Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Treatment for adhd in adults includes therapy, medication and family support. Clinical trials are being conducted to test new treatments for ADHD.
Stimulant medication is the most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. However, they must be constantly monitored. This means monthly appointments with a doctor and frequent review of symptoms.
Medicines
There are a variety of medications that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. They are referred to as psychostimulants. they alter the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) that pass messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will select 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 dosage and medication that will control your symptoms.
The first medication doctors prescribe to adults with ADHD is stimulants. These medications increase the amount of dopamine in your brain and norepinephrine, which helps you to control your thoughts and keep your focus. The medications are available in short-, medium-and long-acting varieties. Short-acting stimulants last about 6 hours, intermediate-acting medications last 8-10 hours, and long-acting medicines last up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants have less negative effects than shorter- and intermediate-acting medications, but they still can cause insomnia and changes in appetite.
Nonstimulant drugs, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera), can be used to treat adult ADHD when stimulants aren't effective or cause unwanted adverse side negative effects. These medications do not alter your norepinephrine or dopamine however, they can increase the brain's supply of norepinephrine and improve your ability to concentrate. These capsules are taken once or twice daily.
Some adults with ADHD also suffer from other mental disorders, like anxiety and depression. These are referred to as comorbid conditions and they can influence the way you respond to treatment for ADHD. It is essential to treat any comorbid disorders prior to beginning treatment for ADHD. For instance, those who have an addiction history to drugs or disorder may be more likely to abuse psychostimulants. This is why it is generally recommended to wait until a person has removed themselves from using substances before evaluating treatment with stimulants for ADHD.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a process that involves discussing and discussing issues that are troubling or disturbing to the person. The therapist listens and offers guidance based on their education, training as well as experience, professional credentials and therapeutic philosophical philosophies. Psychotherapy can be short-term (a few weeks or months) or addressing more immediate issues, or longer-term. The therapist and patient determine the duration and frequency of therapy.
The combination of psychotherapy and medication together is a highly effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy can help people improve their time management, organizational skills and prioritizing. It can also teach strategies to manage emotions such as anger and frustration. Treatment can ease symptoms, improve concentration and improve work and academic performance.
Adults suffering from ADHD have a higher risk of co-existing conditions. This is especially relevant for mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. It is crucial that any co-existing condition be treated prior to starting treatment for ADHD. Treatment for co-existing disorders might require different types and doses of medication than that used to treat ADHD.
A person who suffers from ADHD may also be suffering from hypertension. Selecting a medication that addresses the ADHD symptoms but does not affect the patient's hypertension which is being controlled requires understanding how different 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 an excellent relationship and who has experience treating adults with ADHD. It is important to schedule your initial sessions at a time when you aren't distracted by family or work obligations.
Counseling
Adults with ADHD have many difficulties in their lives, including difficulties at work and in relationships. They may also experience anger, blame and frustration that have developed in their lives because of their symptoms. Several psychosocial treatments have been proven to help them and their families learn new attitudes, skills and ways of communicating.
Psychotherapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, a form of psychotherapy that assists individuals modify their thinking and behavior. It includes goal-setting, skill training and practice, and methods of teaching to improve organization and self-esteem. It can be carried out in groups or individually. Certain studies have demonstrated that the use of metacognitive therapy can reduce symptoms and improve functioning in adults with ADHD (Stevenson and co-authors 2002).
Some people with ADHD may also require counseling to help them overcome particular life issues. These challenges may include family conflicts, impulsive or aggressive behaviors, and difficulty coping with failures and disappointments. Counseling can help develop how to handle these situations, improve communication and increase problem-solving capabilities. It can also help improve interpersonal relationships, especially in long-term marriages or other relationships.
Family therapy and support groups therapy are other forms of psychotherapy that could be utilized to treat ADHD. These therapies can assist families in coping and improve their skills to manage conflict and improve communication when dealing with a child suffering from ADHD. It can assist parents to understand the disorder and develop parenting strategies that encourage positive results in their children.
It is essential for people suffering from ADHD to discuss their medications with their health care providers regularly, and to inform them of any other medications they're taking, including prescription drugs. Certain medications can interact with specific medications or cause adverse effects that are exacerbated by other medicines.
Medication Monitoring
After a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis is established, it is essential to monitor the patient to ensure he/she is getting the benefits of medication and not experiencing any adverse side effects. It is recommended that a patient be referred for an initial medical check-up within 30 days of starting treatment and monthly thereafter. This will allow for a thorough adjustment of psychostimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines to a well-tolerated, effective dose. This allows accurate registration of the patient's response and helps to avoid keeping a sensitive patient on insufficient doses.
Adults who do not respond well to stimulant medication or who have side effects that are intolerable could benefit from non-stimulant medications. This is usually the case with atomoxetine or other methylphenidate-related alternatives.
Adults with ADHD often have comorbid disorders like mood or anxiety disorder, substance abuse issues or depression. In addition, they may experience persistent sleep disturbances or medical issues like vision and hearing disorders. As part of the initial assessment for ADHD it is crucial to screen these conditions and assess them. These conditions could have a significant impact on functional impairments in adults.
Marital therapy is also useful in managing ADHD. Spouses often report that they feel overburdened by the responsibilities to care for their spouses who have ADHD and can become resentful and angry due to this. The way to reduce resentment is by increasing the patient's understanding of the illness, and helping them understand that the symptoms are not caused by an absence of love or willfulness. Couples who undergo this type of therapy tend to be more functional as a family.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy for adults with ADHD is typically recommended. It should include a behavioral and cognitive component. Behavioral therapy can help patients improve their organization skills, focus and control their impulsive behaviors. It teaches patients to manage their work, home, and social situations in more productive ways. Psychotherapy helps patients to understand how their disorder impacts different areas of their life and relationships. This can help decrease the feelings of shame and low self-esteem that is commonly seen in adults with ADHD who are considered inept or unintelligent.
Many psychiatric disorders be akin to ADHD symptoms. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. If add treatment for adults is necessary the presence of other mental disorders should be evaluated to determine whether ADHD symptoms are a result of them.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with an amalgamation of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been shown that when a combination of medications and psychotherapy is used, the results are better than either treatment alone. Future controlled medication studies should aim to track and measure functional improvements such as improved performance at work, school and interpersonal relationships.