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Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Adults suffering from adhd are treated with therapy, medication and support from family members. People can also participate in clinical trials to try new ways of treating ADHD.
The stimulant medications are the most effective drugs for adults with ADHD. But they need to be closely monitored. That includes monthly clinical appointments and regular reviews of symptoms and side effects.
Medications
There are many medications that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. They are referred to as psychostimulants. they work by changing the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) that transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will choose the right medication for you and determine the most appropriate dosage and time to take it. It may take a while to find the right medication and dosage that controls your symptoms.
Stimulants are usually the first prescription medication doctors recommend for adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs increase the amount of dopamine found in your brain and norepinephrine, which allows you to manage your impulses and improve your focus. These medicines are available in short-, medium- and long-acting versions. Short-acting stimulants last about 6 hours, intermediate-acting medications last 8-10 hours, and long-acting medications last for up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely cause adverse effects than intermediate- or shorter-acting medications. However, they may still cause sleepiness and change in appetite.
Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, (Strattera) are used to treat adults with ADHD in cases where stimulants don't perform or cause unwanted adverse effects. These medications don't affect the levels of dopamine or norepinephrine however they do increase your brain's availability of norepinephrine. They also improve your focus. These capsules are consumed once or twice a day.
Some people with adhd treatment in adults suffer from co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression. These are called comorbid conditions and they can impact the way you respond to treatment for ADHD. It's important to treat any comorbid conditions before starting treatment for adhd symptoms in adults treatment. Patients with a history of addiction to drugs are more likely to misuse psychostimulants. It is best to wait until someone has quit using drugs before using stimulants.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy involves discussing and talking about topics that cause distress or anxiety to a person. The therapist listens and offers guidance based on his or her education, training as well as experience professional credentials and therapeutic philosophies. Psychotherapy can be short-term, (a few weeks or months) and can address more immediate issues, or more long-term. The therapist and patient determine the length and frequency of treatment.
The use of psychotherapy and medications together is an extremely effective treatment for adults with adhd and anxiety treatment. Behavioral therapy assists people in improving their organizational skills, time management and prioritizing. It can also teach strategies for managing emotions such as anger and frustration. Medication can reduce symptoms, improve focus and lead to better 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 depression and anxiety. Before starting treatment for ADHD it is crucial to treat any co-existing condition. Treatment of co-existing disorders could require different types and dosages of medication than those used to treat ADHD.
For instance, a person with ADHD could also be suffering from hypertension. Finding a medication that can treat the ADHD symptoms but does not affect 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 used to treat adhd.
It is important to choose a therapist with whom you have an excellent relationship and who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. It is important to schedule your first few sessions at a time when you won't be distracted by work or family obligations.
Counseling
Adults who suffer from ADHD face many challenges in their lives, such as problems at work and in relationships. They may also experience frustration, blame and anger that have built up in their lives because of their symptoms. Psychosocial treatments can help patients and their families to develop new attitudes, skills and ways of communicating.
Psychotherapy can also include cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of psychotherapy that assists individuals change their thinking and behavior. It includes goal-setting, skill training and practice, as well as teaching strategies to increase self-esteem and organizational skills. It can be conducted in groups or individually. Some studies have shown that the use of metacognitive therapy can reduce symptoms and improve performance for adults suffering from ADHD (Stevenson and co-authors 2002).
Some people with ADHD may also require therapy to help them overcome certain issues in their lives. These issues could include family conflicts, aggressive or impulsive behavior, and difficulties in dealing with disappointments and failures. Counseling can help develop skills to manage these situations, improve communication, and enhance problem-solving abilities. It can also improve interpersonal relationships, especially in marriages and other long-term partnerships.
Family therapy and supportive group therapy are also types of psychotherapy that can be used to treat ADHD. These can help families deal with the anxiety of having a child with ADHD and help improve communication and reduce conflict. It can help parents understand the condition and develop parenting methods that encourage positive results in their children.
It is essential for adults with ADHD to discuss their medication with their healthcare providers regularly, and to disclose all other medications they're taking, including any over-the-counter medications. Certain medications can cause adverse effects or interact with other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough evaluation and diagnosis, it is crucial to monitor the patient's progress to ensure that the patient receives the benefits of the medication and doesn't experience any adverse side negative effects. It is recommended that a patient be seen for an initial medical check-up within 30 days of starting treatment and then every month following that. This allows for a thorough titration of psychostimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, to a well-tolerated and effective dose. This allows for accurate registration of the patient's reaction and assists in avoiding the patient from being kept on insufficient doses (slow metabolism) or forcing those who require higher doses onto unnecessarily high levels (rapid metabolizers).
Adults who do not respond well to stimulant medications or have unwanted side effects that are difficult to tolerate could benefit from non-stimulant medications. Typically this involves the use of atomoxetine or other alternatives to methylphenidate.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have comorbid disorders such as mood or anxiety disorder, substance abuse issues or depression. In addition, they may experience chronic sleep disorders or medical issues such as vision and hearing disorders. It is essential to identify and assess these conditions in the initial evaluation for adhd symptoms adults treatment since these can have significant impact on functional impairment in adults.
Marital therapy is also useful in managing ADHD. Spouses often report that they are overwhelmed by the caretaking responsibilities of their spouses with ADHD and can become resentful and angry due to this. Reduced resentment can be achieved by increasing the patient's understanding of the illness, and helping them understand that the symptoms aren't caused by a lack in willfulness or love. Couples who undergo this type of therapy tend to have better family functioning.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy for adults with ADHD is usually suggested. It should include a cognitive and behavioral component. Behavioral therapy can help patients to improve their ability to organize their lives and focus and control their impulsive behavior. It helps patients manage their work, home and social settings in more productive ways. Psychotherapy helps patients understand how their condition affects various aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help decrease the feelings of shame and low self-esteem that is commonly seen in adults with adhd symptoms and treatment who are considered lazy or less intelligent.
Many psychiatric disorders may mimic ADHD symptoms. For example, anxiety disorders occur at high rates in adult ADHD patients, and depression is found at higher levels in adults with the disorder. If necessary, the presence of other psychiatric disorders must be analyzed to determine if ADHD symptoms are a result of them.
A combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy is typically recommended for the treatment of ADHD in adults. It has been established that a combination of psychotherapy and medication yields better results than either therapy by itself. Future controlled medication studies will attempt to measure and assess functional improvements, such as better functioning at school, the workplace, and interpersonal relations.