ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is linked to significant impairments of academic performance and social functioning. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk for depression, anxiety disorders, and addiction to drugs.
The drugs that reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing neurotransmitters responsible for controlling attention and impulsivity seem to work. Medication trials are conducted to determine which medications are most effective and in what dosages.
Medication
Acute treatments, such as medication, can improve symptoms of ADHD in adults. The most effective medications improve core ADHD symptoms by affecting neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They work by increasing the availability of these neurotransmitters at the presynaptic transporters and decreasing their reuptake, which prevents their breakdown. Since practitioners cannot predict which medication will be most effective for a specific person, they typically conduct a trial. The low dose is gradually increased over a period of 3-7 days, until the clinical benefits have been realized.
Methylphenidate is a common psychostimulant that is used to treat ADHD. It is available in tablet liquid, extended-release or liquid forms (Concerta). Extended-release is the most secure because it cannot be crushed or used in other ways, like getting high. Adults who misuse stimulant medications are susceptible to serious health issues. So, those with an history of alcohol or drug abuse should discuss the use of psychostimulants with an expert in mental health.
The stimulants can cause mood swings or sleep disturbances. If these effects are present, the person may need a change in medication or stop taking it. Stimulants may also be contraindicated for those with a history of Tourette’s disorder, severe aorexia, certain mental disorders such as schizoaffective disorder and antisocial personality disorders, or 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 among adults with ADHD. They work by blocking norepinephrine reuptake at the presynaptic transportationer, allowing for more of the substance in the brain. They are able to be used with other ADHD medications or alone.
Adults with ADHD are often afflicted by comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety. These conditions can be treated by psychotherapy or non-medicated therapies like cognitive behavior therapy. This treatment teaches patients to manage their symptoms and improve their functioning, self-esteem and relationships. Some therapists have special training in treating adult ADHD.
Counseling
A key part of treatment for adhd for adults is counseling, which is a form of psychotherapy. Talk therapy can help you work through your emotions improve your relationships, and learn how to manage stress and anger. It can also teach you strategies to increase your self-control and reduce your impulsive behavior. Counseling can be provided in person or via phone.
Counseling may involve cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you to recognize and alter negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to ADHD symptoms. It may also include family or marital therapy which can help loved children cope with their emotions and help them support your success. It may also include lifestyle coaching, which will teach you the skills needed to manage your ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently have trouble getting up in the morning and navigating the day without feeling exhausted or angry. A therapist could suggest a sleeping routine, which includes a consistent bedtime and a wake-up time every day. It's essential to get adequate sleep to ensure that your body is functioning optimally.
Many people who suffer from ADHD struggle to complete their tasks and stay on schedule in school, work and their personal lives. Their issues are often due to long-standing patterns of underachievement and failure, academic difficulties or job changes, as well as relationships that are not working. Individual therapy can help address emotional baggage like low self-esteem and feelings of shame, embarrassment from past mistakes and resentment towards criticism and the constant nagging of those close to them.
Behavioral coaching is a kind of therapy for adults suffering from ADHD that is focused on practical daily living solutions, such as organizing your home and office and arranging your day, prioritizing your work, and managing your money. This type of therapy is usually available in-person or online and aims to teach you strategies to improve your life with ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely of having comorbid disorders. It is important to treat these conditions well. In certain cases, a combination of medications and behavioral therapies can yield the most effective results. A therapist can show you how to manage your mood and anxiety with mindfulness-based techniques, such as meditation and yoga, and treat comorbid disorders like depression and substance abuse.
Therapy
Many psychiatric conditions can resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, a complete evaluation is necessary to determine the cause of these symptoms. The evaluation could include a thorough review of the person's medical history, psychological testing and a detailed analysis of their behavior. The test will also include a review of the person’s family history.
Psychotherapy is a key part of treatment for adhd in adults. It can assist people in dealing with the emotional distress and frustrations caused by their inability to function at a level that is in line with their own expectations. It can also enhance the relationships with their families and help them develop coping mechanisms. Behavioral therapy can help patients to concentrate on their tasks and break down large projects into smaller steps that are easier to manage. It can also help them learn to control impulsive behaviors and gain confidence in their ability to succeed.
Family and marriage counseling can help couples recognize the issues ADHD can bring to their relationship. They can also learn to constructively address issues that arise in their families or in their marriages instead of blaming one another. Individual psychotherapy allows people to identify the root causes of their issues, like feelings of guilt or sadness. add treatments for adults can also assist people develop healthy coping mechanisms, such as meditation or exercise.
A calming medication, such as clonidine, which is a 2-adrenergic receptor agonist, is used to treat hyperactivity and impulsivity in some adults suffering from ADHD. It can be especially beneficial for individuals who have an underlying Tourette's disorder or other tic disorders. It is usually regarded as a second-line medication after non-stimulant medications have been tried but were discovered to be ineffective (Wilens 2004).
Clinical trials are research studies that test the effectiveness and safety of new treatments and diseases. They can be a vital component of adhd treatment and provide the opportunity to be part of advanced research in the hope that it can lead to better treatment in the future. Before participating in any clinical trial, patients should talk to their physician. The health care professional can provide an overview of current clinical trials that are open to the patient.
Nutrition
Adults with ADHD may find that their diet has a major influence on how they feel and function. A healthy, balanced diet can decrease the impulsivity of people and help improve concentration. Avoiding junk food and sodas can also help to reduce or eliminate ADHD symptoms. Adults with ADHD should take regular meals and snacks, as well as drink to ensure that their blood sugar levels remain constant throughout the day. This can help improve their mood, energy and sleep quality at night.
It is crucial to assess people suffering from ADHD symptoms to make sure they are not caused by another condition. Additionally, many medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, hearing and vision problems, depression and anxiety and the history of alcohol or drug abuse, and certain medications.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be more difficult than in children. A diagnosis requires a history of childhood symptoms that are in line with ADHD and an assessment of functional impairment. Many adults don't have a clear childhood ADHD history, or may not have a parent or 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 doctor should be aware of this when deciding whether or not to prescribe these medications.
There are a variety of FDA-approved drugs that can be used to treat adult ADHD such as stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Stimulants are effective in decreasing ADHD symptoms however, they should be used with caution and those affected by the disorder must be checked regularly for adverse effects. There are also long-acting versions that can be taken one or twice a day which is an ideal choice for adults with ADHD. These medications are available in liquid, tablet or chewable form, and they can be taken with or without food.