Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Adults with adhd are treated with therapy, medication and support from the family. People can also participate in clinical trials that test new approaches to treating ADHD.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to benefit from stimulant drugs. They need to be monitored regularly. This includes monthly clinical appointments and regular review of symptoms.
Medicines
There are many medications that can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. They are known as psychostimulants and they work by changing the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) which transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate medication for your needs and will determine the most effective dosage and schedule. It could take some time to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that will control your symptoms.
Stimulants are usually the first medication doctors prescribe for adults with ADHD. They increase the amount of dopamine that is present in your brain and norepinephrine, which allows you to manage your thoughts and keep your focus. They come in short-, intermediate-and 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 have fewer negative effects than shorter- or intermediate-acting medications, but they can still cause insomnia and changes in appetite.
Nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine, (Strattera), are used to treat adults with ADHD in cases where stimulants don't perform or cause unwanted side effects. These medicines do not affect your norepinephrine or dopamine however, they can increase the brain's supply of norepinephrine. They also improve your ability to concentrate. The capsules are taken one or two times a day.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other mental disorders, like anxiety and depression. 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. Patients with a history of substance abuse disorders are more likely to abuse psychostimulants. It's best to wait until someone has stopped using drugs before using stimulants.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a process of discussing and talking about issues that may be disturbing or troubling for a person. The therapist gives advice in accordance with their education, experience, credentials, and therapeutic philosophy. Psychotherapy can be short-term (a few weeks or months) or addressing more immediate issues, or long-term. The therapist and the patient determine the length and frequency of treatment.
Psychotherapy and medication are an extremely effective method to treat adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy helps people improve their ability to manage their time, organize and prioritizing. It can also teach techniques to manage emotions, such as anger and frustration. Treatment can ease symptoms and increase focus, which leads to more productive and effective academic and work.
Adults with ADHD have a higher risk of co-existing illnesses. This is especially relevant for mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Before starting treatment for ADHD, it is important to treat any co-existing disorders. adhd counseling for co-existing disorders might require different types and doses of medication than that used to treat ADHD.
A person with ADHD may also be suffering from hypertension. To choose a medication to treat the ADHD symptoms without causing destabilization of the patient's hypertension it is essential to know how different medications affect individuals in the course of time, as well as the interactions between the medications.
It is important to choose the right therapist with whom you have an excellent relationship and who has experience treating adults with ADHD. It is crucial to schedule your initial sessions at a time when you aren't distracted by work or family obligations.
Counseling
Adults suffering from ADHD face many challenges in their lives, including issues at work and in relationships. The person who has ADHD might also experience anger, frustration and guilt that has developed over time. Numerous psychosocial therapies have been proven to aid their families and patients learn new skills, attitudes and ways of communicating.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of psychotherapy that assists people in changing their behavior and thinking. It involves goal-setting, training and practicing of skills, and strategies for teaching that help improve self-esteem and organization. It can be done in a private or in a group. Metacognitive therapy has proven to significantly reduce symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and improve their functioning (Stevenson and colleagues. 2002).
In addition to psychotherapy, some people with ADHD require counseling to deal with specific life difficulties. These difficulties could include family conflicts, aggressive or impulsive behaviors, and difficulty coping with failures and disappointments. Counseling can help you develop the skills to help deal with these situations and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. It can also improve relationships, especially in marriages and other long-term relationships.
Family therapy and supportive groups therapy are other forms of psychotherapy that can be used to treat ADHD. These therapies can assist families in coping and develop skills to lessen conflict and improve communication when dealing with children who have ADHD. It can also assist parents to learn about the disorder and develop parenting techniques that promote positive outcomes for their children.
Adults suffering from ADHD should discuss their medication regularly with their doctors and disclose any other medications, such as over-the drug products. Certain medications can cause adverse reactions or interact with other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough examination and diagnosis, it is crucial to monitor the patient to ensure that he/she reaps the benefits of the medication and does not suffer from side adverse effects. It is recommended that patients be examined for initial clinical monitoring within 30 days of initiating treatment, and every month thereafter. This will allow for a thorough titration of psychostimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate to a safe, effective dose. This allows accurate registration of the patient's response and prevents the patient from being a sensitive patient on insufficient doses.
Adults who are not responding well to stimulant medication or who have unwanted side effects that are difficult to tolerate could benefit from non-stimulant medications. This typically involves the use of atomoxetine or other methylphenidate alternatives.
Adults suffering from ADHD are frequently 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 as part of the initial evaluation for ADHD since these can have significant effects on functional impairment in adults.
Marital therapy is also useful in managing ADHD. Spouses report feeling overburdened with the responsibilities of caring for their spouses with ADHD and may become resentful or angry as a consequence. Reducing resentment can be achieved by enhancing the understanding of his/her condition, and helping them to realize that the symptoms aren't due to an absence of affection or willfulness. Couples who undergo this type of therapy tend to have better functioning families.
Behavioral Therapy
For adults with ADHD, psychotherapy is generally recommended and should include the cognitive-behavioral aspect. Behavioral therapy assists patients in learning to improve their abilities to manage their time and focus and control their an impulsive behaviour. It teaches patients to manage their work, home, and social situations in more productive ways. Psychotherapy helps patients understand how their disorder affects various aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help decrease the feelings of shame and low self-esteem that are often experienced by those with ADHD who are viewed as inept or unintelligent.
ADHD symptoms can be mirrored by a variety of psychiatric disorders. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. If necessary, the presence of other mental disorders should be analyzed 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 proven that when a combination of medication and psychotherapy is utilized, the results are better than the results of either treatment alone. Future controlled medication studies will try to measure and assess improvements in functional performance, for example, improvement in school performance, the workplace, and interpersonal relations.