ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is associated with significant difficulties in academic achievement and social functioning. Adults who suffer from ADHD are at a higher risk of depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and addiction disorders.
The medications that improve ADHD symptoms by increasing neurotransmitters responsible for controlling attention and impulsivity seem to be working. Medication trials are usually conducted to determine which medications and in what dosages are most effective for each individual.
Medication
The use of acute treatments, such as medication, can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms in adults. The most effective medications improve core ADHD symptoms by affecting neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They function by increasing the availability of these neurotransmitters in the presynaptic transporters, and reducing their reuptake to avoid their breakdown. Since physicians cannot determine which medication will be most effective for a specific patient, they usually conduct a medication trial. This begins with a low dose that is slowly increased over 3-7 days until clinical benefits are realized.
Methylphenidate is a common psychostimulant that is used to treat ADHD. It's available in the form of tablets, liquids extended-release (Concerta). Extended release is the most reliable because it isn't crushed and used for other purposes, such as to gain a high. Adults who misuse stimulant medications may be afflicted with serious health issues. People who have a history of alcohol or drug abuse should speak with a mental health professional regarding the use of psychostimulants.
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. Some stimulants are also not recommended for people with the history of having Tourette's disease or severe aorexia, mental conditions like schizoaffective disorder and antisocial personality disorders, or medical conditions such as high blood-pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) can enhance mood and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity among some adults suffering from ADHD. They are effective by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transmitter, allowing for more of the substance to be absorbed by the brain. They can be used in combination with other ADHD medications or as a stand-alone.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often afflicted by other disorders, like depression or anxiety. These conditions can be treated by psychotherapy or non-medicated treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. This treatment helps patients manage their symptoms and improve their functioning, self-esteem and relationships. Some therapists have special training in treating adults with ADHD.
Counseling
A key part of treatment for adhd in adults is counseling, a form of psychotherapy. Talk therapy can help you deal with your feelings, improve your relationships and learn how to manage stress and anger. It can also teach you methods to improve your self-control as well as reduce impulsive behaviors. Counseling can be done in person or over the phone.
Counseling may involve cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches you to recognize and change negative thoughts and behaviors that cause ADHD symptoms. It can also involve marital or family therapy, which can help loved children cope with their emotions and discover ways to help your progress. It could also include lifestyle coaching, which can teach you skills to help manage your ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD have trouble getting up in the morning or going through the day. A therapist can suggest a sleeping routine that includes a regular time to go to bed and wake up every day. It is essential to get enough sleep so that your body functions optimally.
Many people suffering from ADHD have trouble working through tasks and staying on track at school, work and in their personal lives. The reasons for this are usually result of long-running patterns of underachievement and failure academic challenges or job changes, as well as relationship conflicts. Individual therapy can help you deal with emotional baggage, including low self-esteem, feeling of shame and embarrassment resulting due to past mistakes, and frustration at the criticism or nagging you receive from those close to you.
Behavioral coaching is a form of therapy for adults with ADHD that is focused on practical everyday living solutions, such as organizing the home and workplace and arranging your day, prioritizing your work and managing your money. This therapy is usually available in person or via the internet, and aims at teaching you strategies to improve your life with ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from multiple psychiatric conditions, and it's important to treat these conditions as well. In certain cases it is possible to combine medications and behavioral therapies can yield the best results. A Therapist can assist you in learning to manage your anxiety and mood with mindfulness-based treatments like yoga and meditation, and deal with other comorbidities such as depression or substance misuse.
Therapy
Many psychiatric disorders can resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, a thorough assessment is essential to determine the root of these symptoms. This evaluation may include a medical history, psychological tests and a thorough examination of the person's behavior. The evaluation will include a review of a person's family history.
Psychotherapy is an integral part of treatment for adhd in adults. It helps people deal with the emotional distress caused by their inability to function in a way that is consistent with their expectations. It can also assist them to create strategies to cope and strengthen relationships with family members. Behavioral therapy can help patients focus on their tasks and break down large projects into smaller pieces that are easier for them to manage. It can also help them learn to manage their impulsive behavior and build confidence in their abilities to achieve success.
Marriage and family counseling can help natural adhd treatment reddit couples understand the difficulties that ADHD can bring about in their relationships. They can also learn how to discuss issues in a constructive manner that arise within their families or in their marriages, instead of blaming one other. Individual psychotherapy can help individuals explore the root causes of their issues, such as feelings of sadness or guilt. It can also help them to develop healthy strategies for coping like meditation or exercise.
A calming medication, such as clonidine, a 2-adrenergic receptor agonist, is used to treat impulsivity and hyperactivity in some adults suffering from ADHD. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who have an underlying Tourette's disorder or other tic disorders. It is typically prescribed as a second line medication after nonstimulant medications have been tried, but are found to be ineffective.
Clinical trials are research studies that study the safety and effectiveness of new treatments for various diseases and conditions. They can be an essential component of treatment for adhd in adults and offer the chance to participate in advanced research that could lead to better treatments in the future. Patients should always speak with their doctor prior to taking part in a clinical trial. The health care professional will be able provide a list of current clinical trials that are available to patients.
Nutrition
Adults who suffer from ADHD may discover that their diet has a significant influence on how they feel and perform. A balanced, healthy diet can help reduce impulsivity and improve focus. Avoiding junk food and sodas can help reduce or eliminate ADHD symptoms. In addition, adults who suffer from ADHD should take regular meals and snacks to keep their blood sugar levels in check throughout the day. This can help improve their mood, energy levels and sleep quality at night.
Many psychiatric disorders may have symptoms similar to those of ADHD, so it is crucial for adults suffering from these conditions to be evaluated attentively to determine if the symptoms are caused by another disorder. Many medical conditions can cause symptoms and signs reminiscent of ADHD, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and issues with hearing and vision. Depression and anxiety, a drug or alcohol history, and certain medications are also possible.
The diagnosis of ADHD for adults can be more difficult than it is for children. A diagnosis is made by analyzing functional impairment as well as an underlying history of childhood ADHD symptoms. Many adults don't have a clear history of childhood ADHD, or may not have an older sibling or parent who can confirm symptoms. A person who is using alcohol or drugs might not be a good candidate for treatment with psychostimulants and their doctor should be aware of this when deciding if or not to prescribe these drugs.
There are many FDA approved drugs that can treat adult ADHD. These include stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. They are effective in decreasing ADHD symptoms however they must be used in a responsible manner and those with the disorder should be checked regularly for adverse effects. There are also longer-acting versions of these drugs that can be taken once or twice daily which is a more convenient option for those who suffer from ADHD. These medications are available in tablet, liquid or chewable form and can be taken with or without food.