Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Treatment of adhd in adults is based on therapy, medication and support from family members. Clinical trials are available to test new treatments for ADHD.
The stimulant medications are the most effective medications for adults with ADHD. They require monitoring regularly. This includes monthly appointments with a doctor and regular reviews of side effects and symptoms.
Medicines
There are many medications that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. They are referred to as psychostimulants. they affect the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) which transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will recommend the right medication for you and determine the most effective dose and time to take it. It could take some time to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that is able to control your symptoms.
The first medication that doctors prescribe to adults with ADHD is stimulants. These medications increase the amount of dopamine that is present in your brain and norepinephrine, which aids in controlling your thoughts and focus. These medications are available in short-, medium-and long-acting forms. Short-acting stimulants can last for 6 hours. Intermediate-acting medications last 8-10 hours. Long-acting stimulants last from 8 to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely to cause side effects than shorter- or intermediate-acting drugs, however they still can cause an increase in appetite and sleepiness.
Nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine (Strattera), are used to treat adult ADHD if stimulants do not perform or cause undesirable adverse effects. These medicines do not affect your dopamine or norepinephrine levels however they do increase the brain's supply of norepinephrine, which improves your focus. These capsules are taken once or two times a day.
Some people with ADHD have co-occurring disorders, such as depression or anxiety. These are known as comorbid disorders and can affect how you respond to treatment for ADHD. Before starting treatment for ADHD it is important to address any comorbidities. People who have a history of substance abuse disorder are more likely to abuse psychostimulants. This is why it's generally advised to wait until the person has quit using substances before considering treatment with stimulants for ADHD.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an interaction process of talking and discussing issues that could be troubling or troubling to someone. The therapist offers guidance in accordance with their training, experience, credentials, and the philosophy of therapy. Psychotherapy can be short-term (a few weeks or months) dealing with issues that are more immediate, or long-term (months or years) in which a person is working on more complicated and longstanding issues. The duration and frequency of treatment is decided by the patient and therapist together.
The combination of psychotherapy and medication together is a highly effective treatment for adults with ADHD. Behavioral therapy can help individuals improve their time management, organizational skills and prioritizing. It can also teach techniques to manage emotions such as anger and frustration. The use of medication can help reduce symptoms and improve focus, which leads to more efficient and successful academic and work performance.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be affected by co-existing conditions, particularly mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. It is crucial that any co-existing conditions be treated prior to starting treatment for ADHD. The treatment of co-existing conditions might require different kinds of medications and dosages than those that are used to treat ADHD.
A person with ADHD can also have hypertension. To choose 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 people over time and the interactions between the medications.
It's crucial to choose a therapist with had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD and with whom you are at ease. It is crucial to schedule your initial sessions at times when you won't be distracted by work or family obligations.
Counseling
Adults suffering from ADHD face many challenges in their lives, such as issues in their relationships and at work. They may also experience anger, blame, and frustration that have accumulated in their lives due to their symptoms. Psychosocial treatments can aid patients and their families develop new skills, attitudes and ways of relating.
Psychotherapy can also include cognitive behavioral therapy, a form of psychotherapy that assists individuals change their behavior and thinking. It involves goal-setting, training and practicing of skills, and methods of teaching to improve self-esteem and organization. It can be conducted in individual or group sessions. Metacognitive therapy has proven to significantly reduce symptoms among adults suffering from ADHD and improve their performance (Stevenson et al., 2002).
In treating add to psychotherapy, some people with ADHD also require counseling to deal with specific life difficulties. These could include family conflict, impulsive and aggressive behaviors, or difficulty coping with disappointments and failures. Counseling can help develop skills to help deal with these situations and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. It can also enhance interpersonal relationships, especially in long-term marriages or other relationships.
Other types of psychotherapy for ADHD include family therapy and supportive group therapy. These can help families cope with the stress of having a child suffering from ADHD and develop skills to improve communication and reduce conflict. It can also help parents understand the disorder and develop parenting styles that promote positive outcomes for their children.
It is important for people suffering from ADHD to discuss their medication with their health care providers regularly, and to reveal any other medications they're taking, including any over-the-counter medications. Some medications can interact with certain medications or cause adverse effects that are exacerbated by other medicines.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough evaluation and diagnosis, it is important to monitor the patient's condition to ensure that he/she reaps the benefits of the medication and doesn't experience side effects. It is recommended that patients be examined for a first clinical examination within 30 days of initiating treatment, and every month following that. This will allow for an accurate titration of psychostimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate to a well-tolerated and effective dose. This permits accurate recording of the patient's response and helps to avoid keeping a sensitive patient on insufficient doses.
Adults who do not respond well to stimulant medication or who have adverse effects that are unpalatable could benefit from non-stimulant medications. This is usually the case with the methylphenidate based atomoxetine alternatives.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have comorbid disorders such as mood or anxiety disorder, substance abuse problems or depression. Additionally, they may suffer from persistent sleep disturbances or medical issues like vision and hearing disorders. As part of the initial assessment for ADHD it is crucial to identify for these conditions and then evaluate the severity of them. These conditions can have a significant impact on functional impairments for adults.
ADHD can also be controlled through marital therapy. spouses feel overwhelmed by the caretaking duties of their spouses who suffer from ADHD and may become resentful or angry in response. The way to reduce resentment is by increasing the patient's understanding of his/her condition, and helping them understand that the symptoms aren't the result of an absence of affection or willfulness. Couples who undergo this type of therapy are more likely to be more functional as a family.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD is typically advised. It should include a cognitive and behavioral component. Behavioral therapy can help patients to improve their organizational skills and focus, as well as control impulsive behavior. It helps patients manage their work, home and social interactions in more productive ways. Psychotherapy helps patients understand how their disorder impacts different aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help alleviate the self-doubt and shame that is often seen in those with ADHD who are considered lazy or less intelligent.
Many psychiatric disorders be akin to ADHD symptoms. For example anxiety disorders are found at a high rate in adult ADHD patients and depression is seen at higher levels in people suffering from the disorder. If it is necessary the presence of other mental disorders should be assessed to determine whether ADHD symptoms are caused by them.
A combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy is typically recommended for the treatment of ADHD in adults. It has been proven that the combination of psychotherapy with medication can produce better results than either therapy by itself. Future controlled medication studies should attempt to track and measure functional improvements such as improved performance at work, school and interpersonal relationships.