Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Treatment of adhd in adults is based on therapy, medication and support from family members. Individuals can also take part in clinical trials to test new ways of treating ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD are the most likely to benefit from stimulant medication. But they need to be closely monitored. That includes monthly clinical appointments as well as frequent reviews of symptoms and side effects.
Medicines
There are a variety of medications that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. These are called psychostimulants and they alter 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 best dose and schedule to take it. It may take some time to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that will control 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 aids in controlling your impulses and focus. They are available in short-, intermediateand long-acting varieties. Short-acting stimulants last about 6 hours, intermediate-acting drugs last 8-10 hours, and long-acting medicines last up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely to cause side effects than shorterand intermediate-acting medications, but they still cause sleepiness and changes in appetite.
Nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera), are used to treat adult ADHD in cases where stimulants don't work or cause unwanted side effects. These medicines don't affect the levels of norepinephrine or dopamine however they do increase the amount of norepinephrine available to your brain, and improve your ability to concentrate. These medicines come in capsules and can be taken twice or once every day.
Some people with ADHD suffer from co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression. These are known as comorbid disorders and can affect how you respond to treatment for ADHD. Before beginning treatment for ADHD it is essential to address any comorbidities. People who have a history of addiction to drugs are more likely to misuse psychostimulants. It is recommended to wait until someone has quit using drugs before treating them with stimulants.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a method of discussing and discussing things that can be troubling or troubling to a person. The therapist gives advice on the basis of his or her qualifications, experience, training, and the philosophy of therapy. Psychotherapy can be short-term (a few weeks or months) dealing with issues that are more immediate or more long-term (months or years) where a person is working to address more complicated and longstanding issues. The patient and therapist determine the duration and frequency of therapy.
Psychotherapy and medication are a highly effective way to treat adults with ADHD. Behavioral therapy can help people improve their organizational skills, time management and prioritizing. It can also teach techniques to manage emotions, such as anger and frustration. Medication can reduce symptoms, increase focus and lead to better academic and work performance.
Adults with ADHD have a higher risk of co-existing conditions. This is particularly true for mood disorders like anxiety and depression. Before starting treatment of adhd in adults for ADHD it is essential to treat any co-existing condition. The treatment of co-existing conditions could require different types of medications and dosages compared to the medications used to treat ADHD.
A person who suffers from ADHD may also be suffering from hypertension. To select a medication to treat the ADHD symptoms without causing destabilization of the hypertension of the patient, it is important to understand how different medications affect individuals over time as well as the interactions between medications.
It is essential to find a therapist who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD and with whom you are comfortable. It's also important to arrange your first few sessions when you won't be distracted by family obligations or work obligations.
Counseling
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically face a variety of problems in their lives, such as relationships and work problems. They may also feel anger, blame and frustration that have accumulated in their lives because of their symptoms. Psychosocial treatments can help patients and their families to develop new abilities, attitudes, and ways of relating.
Psychotherapy can also include cognitive behavioral therapy, a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals change their thinking and behavior. It includes goal-setting, skills training and practice, as well as methods of teaching to improve self-esteem and organization. It can be conducted in groups or individually. Metacognitive therapy has been proven to significantly reduce symptoms among adults with ADHD and improve their functioning (Stevenson et al., 2002).
In addition to psychotherapy, some individuals with ADHD require counseling to address specific difficulties. These may include family conflict, impulsive or aggressive behavior, or difficulty managing failures and disappointments. Counseling can help teach strategies to manage these situations, improve communication, and enhance problem-solving abilities. It can also help improve interpersonal relationships, particularly in long-term marriages or other relationships.
Family therapy and support groups therapy are also types of psychotherapy that could be used to treat ADHD. These therapies can help families cope and learn skills to reduce conflict and improve communication when dealing with a child who has ADHD. It also helps parents understand the disorder and develop parenting techniques that promote positive outcomes for their children.
Adults suffering from ADHD should discuss their medication regularly with their physicians and also disclose any other medications, such as over-the drug products. Certain medications can cause adverse effects or interact with other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis is made, it is important to monitor the patient to ensure he/she is getting the benefits of the medication and is not experiencing any adverse side effects. It is recommended that a patient be examined for initial clinical monitoring within 30 days of starting treatment and then every month thereafter. This permits the proper adjustment of psychostimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, to a safe, effective dose. This allows accurate registration of the patients' response and prevents the patient from being a patients who are sensitive to doses that are too low.
For adults who are unable to respond adequately to stimulant medication or suffer from uncontrollable side effects, the use of nonstimulant medication may be indicated. This typically involves the use of atomoxetine or other methylphenidate-related alternatives.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically suffer from comorbid disorders like mood or anxiety disorder, substance abuse problems or depression. They might also be suffering from medical issues like hearing and vision problems or chronic sleep disorders. It is crucial to identify and evaluate such conditions in the initial evaluation for ADHD because they could have a significant impact on functional impairment in adults.
Marital therapy is also useful in the treatment of ADHD. spouses feel overwhelmed by the caretaking responsibilities of their spouses with ADHD and can become resentful or angry as a consequence. Reducing resentment can be achieved by enhancing the understanding of his/her condition, and helping them to realize that the symptoms are not due to a lack in willfulness or love. Couples who undergo this type of therapy are more likely to have better functioning families.
Behavioral Therapy
For people who suffer from ADHD, psychotherapy is generally recommended and should include a cognitive-behavioral component. Behavioral therapy helps patients improve their focus, organization skills and control their impulsive behaviors. It teaches patients to manage their work, home and social interactions in more productive ways. Psychotherapy can also help patients understand how their condition affects different areas of their lives and relationships. This can help reduce the self-doubt and shame that are often experienced by those with ADHD who are considered lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
ADHD symptoms can be mirrored by a variety of psychiatric disorders. For example anxiety disorders are seen at a high rate in adult ADHD patients, and depression is found at higher levels in people suffering from the disorder. If necessary the presence of any other psychiatric disorders must be evaluated to determine whether ADHD symptoms are caused by them.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated using a combination of pharmacotherapy, and psychotherapy. It has been proven that when a combination of medications and psychotherapy is utilized the results are superior than either treatment alone. Future controlled medication studies should attempt to measure and track the improvement in functional aspects such as improved performance at work, school and interpersonal relationships.