ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is associated with significant impairments in academic performance and social functioning. Adults with ADHD are at higher risk of developing depression, anxiety disorders, and abuse of substances.
The use of medications to treat the core ADHD symptoms are believed to work by increasing the supply of neurotransmitters responsible for controlling the ability to focus and impulsivity. Trials of medication are conducted to determine which drugs are most effective and in what dosages.
Medication
Acute treatments, such as medication, can improve symptoms of ADHD in adults. They are the most effective way to treat the underlying ADHD symptoms by altering neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They function by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters available at presynaptic receptors and decreasing their reuptake in order to prevent breakdown. Practitioners aren't able to know ahead of time what medication is most effective for a particular patient and so the majority of adults go through a medication trial. The process begins with a low dose, which is gradually increased over 3-7 days until clinical benefits are observed.
Methylphenidate is one of the most commonly used psychostimulants that is used to treat ADHD. It's available as tablets, liquids or extended-release (Concerta). Extended-release is the most secure because it is not crushed and used in other ways, such as getting high. Adults who misuse stimulant medication may be afflicted with serious health issues. Therefore, people with a history of alcohol or drug abuse should discuss the use of psychostimulants with an expert in mental health.
The stimulants can cause mood fluctuations or sleep disturbances. If these effects occur they may require a change in medication or even stop taking it. Some stimulants are also not recommended for those who have an underlying history of Tourette's disorder, severe aorexia, certain mental conditions like schizoaffective disorder and antisocial personality disorders, or for certain medical conditions, like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers, like bupropion (Wellbutrin XL), can improve mood and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity among adults with ADHD. They act by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine at 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 suffering from ADHD are often afflicted by other disorders, like anxiety or depression. These can be treated with psychotherapy and/or non-medication treatments, like cognitive-behavioral therapy. This treatment teaches the patient how to manage their symptoms, improve their self-esteem, relationships, and improve their functioning. Certain therapists are trained to treat adult ADHD.
Counseling
A key part of treatment for adhd for adults is counseling, a form of psychotherapy. Talk therapy can help you manage your anger and stress, improve your relationships, and help you deal with your emotions. It can also teach you methods to increase your self-control and reduce impulsive behavior. Counseling can be conducted in person or via the phone.
Counseling may involve cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches you to recognize and modify negative patterns of thought and behavior that cause ADHD symptoms. It could also include counseling for families or couples, which helps loved ones cope and discover ways to support you. Lifestyle coaching can be added that teaches you how to manage ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD struggle to get up in the morning or getting through the day. A therapist may recommend a sleep schedule, which includes a consistent time to go to bed and wake up every day. It's essential to get adequate sleep to ensure that your body is functioning optimally.
Many people with ADHD have difficulty getting their tasks completed and staying on track at school, work and in their private lives. Often, their problems stem from longstanding patterns of failure and underachievement academically as well as job loss and conflicts in relationships. Individual therapy can help tackle emotional issues like low self esteem, feelings of shame and embarrassment resulting from past mistakes and resentment toward criticism, as well as persistent nagging from the people closest to you.
Behavioral coaching is a form of therapy for adults suffering from ADHD that is focused on practical daily living solutions, such as organizing your workplace and home and arranging your day, prioritizing tasks and managing your finances. The therapy is typically offered in person or online and aims to teach you strategies to improve your life when you suffer from ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more read more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders than those with other disorders of the psyche, and it is crucial to address these issues as well. In some instances, a combination between medications and behavioral therapy can yield the most effective results. A counselor can help you learn to control your mood and anxiety with mindfulness-based interventions such as meditation and yoga, and deal with other comorbidities, such as depression or substance misuse.
Therapy
Many psychiatric conditions can resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, a thorough evaluation is necessary to determine the cause of these symptoms. This evaluation can include a review of the person's medical history, psychological testing and a thorough analysis of their behavior. The evaluation will also include an examination of a person's family background.
Psychotherapy is an essential component of treatment for adhd in adults. It helps people deal with the emotional turmoil caused by their inability function in a way that is consistent with their expectations. It can also help improve the relationships with their families and help them develop coping mechanisms. Behavioral therapy can teach patients to concentrate on their tasks and break big projects into small steps that are easier to manage. It can help them manage the impulsive behavior of their children and increase confidence.
Counseling for families and marriage helps couples to understand the challenges ADHD can bring to their relationship. They can also learn to talk about issues that arise within their families or marriages in a constructive way, instead of blaming one another. Individual psychotherapy can help individuals discover the root of their problems, including feelings of guilt or sadness. It can also help individuals create healthy strategies for coping, such as meditation or exercise.
Some adults with ADHD can be treated with a calming medication, such as clonidine. This is a 2 adrenergic agonist. It can be particularly helpful for people who suffer from comorbid Tourette's syndrome or other tic disorders. It is typically used as a second line treatment after nonstimulant drugs were tried but proved to be ineffective.
Clinical trials are research studies that investigate the effectiveness and safety of new treatments for a variety of diseases and conditions. They can be an important part of adhd in adults treatment and provide the opportunity to be part of advanced research in the hope that it will lead to better care in the future. Before participating in any clinical trial, individuals should consult their doctor. The health care professional can provide an overview of current clinical trials that are open to the patient.
Nutrition
Adults suffering from ADHD may discover that their diet has a significant influence on how they feel and perform. A balanced and healthy diet can reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. It is also best to stay away from junk food and drink soda, as they can trigger or exacerbate symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, people who suffer from ADHD should take regular meals and snacks, ensuring their blood sugar levels stable throughout the day. This can improve their mood, energy and sleep quality at night.
Many psychiatric disorders can have symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD This is why it is important for adults with these conditions to be evaluated carefully to determine if their symptoms are due to a different issue. Many medical conditions can cause symptoms and signs that resemble those of ADHD like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and issues with hearing and vision. Depression and anxiety, a drug or alcohol history and certain medications are also possible.
Adults may have a difficult time diagnosing ADHD than children. A diagnosis requires a history of childhood symptoms in line with ADHD, as well as an assessment of functional impairment. Many adults do not have a clear record of childhood ADHD or have an older sibling or parent who can verify symptoms. Someone who is drinking or using drugs may 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 medications.
There are a variety of FDA-approved drugs that can be used to treat adult ADHD which include stimulants as well as nonstimulant medications. They can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD however they should be used in a responsible manner and those with this disorder must be monitored for any side effects. There are also longer-acting versions of these drugs that can be taken one or twice daily and are a more convenient option for adults with ADHD. These tablets are available in chewable, tablet, or liquid forms and can be taken with food or without food.