Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Treatment of adhd in adults focuses on medication, therapy and support from family members. Clinical trials are available to test the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to benefit from stimulant medications. But they need to be monitored regularly. This means monthly appointments with a doctor and frequent review of symptoms.
Medicines
There are many medications that can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. They are referred to as psychostimulants. they work by changing the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) that transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will choose a medication that's right for you and will decide the best dose and schedule to take it. It could take some time to find the right medication and dosage that controls your symptoms.
The first medication doctors prescribe to adults suffering from ADHD is stimulants. They increase the amount of dopamine found in your brain, and also norepinephrine which allows you to manage your thoughts and keep your focus. They are available in short-, intermediateand long-acting versions. Short-acting stimulants last about 6 hours, intermediate-acting drugs last between 8 and 10 hours, while long-acting drugs last up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely cause adverse effects than intermediate or shorter-acting medicines. However, they may cause sleepiness and changes in appetite.
Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera), are used to treat adult ADHD if stimulants do not perform or cause unwanted side effects. These medicines do not affect the levels of norepinephrine or dopamine however they do increase the amount of norepinephrine that's available to your brain, and improve your ability to concentrate. The capsules are taken one or two times a day.
Some adults with ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression. These disorders are referred to as comorbidities and may influence how you respond to ADHD treatment. It's important to treat any comorbid conditions before starting treatment for ADHD. People who have a history of substance abuse disorders are more likely to misuse psychostimulants. It's best to wait until someone has quit using drugs before treating them with stimulants.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a process that involves talking and discussing topics that are troubling or disturbing to a person. The therapist offers guidance on the basis of his or her training, experience, credentials and the philosophy of therapy. Psychotherapy may be short-term (a few weeks or even months) or addressing more immediate issues, or more long-term. The duration and frequency of the treatment is decided by the patient and therapist together.
The combination of psychotherapy and medication is an extremely effective way to treat adults with ADHD. Behavioral therapy can help people improve their time management, organizational skills and prioritizing. It can also teach methods to manage emotions, such as anger and frustration. Medication can reduce symptoms, improve focus, and result in better work and academic performance.
Adults with ADHD have a higher likelihood of co-existing illnesses. This is particularly applicable to mood disorders like anxiety and depression. It is essential that any co-existing conditions be treated prior to starting treatment for ADHD. The treatment of co-existing disorders might require different kinds of medications and dosages than the ones prescribed to treat ADHD.
A person who suffers from ADHD may also suffer from hypertension. To pick a medication that can treat the ADHD symptoms without causing destabilization of the hypertension of the patient it is crucial to know how different medications affect people over time and the interactions between medications.
It's important that you locate a therapist who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD and with whom you feel at ease. It is important to schedule your first few sessions at a time when you will not be distracted by family or work obligations.
Counseling
Adults with ADHD typically face a variety of problems in their lives, such as relationships and work problems. People with ADHD can be prone to anger, frustration and blame that have been accumulated over time. Several psychosocial treatments have been proven to aid them and their families develop new attitudes, skills and ways of communicating.
Psychotherapy can also include cognitive behavioral therapy, a form of psychotherapy that assists individuals change their thinking and behavior. It includes goal-setting, skill training and practice, as well as methods to help improve self-esteem and organization. This can be accomplished individually or in a group setting. Metacognitive therapy has been proven to significantly reduce symptoms among adults with ADHD and improve their functioning (Stevenson and colleagues., 2002).
Certain people with ADHD may also require therapy to help them overcome certain life challenges. These challenges may include family conflicts, aggressive or impulsive behaviors, or difficulty in dealing with failures and disappointments. Counseling can help you develop the skills to help manage these situations and improve communication and problem-solving skills. add in adults treatment can also enhance relationships, especially in marriages and other long-term partnerships.
Other forms of psychotherapy for ADHD are family therapy and supportive group therapy. These therapies can assist families in coping and develop skills to lessen conflict and improve communication when dealing with a child suffering from ADHD. It can assist parents understand the disorder and develop parenting strategies that encourage positive results in their children.
It is crucial for people suffering from ADHD to discuss their medications with their health care professionals regularly, and to inform them of all other medications they are taking, including prescription drugs. Certain medications may interact with certain medications or cause adverse reactions that are made worse by other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough examination and diagnosis is established, it is important that the patient be monitored to ensure that he or she is receiving the benefits of medication and not experiencing adverse effects. It is recommended that patients be referred for initial clinical monitoring within 30 days of initiating treatment, and every month thereafter. This permits the proper adjustment of psychostimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidate to a well-tolerated and effective dose. This allows accurate registration of the patient's response and helps to avoid keeping a sensitive patient on insufficient doses.
For adults who do not respond well to stimulant medication or suffer from uncontrollable side effects, the use of nonstimulant medications could be recommended. This usually involves the use atomoxetine, or other methylphenidate-related alternatives.
Adults with ADHD are often affected by comorbid disorders, such as depression or substance abuse. They may also suffer from medical problems like hearing and vision problems or chronic sleep disorders. It is important to screen and evaluate such conditions in the initial assessment for ADHD since these can have significant impact on functional impairment in adults.
ADHD can also be treated through marital therapy. spouses feel overwhelmed by the caretaking responsibilities of their spouses who suffer from ADHD, and can become angry or resentful due to this. Increasing the patient's awareness of the symptoms of his/her condition and helping them understand that these are not willful acts or a lack of love can reduce resentment and marital difficulties. Couples who undergo this type of therapy tend to have better functioning families.
Behavioral Therapy
For those who suffer from ADHD, psychotherapy is generally recommended and should incorporate an element of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy assists patients in improving their focus, organization skills, and control impulsive behaviors. It teaches patients to manage their work, home and social settings in more productive ways. Psychotherapy helps patients to understand how their condition affects different areas of their life and relationships. This can help reduce the feelings of shame and low self-esteem that are often felt by people suffering from ADHD. They might be viewed by others as lazy or less intelligent.
Many psychiatric disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. If it is necessary, the presence of other psychiatric disorders should be analyzed to determine if ADHD symptoms are a result of them.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with a combination of pharmacotherapy, and psychotherapy. It has been demonstrated that when a combination of medication and psychotherapy is used the results are superior than either treatment alone. Future controlled medication studies will attempt to track and evaluate functional improvements, such as better functioning at school, the workplace, and interpersonal relations.