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 anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse, and substance use disorders.
The use of medications to treat core ADHD symptoms are shown to be effective by increasing the availability of neurotransmitters that control the ability to focus and impulsivity. Trials of medication are conducted to determine which medication is most effective and in what dosages.
Medication
The use of acute treatments, such as medication, can help to improve ADHD symptoms in adults. The most effective way to improve ADHD symptoms is through altering neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine. They function by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters available at presynaptic receptors and decreasing their reuptake to stop their breakdown. The doctors are not able to predict which medications will be most effective for a particular person, so most adults undergo an experiment with their medications. This begins with a low dose, which is gradually increased over 3-7 days until the clinical benefits are realized.
A popular psychostimulant used to treat ADHD is methylphenidate. It’s available as a tablet, liquid, or extended-release (Concerta). The extended release preparation is the most reliable because it isn’t able to be crushed and used for different reasons, like to achieve a high. Adults who abuse stimulant medication are susceptible to serious health issues. Therefore, those who have a background of alcohol or drug abuse should discuss the use of psychostimulants with an expert in mental health.
The stimulants can cause mood fluctuations and sleep disturbances. If these symptoms occur they may require a change in medication or stop taking it. Stimulants are also contraindicated in certain people with a history of Tourette’s disease, severe anorexia, certain psychosis disorders like schizoaffective disorders and antisocial personality disorder, as well as certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers such as bupropion, (Wellbutrin XL), may enhance mood and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity among some adults with ADHD. They work by blocking norepinephrine reuptake at the presynaptic transportationer which allows for a greater amount of the substance to be absorbed by the brain. They can be given in combination with other ADHD medications or as a stand-alone.
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can be treated with psychotherapy or non-medication treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. This treatment teaches the patient to manage their symptoms, boost their self-esteem and relationships and improve their performance. Certain therapists are trained in treating adult ADHD.
Counseling
The most crucial aspect of treatment for adhd for adults is counseling, which is a form of psychotherapy. Talk therapy can help you manage your anger and stress, improve your relationships, and work through your emotions. It can also teach you strategies to improve your self-control and reduce impulsive behaviors. Counseling can take place in person or by phone.
Counseling may involve cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you to recognize and change negative patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to ADHD symptoms. It could also include counseling for your family or marital relationship that helps your loved ones cope and discover ways to help you. Lifestyle coaching could be a part of the program that teaches you how to manage ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have difficulty waking up in the morning and getting through the day without feeling groggy or irritable. A therapist could suggest a sleep routine, which includes a consistent bedtime and a time for waking up every day. It is important to get enough rest in order that your body is functioning at its best.
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to complete their tasks and remain on track in school, work and their personal lives. Their problems are often due to long-standing patterns of underachievement and failure, academic difficulties, job changes, and relationships that are not working. Individual therapy can help you overcome emotional baggage, including low self-esteem, feelings of embarrassment and shame from past mistakes, and resentment at the criticism and nagging you receive from the people closest to you.
Behavioral coaching for adult ADHD is a kind of therapy that concentrates on practical solutions for daily life, such as organizing your workplace and home as well as structuring your schedule, prioritizing work and managing your money. This type of therapy is generally available in person or online and aims to teach you strategies to help you live a better life with ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders than other mental health conditions, so it’s important to treat these conditions as well. In certain cases it is possible to combine medications and behavioral therapies can yield the most effective results. A therapist can show you how to control your mood and anxiety with mindfulness-based interventions, such as yoga and meditation, and deal with comorbid conditions like addiction and depression.
Therapy
Many psychiatric disorders may mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, a thorough evaluation is necessary to determine the root of these symptoms. The evaluation could include a review of a person’s medical history, psychological tests and a thorough analysis of their behavior. The evaluation may include a review of a person’s family history.
Psychotherapy is a crucial component of adhd in adults treatment. It can assist people in dealing with the emotional turmoil caused by their inability function at a level that meets their expectations. It can also help improve the relationships with their families and assist them in developing coping strategies. Behavioral therapy can help patients concentrate on their work and break large projects into smaller steps which are easier to manage. It can also help them learn to manage their impulsive behavior and build confidence in their ability to succeed.
Family and marriage counseling can help couples to understand the challenges ADHD can cause in their relationship. They can also learn to talk about issues that arise within their families or marriages in a constructive way, rather than blaming each other. Individual psychotherapy allows people to discover the root of their problems, such as feelings of guilt or sadness. It can also assist people to develop strategies for coping that are healthy, such as exercises or meditation.
A few adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with a calming medication, such as clonidine. This is a 2-adrenergic antagonist. It is especially helpful for those suffering from Tourette’s Syndrome or other tic disorders. It is typically regarded as a second-line therapy after non-stimulant medications were tried and found to be ineffective (Wilens 2004).
Clinical trials are research studies that examine the safety and efficacy of new treatments and diseases. They are a crucial part of adhd in adults treatment and offer a chance to be part of cutting-edge research with the hope that it can lead to better treatment in the future. Patients should always consult their doctor prior to taking part in a clinical study. The health care professional can provide the current list of clinical trials that are available to the patient.
Nutrition
Adults who have ADHD often find that diet plays a major aspect in how they feel and how well they function. A balanced, healthy diet can help reduce impulsivity and increase concentration. It’s also a good idea to avoid junk food and drink soda, as they can trigger or worsen symptoms of ADHD. Adults suffering from ADHD should consume regular meals and snacks, as well as drink to maintain their blood sugar levels constant throughout the day. This can boost their mood, energy and sleep quality at night.
Many psychiatric disorders may have symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD It is important for adults with these conditions to be evaluated carefully to ensure that their symptoms are caused by an underlying issue. Many medical conditions can cause symptoms and signs reminiscent of ADHD, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and problems with vision and hearing. Depression and anxiety as well as a drinking or drug history and certain medications are possible.
Adults may have a more difficult in determining ADHD than children. A diagnosis is based on a history of childhood symptoms that are similar to ADHD and an assessment of functional impairment. Many adults don’t have a clear childhood ADHD history, or they may not have a parent or older sibling who can confirm their symptoms. A person who is actively using alcohol or drugs might not be a good candidate for treatment with psychostimulants and their physician should take into account this when deciding if or not to prescribe these drugs used to treat adhd.
There are many FDA approved medications that are able to treat adults with ADHD. These include stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. They can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD, but they must be used responsibly and those suffering from ADHD should be monitored frequently for side effects. The medications are available in long-acting versions that can be taken twice or even once every day by adults suffering from ADHD. These preparations come in chewable, tablet or liquid form and can be taken with or without food.
