Treatment of ADHD in Adults

Treatment of adhd in adults focuses on medication, therapy and family support. Individuals can also take part in clinical trials to try new methods of treating ADHD.

Adults with ADHD are the most likely to benefit from stimulant medications. They require monitoring regularly. This includes monthly clinical appointments and frequent reviews of symptoms.

Medications

Numerous medications can be used to reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. These medications are called psychostimulants, and they work by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain that transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will select a medication that's right for you and will determine the most appropriate dosage and time to take it. It could take some time to find the right dosage and medication that will control your symptoms.

The first medication that doctors prescribe to adults suffering from ADHD is stimulants. They increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in your brain, which increase your ability to concentrate and control impulses. They are available in short-, intermediateand long-acting versions. Short-acting stimulants can last for 6 hours. Intermediate-acting medicines last for 8-10 hours. Long-acting stimulants last from 8 to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely to cause adverse effects than shorterand intermediate-acting drugs, however they still cause an increase in appetite and sleepiness.

Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, (Strattera) are used to treat adults with ADHD if stimulants do not perform or cause unwanted side effects. These medicines do not affect your norepinephrine or dopamine, but they increase your brain's availability of norepinephrine and improve your ability to concentrate. These capsules are consumed once or two times a day.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD also suffer from other mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions are referred to as comorbidities, and they can influence how you respond to ADHD treatment. Before beginning treatment for ADHD it is essential to address any comorbidities. People with a history substance abuse disorders are more likely to abuse psychostimulants. It's best to wait until someone has quit using drugs before treating them with stimulants.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a method of therapy that involves discussing and talking about topics that are troubling or disturbing to a person. The therapist provides guidance on the basis of his or her education, experience, credentials and the philosophy of therapy. Psychotherapy can be short-term, (a few weeks or months), addressing more immediate issues, or longer-term. The duration and frequency of the treatment is determined by the therapist and patient together.

The use of psychotherapy and drugs together is an extremely effective treatment option for adults with ADHD. Behavioral therapy can help people improve their ability to manage their time, organize and prioritizing; it can also teach strategies for managing emotions like anger and frustration. The use of medication can help reduce symptoms, improve concentration and improve academic and work performance.

Adults with ADHD are more likely of co-existing conditions. This is especially relevant for mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. It is crucial that any co-existing condition be treated prior to starting treatment for ADHD. Treatment of co-existing disorders could require different types and dosages of medication than the ones used to treat ADHD.

A person suffering from ADHD can also have hypertension. Finding a medication that can treat the ADHD symptoms but doesn't affect the patient's hypertension that is controlled requires knowledge of how different medications affect people over time, as well as an understanding of the interactions between various medications.

It's important to find a therapy provider with whom you have a a good relationship, and who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. It is also crucial to schedule your first few sessions during times when you aren't distracted by family responsibilities or work obligations.

Counseling

Adults who suffer from ADHD face a variety of challenges in their lives, such as difficulties at work and with relationships. They may also experience frustration, blame and anger that have developed in their lives because of their symptoms. A variety of psychosocial treatments have been proven effective in helping them and their families learn new behaviors, skills, and ways of relating.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps people change their habits and thoughts. It includes goal-setting, skill training and practice, as well as teaching strategies to improve organization and self-esteem. This can be accomplished individually or in a group. Metacognitive therapy has proven to significantly reduce symptoms among adults with ADHD and improve their performance (Stevenson et al. 2002).

In addition to psychotherapy, some people with ADHD require counseling to address specific life challenges. This could include family conflict, impulsive and aggressive behavior, or difficulties coping with disappointments and failures. Counseling can teach strategies to help deal with these situations and enhance communication and problem-solving abilities. It can also help improve interpersonal relationships, especially in long-term marriages or other relationships.

Family therapy and supportive group therapy are also types of psychotherapy that could be used to treat ADHD. These can help families deal with the stress of having a child suffering from ADHD, as well as help improve communication and reduce conflict. It can also assist parents to understand the disorder and develop parenting techniques that promote positive outcomes for their children.

Adults with untreated adhd in adults relationships must discuss their medication regularly with their physicians and disclose any other medications, including over the counter drugs. Some medications can cause side effects or interact with other medications.

Medication Monitoring

After a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis is made it is important that the patient be monitored to ensure that they are receiving the benefits of the medication and is not experiencing any adverse side effects. It is recommended to visit the patient for the initial medical monitoring within 30 days after starting treatment, and then every month after that. This permits the proper titration of psychostimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamines to a safe, effective dose. This permits accurate recording of the patient's reaction and helps avoid keeping the patient with a sensitive response on doses that are not sufficient.

Adults who do not respond well to stimulant medication or have side effects that are intolerable might benefit from non-stimulant drugs. This typically involves the use of atomoxetine, or other related alternatives to methylphenidate.

Adults suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring disorders such as mood or anxiety disorder, substance abuse problems or depression. They may also have medical conditions like hearing or vision problems, or chronic sleep disorders. As part of the initial assessment for ADHD it is essential to screen such conditions and evaluate them. These conditions could have a significant impact on functional impairments in adults.

Marital therapy is also useful in the treatment of ADHD. spouses feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caring for their spouses with ADHD and can be angry or resentful in response. Reducing resentment can be achieved by enhancing the patient's awareness of their condition, and helping them understand that the symptoms aren't the result of an absence of willfulness or love. Couples who go through this kind of therapy typically experience better family functioning.

Behavioral Therapy

For those who suffer from ADHD Psychotherapy is generally recommended and should include an element of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy helps patients improve their organizational skills, focus and control their impulsive behaviors. It helps patients learn to manage their social, work, and home situations more effectively. Psychotherapy also helps patients understand how to get diagnosed and treated for adhd their disorder impacts different aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help alleviate the shame and low self-esteem that is commonly seen in adults with ADHD, who may be thought of as inept or unintelligent.

Many psychiatric disorders mimic ADHD symptoms. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. If it is necessary the presence of other psychiatric disorders should be evaluated to determine if ADHD symptoms are caused by them.

A combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy is typically recommended for the treatment of ADHD in adults. It has been demonstrated that a combination of psychotherapy and medication yields better results than either treatment by itself. Future controlled medication studies will try to measure and assess improvements in functional performance, for example, improved functioning in school as well as in the workplace and interpersonal relationships.