ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is associated with significant impairments of academic performance and social functioning. Adults with ADHD have a higher risk of depression, anxiety disorders as well as addiction and substance use disorders.
Treatments that help improve the core ADHD symptoms are shown to be effective by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters that regulate the ability to focus and impulsivity. The purpose of these trials is to determine which medication is most effective and in what dosages.
Medication
Acute treatments such as medication can help to improve ADHD symptoms in adults. The most effective medications improve the core ADHD symptoms by altering neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They improve the availability of these neurotransmitters at the presynaptic transporters and decreasing their reuptake, which prevents their breakdown. The doctors are not able to predict what medication is most effective for a specific person and so the majority of adults go through a medication trial. The low dose is gradually increased over 3-7 days, until the clinical benefits have been achieved.
Methylphenidate is a common psychostimulant that is used to treat ADHD. It's available in the form of a tablet, liquid, or extended-release (Concerta). Extended release is the most reliable because it isn't able to be crushed and used for other purposes, such as to gain a high. Adults who misuse stimulant medication can experience serious health problems. Therefore, those who have an background of alcohol or drug abuse should discuss the use of psychostimulants with an expert in mental health.
The stimulants can cause mood fluctuations and sleep disturbances. If these symptoms occur it is possible that the patient needs a change in medication or to stop taking it. Stimulants are also contraindicated in those who have a family history of Tourette's disorder, severe anorexia, certain psychosis disorders like schizoaffective disorders, antisocial personality disorder, as well as certain medical conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers like bupropion, (Wellbutrin XL), may boost mood and reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity among adults suffering from ADHD. They block the reuptake process of norepinephrine by the presynaptic transporter, which allows more of the substance to reach the brain. They are able to be used with other ADHD medications or as a stand-alone.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression. They can be treated using psychotherapy or non-medication therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. This treatment teaches patients to manage their symptoms and improve their functioning, self-esteem and relationships. Some therapists are trained to treat adults with ADHD.
Counseling
Counseling, which is a form of psychotherapy, is a key part of treatment for adhd in adults. 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 techniques to improve your self-control and reduce impulsive behaviors. Counseling can be provided in person or via the phone.
Counseling could include cognitive behavior therapy. It teaches you to recognize and modify negative thoughts and behavior that could contribute to ADHD symptoms. It may also include family or marital therapy which can help loved ones deal with their emotions and help them support your progress. Lifestyle coaching could be a part of the program in the training to manage ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently have trouble getting up in the morning and getting through the day without feeling exhausted or angry. A therapist can suggest an appropriate sleep schedule, which includes a bedtime and wake-up time that's consistent every night and day. It is important to get enough rest so that your body can function optimally.
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle with working through tasks and staying on track at school, work and in their personal lives. Their problems are often result of long-running patterns of failure and underachievement academic issues or job changes, as well as conflict in relationships. Individual therapy can help you deal with emotional baggage, including low self-esteem, feelings embarrassment and shame from past mistakes, as well as frustration at the criticism or nagging you receive from those closest to you.
Behavioral coaching for adults ADHD is a kind of therapy that focuses on practical solutions for daily living, such as organizing your workplace and home and organizing your schedule, prioritizing tasks and managing your money. The therapy is typically offered in person or via the internet and aims to teach you strategies to improve your life with ADHD.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from multiple mental health conditions, so it is important to address these issues as well. In some instances the combination of medications and behavioral therapy can yield the most effective results. A therapist can teach you how to control your anxiety and mood with mindfulness-based treatments, like meditation and yoga, and deal with comorbid conditions like depression and substance abuse.
Therapy
Many psychiatric disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms. To determine the root cause of the symptoms of ADHD A thorough evaluation is required. This evaluation may include an examination of the medical history, psychological tests and a thorough analysis of the behavior of a person. The test may also include an investigation of a person's family background.
Psychotherapy is a key part of treatment for adhd in adults. It can help people deal with the emotional turmoil and frustrations triggered by their inability to function at a level that is in line with their own expectations. It can also enhance the relationships with their families and help them develop coping mechanisms. Behavioral therapy can teach patients to focus on their work and break large projects down into small steps which are easier to manage. It can help them manage impulsive behavior and gain confidence.
Family and marriage counseling can help couples recognize the issues ADHD can bring to their relationship. They can also learn to discuss issues that arise within their families or marriages in a constructive way, instead of blaming one another. Individual psychotherapy helps people to explore the root causes behind their troubles, such as feelings of guilt or sadness. It can also assist people to develop healthy coping strategies like exercises or meditation.
A calming medication such as clonidine, which is a 2-adrenergic receptor agonist, can be used to treat hyperactivity and impulsivity in some adults with ADHD. It is especially helpful for those with Tourette's Syndrome or other tic disorders. It is generally considered as a second-line therapy after nonstimulant drugs were tried and not effective (Wilens 2004).
Clinical trials are research studies that examine the effectiveness and safety of new treatments for a variety of diseases and conditions. They can be an important component of adhd treatment and provide the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research in the hopes that it will lead to better care in the future. Individuals should always consult with their doctor prior to taking part in a clinical study. A health care professional can provide an overview of current clinical trials that are available to the patient.
Nutrition
Adults who have ADHD typically find that diet plays a major aspect in how they feel and how they perform. A balanced, healthy diet can reduce the impulsivity of people and help improve concentration. It's also best to stay away from junk food and drink soda, as they can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. Adults who suffer from ADHD should consume regular meals and snacks as well as drinks to ensure that their blood sugar levels remain constant throughout the day. This can help boost their mood, energy and sleep quality at night.
It is essential to examine people suffering from ADHD symptoms to make sure they are not caused by a different medical condition. Many medical conditions can trigger ADHD-like signs and symptoms like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and problems with vision and hearing. adhd in adults treatment and anxiety are common, as is a alcohol or drug history and certain medications are possible.
Adults can have a more difficult time diagnosing ADHD than children. A diagnosis is determined by assessing functional impairment and the history of childhood ADHD symptoms. Many adults do not have a distinct childhood ADHD history, or might not have a parent or older sibling who can verify their symptoms. If someone is using drugs or alcohol, they may not be the best candidate for psychostimulants. The doctor must take this into account when deciding whether or not to prescribe these medications.
There are a variety of FDA approved medications that are able to help adults with ADHD. These include stimulants and nonstimulant medication. Stimulants are effective in the reduction of ADHD symptoms, but they should be used in a responsible manner and those who suffer from the disorder should be monitored regularly to check for side effects. The medications are available in long-acting forms that can be taken twice or even once per day by adults with ADHD. These preparations are available in tablet, liquid or chewable forms and can be taken with or without food.