Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Treatment of adhd in adults is based on therapy, medication and family support. Clinical trials are available to test new treatments for ADHD.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to benefit from stimulant drugs. They must be monitored regularly. This means monthly appointments with a doctor and regular review of symptoms.
Medicines
Numerous medications can be used to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD among 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 the right medication for you and determine the most effective dose and time to take it. It could take some time to find the right dosage and medication to control your symptoms.
The first medication doctors prescribe to adults suffering from ADHD is stimulants. These medications increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain, which increase your ability to focus and manage impulses. These medications are available in short-, medium-- and long-acting versions. Short-acting stimulants can last up to up to 6 hours. Intermediate-acting medications last 8-10 hours. Long-acting stimulants last from 8 to 16. Long-acting stimulants are less likely to cause side effects than shorter- or intermediate-acting drugs, however they still cause an increase in appetite and sleepiness.
Nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera), are used to treat adults with ADHD when stimulants don't perform or cause unwanted adverse effects. These medications don't affect your dopamine or norepinephrine levels however, they can increase the brain's supply of norepinephrine and improve your ability to concentrate. The capsules are taken one or twice daily.
Many people with ADHD may also suffer from other psychiatric disorders, like depression and anxiety. These are referred to as comorbid conditions and they can impact the way you respond to treatment for ADHD. Before beginning treatment for ADHD it is essential to address any comorbid issues. For instance, those who have an history of using substances disorder are more likely to abuse psychostimulants. This is why it's generally advised to wait until the person has removed themselves from using substances before evaluating treatment with stimulants for ADHD.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an interactive process of discussing and talking about things that can be troubling or troubling to a person. The therapist offers guidance based upon his or her education, experience, credentials and therapeutic philosophy. Psychotherapy may be short-term (a few weeks or even months), addressing more immediate issues, or more long-term. The duration and frequency of treatment is determined by the patient and therapist together.
The use of psychotherapy and drugs together is an extremely effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy can help people improve their abilities to organize their lives, manage their time and prioritizing; it can also teach strategies for managing emotions like anger and frustration. Medication can reduce symptoms and increase focus, leading to more efficient and successful work and academic performance.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to have co-existing disorders, including mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Before starting treatment for ADHD it is crucial to treat any co-existing condition. The treatment of co-existing disorders may require different types of medication and doses than the ones that are used to treat ADHD.
For example, a person with ADHD might also be suffering from hypertension. Finding a medication that can treat the ADHD symptoms but does not destabilize the patient's hypertension which is being controlled requires understanding how different medications affect people over time and an understanding of the interactions between different medications.
It is essential to locate a therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD and with whom you are at ease. It is also crucial to schedule your first few sessions during times when you won't be distracted by family obligations or work obligations.
Counseling
Adults suffering from ADHD face a variety of challenges in their lives, such as issues at work and with relationships. The person who has ADHD might also experience anger, frustration and guilt that has been accumulated over time. Psychosocial treatments can help patients and their families to develop new attitudes, skills, and ways of relating.
Psychotherapy can include cognitive behavior therapy, a form of psychotherapy that assists individuals change their thinking and behavior. It involves goal-setting, skill training and practice, and methods to help improve organization and self-esteem. This can be accomplished individually or in a group. 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 people with ADHD require counseling to address specific issues. These difficulties could include family conflicts, impulsive or aggressive behaviors, and difficulty coping with disappointments and failures. Counseling can help teach how to handle these situations, improve communication and increase problem-solving capabilities. It can also help improve interpersonal relationships, particularly in marriages or other long-term partnerships.
Other forms of psychotherapy for ADHD are family therapy and supportive group therapy. These can help families deal with the stress of having a child with ADHD and teach skills to improve communication and reduce conflict. It can also assist parents to understand the disorder and develop parenting styles that encourage positive outcomes for their children.
Adults suffering from ADHD should discuss their medication regularly with their physicians and also disclose any other medications, click here such as over-the prescription drugs. Certain medications may interact with certain medications or trigger side effects that are worsened by 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 doesn't suffer from side effects. It is recommended to consult patients for initial medical monitoring within 30 days after starting treatment and every month thereafter. This allows for an accurate titration of psychostimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate to a well-tolerated and effective dose. This permits accurate recording of the patients' response and helps avoid keeping the patient with a sensitive response on doses that are not sufficient.
For adults who do not respond adequately to stimulant medication or have intolerable side effects the use of non-stimulant drugs might be suggested. This usually involves the use atomoxetine, or other methylphenidate-related alternatives.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have comorbid disorders like mood or anxiety disorder, substance abuse problems or depression. They may also have medical issues like hearing and vision problems, or chronic sleep disorders. As part of the initial assessment for ADHD it is essential to detect for these conditions and then evaluate their severity. These conditions can have a significant impact on functional impairments in adults.
Marital therapy can be helpful in the treatment of ADHD. Couples complain of being overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caring for their spouses suffering from ADHD and can be angry or resentful as a consequence. Reducing resentment can be achieved by increasing the patient's understanding of the condition, and helping them to understand that the symptoms aren't caused by an absence of affection or willfulness. Couples who go through this type of therapy generally experience a better family functioning.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy for adults with ADHD is usually recommended. It should include a cognitive and behavioral component. Behavioral therapy helps patients improve their organization skills, focus and manage impulsive behavior. It teaches patients to manage their home, work, and social situations in more productive ways. Psychotherapy also helps patients understand how their condition impacts different aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help decrease the shame and low self-esteem that are often experienced by those with ADHD who are considered lazy or less intelligent.
ADHD symptoms can be mimicked by various mental disorders. For example anxiety disorders are found at high rates in adult ADHD patients and depression is observed at increased levels in people suffering from the disorder. The presence of other psychiatric problems should be evaluated, as appropriate, to determine if the patient's ADHD symptoms are connected to them.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with an amalgamation of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been demonstrated that when a combination of medication and psychotherapy is utilized, the results are better than treatment on its own. Future controlled studies will aim to monitor and evaluate improvements in functional performance, for example, improvement in school performance as well as in the workplace and interpersonal relations.