Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Adults suffering from adhd are treated through medication, therapy and support from the family. Clinical trials are available to test the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD are the most likely to benefit from stimulant medication. However, adult add treatments must be constantly monitored. This includes regular clinical appointments as well as frequent reviews of side effects and symptoms.
Medications
There are a variety of medications that can help 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 select the most appropriate medication for your needs, and determine the best dosage and timetable. It could take a while to find the right dosage and medication to control your symptoms.
Stimulants are typically the first medication doctors prescribe for adults with ADHD. They increase the amount of dopamine in your brain and norepinephrine, which allows you to manage your thoughts and improve your focus. They are available in short-, intermediate-and long-acting versions. Short-acting stimulants last for about 6 hours, intermediate-acting drugs last 8-10 hours, and long-acting medications last for up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely cause adverse effects than shorter- or intermediate-acting medications. However, they can still cause sleepiness and change in appetite.
Nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera) are used to treat adult ADHD in cases where stimulants don't perform or cause unwanted adverse effects. These medicines do not affect your dopamine or norepinephrine however they increase the amount of norepinephrine that's available to your brain and improve your ability to concentrate. These medications are available in capsules and are taken once or twice each day.
Some people with ADHD have co-occurring disorders, such as depression or anxiety. These are called comorbid conditions and they can influence how you react to treatment for ADHD. It is important to address any comorbid disorders prior to beginning treatment for ADHD. People who have a history of addiction to drugs are more likely to abuse psychostimulants. It is best to wait until a person has quit using drugs before using stimulants.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a method of therapy that involves discussing and discussing issues that cause anxiety or are disturbing to the person. The therapist listens to the person and provides guidance based on his or her education, training as well as experience professional credentials and therapeutic philosophies. Psychotherapy could be short-term (a few weeks or months) dealing with immediate issues, or long-term (months or years) where a person is working to address more complicated and longstanding issues. The duration and frequency of treatment is decided by the therapist and patient together.
The use of psychotherapy and medications together is a highly effective treatment for adults with ADHD. Behavioral therapy assists people in improving their abilities to organize their lives, manage their time and prioritizing; it can also teach techniques for managing emotions such as anger and frustration. Medication can reduce symptoms, improve focus, and result in better work and academic performance.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have co-existing disorders, including mood disorders like anxiety and depression. Before starting treatment for ADHD it is essential to treat any co-existing condition. Treatment of co-existing disorders may require different types and doses of medication than those used to treat ADHD.
For example, a person who suffers from ADHD might 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 different medications affect people over time, as well as an understanding of the interactions between different medications.
It's crucial to choose a therapist with had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD and with whom you feel at ease. It's also important to arrange your first few sessions during times when you're not distracted by your family obligations or work obligations.
Counseling
Adults who suffer from ADHD face many challenges in their lives, including problems at work and in relationships. They may also feel anger, blame, and frustration that have developed in their lives because of their symptoms. Psychosocial therapies can help patients and their families develop new abilities, attitudes and ways of relating.
Psychotherapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of psychotherapy that aids individuals to modify their thinking and behavior. It involves goal-setting, skill training and practice, and methods to help improve organization and self-esteem. It can be carried out in groups or individually. Metacognitive therapy has proven to significantly reduce symptoms among adults with ADHD and improve their performance (Stevenson and colleagues., 2002).
In addition to psychotherapy, some people with ADHD also require counseling to address specific challenges. These issues could include family conflicts, aggressive or impulsive behaviors, and difficulty coping with disappointments and failures. Counseling can help teach skills to manage these situations, improve communication, and enhance problem-solving abilities. It can also enhance interpersonal relationships, particularly in marriages and other long-term partnerships.
Family therapy and support groups therapy are two other types of psychotherapy that could be utilized to treat ADHD. These can assist families to cope with the stress of having a child suffering from ADHD, as well as develop skills to improve communication and reduce conflicts. It can assist parents understand the disorder, and develop parenting techniques that promote positive outcomes for their children.
It is important for people suffering from ADHD to discuss their medications with their healthcare providers regularly, and to disclose all other medications they're taking, including any over-the-counter medications. Some medications can cause adverse reactions 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 he/she reaps the benefits of the medication and does not experience side negative effects. It is recommended to consult the patient for the initial clinical monitoring within 30days after starting treatment and every month thereafter. This will allow for an accurate adjustment of psychostimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidate to a well-tolerated and effective dose. This allows for accurate registration of the patient's response and helps to avoid keeping a sensitive patient on insufficient doses.
Adults who are not responding well to stimulant medications or suffer from unwanted side effects that are difficult to tolerate may benefit from nonstimulant medications. This typically involves the use of atomoxetine, or other methylphenidate alternatives.
Adults with ADHD typically suffer from comorbid disorders like mood disorder or anxiety disorder, substance abuse problems or depression. Moreover, they may have chronic sleep disorders or medical issues such as hearing and vision problems. As part of the initial evaluation for ADHD it is crucial to screen these conditions and assess the severity of them. These conditions can have a significant impact on functional impairments for adults.
Marital therapy can also be beneficial in the management of ADHD. Couples often say that they are overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caring for their spouses who have ADHD and can become angry and angry as a result. Reducing resentment can be achieved by enhancing the patient's understanding of the condition, and assisting them to realize that the symptoms are not the result of a lack in love or willfulness. Couples who go through this kind of therapy typically experience better family functioning.
Behavioral Therapy
For people who suffer from ADHD, psychotherapy is generally recommended and should include a cognitive-behavioral component. Behavioral therapy helps patients learn to improve their organizational skills and focus, as well as control an impulsive behaviour. It helps patients manage their home, work, and social situations more effectively. Psychotherapy can also help patients understand how their disorder affects different areas of their lives and relationships. This can help decrease the self-doubt and shame that is often seen in people with ADHD who are viewed as lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
Many psychiatric disorders may mimic ADHD symptoms. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to be suffering from depression and anxiety disorders. If it is necessary the presence of any other psychiatric disorders should be analyzed to determine whether ADHD symptoms are caused by them.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with the combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been proven that the combination of psychotherapy with medication produces better results than either therapy on its own. Future controlled medication studies should attempt to track and measure functional improvements such as improved performance at work, school, and interpersonal relationships.