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 of developing anxiety disorders, depression and addiction to drugs.
Treatments that help improve the core ADHD symptoms are shown to work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters that control the ability to focus and impulsivity. The purpose of these trials is to determine which drugs are most effective and in what dosages.
Medication
The use of acute treatments, such as medication, can help improve ADHD symptoms in adults. The most effective method to improve ADHD symptoms is through altering neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine. They work by increasing the availability of neurotransmitters at presynaptic receptors and decreasing their reuptake in order to prevent breakdown. Since practitioners cannot predict which medication will be most effective for a specific person, they typically conduct a drug trial. This begins with a low dose, which is gradually increasing over 3-7 days until clinical benefits are observed.
Methylphenidate is one of the most commonly used psychostimulants that is used to treat ADHD. It comes in tablet, liquid or extended-release form (Concerta). The extended release formulation is the most reliable since it isn't crushed and used for other purposes, like to achieve a high. Adults who use stimulant drugs are susceptible to serious health issues. Therefore, those who have a background of alcohol or drug abuse should discuss the use of psychostimulants with a mental health professional.
Stimulants can cause mood swings and sleep disturbances. If these effects occur they may require a change in medication or even stop taking it. The use of stimulants is also not recommended for some people with a history of Tourette's disorder, severe anorexia, certain psychiatric conditions such as antisocial personality disorder and schizoaffective disorder, as well as certain medical conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin XL), may improve mood and reduce the level of hyperactivity and impulsivity in some adults suffering from ADHD. They work by blocking norepinephrine reuptake at the presynaptic transmitter, allowing for more of the substance to be absorbed by the brain. They can be given in conjunction with other ADHD medications or as a stand-alone.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can be treated with psychotherapy or non-medicated treatments like cognitive behavioral 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
The most crucial aspect of treatment for adhd in adults is counseling, a kind of psychotherapy. Talk therapy can help you manage your stress and anger, improve your relationships, and deal with your emotions. It can also help you learn methods to improve self-control and reduce the risk of impulsive behavior. Counseling can be done in person or via the phone.
Counseling may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you to recognize and change negative patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to ADHD symptoms. More Material may also include counseling for your family or marital relationship, which helps loved ones cope and find ways to support you. Lifestyle coaching may be a part of the program in the training to manage ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have difficulty waking up in the morning and going through the day without feeling exhausted or annoyed. A therapist may suggest an appropriate sleep schedule, which includes the time of bed and wake-up that is consistent throughout the night and day. It is important to get enough rest so that your body can function optimally.
Many people with ADHD struggle to complete tasks and remain on the right track in their work, school and in their personal lives. Often, their problems stem from longstanding patterns of failure and underachievement, academic difficulties as well as job loss and conflicts in relationships. Individual therapy can be used to deal with emotional baggage such as low self esteem, feelings of shame and embarrassment over past mistakes, and resentment at criticism, and persistent nagging from the people closest to you.
Behavioral coaching is a form of therapy for adults with ADHD that focuses on practical daily life solutions, such as organizing your workplace and home organizing your day, prioritizing tasks, and managing your money. The therapy is typically offered in person or via the internet and aims to teach you strategies to improve your life when you suffer from ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders than those with other psychiatric conditions, and it's important to treat these conditions as well. In certain cases the combination of medication and behavioral therapies can provide the best results. A therapist can show you how to manage your mood and anxiety with mindfulness-based treatments, like yoga and meditation, and treat comorbid disorders like depression and substance abuse.
Therapy
Many psychiatric disorders can resemble ADHD symptoms. To determine the reason for these symptoms of ADHD, a comprehensive evaluation is required. This evaluation may include an examination of the medical history, psychological test and a thorough analysis of a person's behavior. The evaluation will include a thorough review of a person's family history.
Psychotherapy is an essential component of adhd in adults treatment. It can assist people in dealing 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 enhance their relationships with family and aid in the development of coping strategies. Behavioral therapy can help patients concentrate on their work and break down large tasks into smaller ones that are easier to manage. It can help them control the impulsive behavior of their children and increase confidence.
Marriage and family counseling can help couples recognize 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 marriages or family, instead of blaming one another. Individual psychotherapy can help people discover the root of their problems, including feelings of guilt or sadness. It can also help individuals develop strategies for coping that are healthy like exercises or meditation.
A calming drug such as clonidine which is a 2adrenergic receptor agonist, is used to treat impulsivity and hyperactivity in some adults suffering from ADHD. It can be particularly helpful for people who suffer from an underlying Tourette's disorder or other tic disorders. It is usually regarded as a second-line medication after non-stimulant medications were tried and discovered to be ineffective (Wilens 2004).
Clinical trials are research studies which test the effectiveness and safety of new treatments and diseases. They are a crucial component of adhd treatment and give patients the chance to participate in advanced research in the hope that it will result in better treatment in the future. Patients should always speak with their doctor prior to taking part in a clinical trial. A health care professional will be able provide a list with current clinical trials available to patients.
Nutrition
Adults who suffer from ADHD often find that diet plays a major influence on how they feel and how well they perform. A healthy, balanced diet can decrease the impulsivity of people and help improve focus. Avoiding sodas and junk food can also help to reduce or eliminate ADHD symptoms. In addition, those with ADHD should eat regular meals and snacks, ensuring their blood sugar levels in check throughout the day. This can improve their mood, energy level, and sleep quality.
It is crucial to assess adults with ADHD symptoms to make sure they are not caused by another medical condition. Additionally, many medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as thyroid disorders as well as lead poisoning hearing and vision issues depression and anxiety, a history of alcohol or drug use, and certain medications.
Adults may have a more difficult to diagnose ADHD than children. A diagnosis is determined by analyzing functional impairment and a history of childhood ADHD symptoms. Many adults do not have a distinct childhood ADHD history, or they may not have a parent or an older sibling who can verify their symptoms. A person 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 a variety of FDA approved medications that can treat adult ADHD. These include stimulants as well as nonstimulant medications. They are effective in reducing ADHD symptoms however they must be used with caution and those affected by the disorder must be monitored regularly to check for side effects. These medications are available in long-acting versions that can be taken twice or even once per day by adults with ADHD. These medications are available in chewable, tablet, or liquid forms, and can be taken with or without food.