causes of their problems, including feelings of sadness or guilt. It can also help them to create healthy coping strategies, such as meditation or exercise.
Some adults with ADHD can be treated with a calming drug, such as Clonidine. It is a 2-adrenergic agonist. It is especially helpful for those who have Tourette's Syndrome or other tic disorders. It is typically prescribed as a second line medication after nonstimulant medications have been tried but found to be ineffective.
Clinical trials are research studies that test the effectiveness and safety of new treatments and diseases. They can be an important part of adhd treatment and provide the opportunity to be part of cutting-edge research with the hope that it will result in better treatment in the future. Before participating in any clinical trial, patients must consult with their physician. A health care professional can provide the current list of clinical trials that are available to the patient.
Nutrition
Adults suffering from ADHD might find that their diet has a profound impact on how they feel and perform. A balanced, healthy diet can help reduce the impulsivity of people and help improve concentration. It's also best to stay away from drinks that are high in sugar and junk food because they can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, people who suffer from ADHD should try to eat regular meals and snacks to keep their blood sugar levels in check throughout the day. This will improve their energy levels, mood, and sleep quality.
It is important to evaluate people suffering from ADHD symptoms to make sure they are not caused by a different health issue. Many medical conditions can trigger ADHD-like signs and symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and issues with hearing and vision. Depression and anxiety, a drug or alcohol history and certain medications are also possible.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults is more difficult than it is for children. A diagnosis requires a thorough history of childhood symptoms that are consistent with ADHD, as well as an assessment of functional impairment. Many adults do not have a clear history of childhood ADHD, or may not have an older parent or sibling who can confirm the symptoms. Someone who is 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 several FDA-approved medications that can be used to treat adult ADHD, including stimulants as well as nonstimulant medications. Stimulants are effective in the reduction of ADHD symptoms however, they should be used responsibly and people with the disorder should be checked regularly for side effects. These medications are available in long-acting forms that can be taken twice or once per day by adults with ADHD. These medications are available in tablet, liquid or chewable form, and they can be taken with or without food.