Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Adults suffering from adhd are treated by medication, therapy, and family support. Patients can also take part in clinical trials to test new approaches to treating ADHD.
Stimulant medications are the most effective drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. But they need to be monitored regularly. This includes regular appointments with a physician and regular review of symptoms.
Medicines
There are a variety of medications that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. These are referred to as psychostimulants. They work by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain that transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will select a medication that's right for you and determine the best dose and schedule to take it. It could take some time to determine the proper dosage and medication to control your symptoms.
Stimulants are typically the first prescription medication doctors recommend for adults with ADHD. These drugs increase the amount of dopamine found in your brain and norepinephrine which aids in controlling your impulses and keep your focus. They come in short-, intermediate-and long-acting varieties. Short-acting stimulants last around 6 hours, intermediate-acting medications last between 8 and 10 hours, and long-acting drugs last up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants have less side effects than shorter- or intermediate-acting drugs, however they still cause insomnia and changes in appetite.
Nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine (Strattera), are used to treat adults with ADHD if stimulants do not work or cause undesirable side effects. These medicines don't affect your dopamine or norepinephrine however they do increase the amount of norepinephrine available to your brain and improve your ability to focus. The capsules are taken one or twice daily.
Some people with ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety. These are known as comorbid disorders and can affect the way you respond to treatment for ADHD. Before starting treatment for ADHD it is important to address any comorbidities. For instance, those who have a history of substance use disorder may be more likely to use psychostimulants. Because of this, it is generally recommended to wait until the patient has quit using substances before considering treatment with stimulants to treat ADHD.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy involves discussing and discussing issues that cause anxiety or are disturbing to the person. The therapist offers guidance in accordance with their training, experience, credentials and the philosophy of therapy. Psychotherapy can be short-term (a few weeks or even months) or addressing more immediate issues, or long-term. The patient and therapist determine the length and frequency of therapy.
Psychotherapy and medication are an extremely effective way to treat adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy can assist people improve their time management, organizational skills, and prioritizing. It can also teach strategies to manage emotions, such as anger and frustration. The use of medication can help reduce symptoms, increase concentration and improve work and academic performance.
Adults with ADHD have a higher likelihood of co-existing conditions. This is particularly true for mood disorders like anxiety and depression. It is crucial that any co-existing condition be treated prior to starting treatment for ADHD. Treatment of co-existing disorders could require different types and dosages of medication than that used to treat ADHD.
A person suffering from ADHD may also be suffering from hypertension. To select a medication to treat the ADHD symptoms without causing instability to the patient's hypertension it is crucial to understand how various medications affect individuals over time as well as the interactions between medications.
It's crucial to locate a therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD and with whom you feel comfortable. 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 typically face a variety of problems in their lives, such as relationships and work problems. They may also feel anger, blame and frustration that have accumulated in their lives due to their symptoms. Psychosocial treatments can aid patients and their families to develop new abilities, attitudes and ways of relating.
Psychotherapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of psychotherapy that aids individuals to change their behavior and thinking. It involves goal-setting, skill training and practice, as well as methods of teaching to improve organization and self-esteem. This can be done individually or in a group setting. Some studies have shown that the use of metacognitive therapy can reduce symptoms and improve performance in adults with ADHD (Stevenson and co-authors, 2002).
In addition to psychotherapy, some people with ADHD also require counseling to address specific life challenges. These could include family conflict, impulsive and aggressive behaviors, or difficulty coping with disappointments and failures. Counseling can help develop skills to manage these situations, improve communication, and improve problem-solving skills. It can also enhance relationships, especially in marriages and other long-term partnerships.
Other types of psychotherapy for ADHD include family therapy and supportive group therapy. These therapies can help families cope and learn skills to reduce conflict and improve communication when dealing with children who have ADHD. It can help parents understand the condition, and develop parenting techniques that encourage positive outcomes in their children.
It is important for adults with ADHD to discuss their medications with their health care providers regularly, and to reveal all other medications they're taking, including prescription drugs. Certain medications may interact with certain medications or trigger adverse effects that are exacerbated by other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough evaluation and diagnosis, it is crucial to monitor the patient's condition to ensure that the patient receives the benefits of the medication and doesn't suffer from side effects. It is recommended to see a patient for the initial medical monitoring within 30 days after starting treatment and then every month following that. This will allow for a thorough adjustment of psychostimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines to a safe, effective dose. This permits accurate recording of the patient's response and assists in avoiding having sensitive patients remain taking insufficient doses (slow metabolism) or forcing those who require higher doses to unnecessarily high levels (rapid metabolizers).
For adults who do not respond adequately to stimulant medication or suffer from uncontrollable side effects, the use of nonstimulant medication may be indicated. This typically involves the use of atomoxetine, or other related alternatives to methylphenidate.
Adults suffering from ADHD are frequently affected by comorbid disorders, such as depression or substance abuse. They may also have medical problems like hearing and vision problems, or chronic sleep disorders. As part of the initial assessment for ADHD it is essential to detect these conditions and assess their severity. These conditions can have a significant effect on functional impairments in adults.
ADHD can also be treated through marital therapy. Couples complain of being overwhelmed by the caretaking duties of their spouses suffering from ADHD, and can be angry or resentful due to this. Reduced resentment can be achieved by enhancing the awareness of their condition, and helping them understand that the symptoms aren't the result of an absence of affection or willfulness. Couples who go through this type of therapy typically experience better family functioning.
Behavioral Therapy
For adults with ADHD, psychotherapy is generally recommended and should incorporate the cognitive-behavioral aspect. Behavioral therapy assists patients in improving their organization skills, focus, and control impulsive behaviors. It helps patients manage their home, work and social settings in more productive ways. Psychotherapy helps patients understand how their condition affects different areas of their lives and relationships. This can help alleviate the feelings of shame and low self-esteem that are often experienced by those with ADHD who are thought of as lazy or less intelligent.
Many psychiatric disorders mimic ADHD symptoms. For instance anxiety disorders are found at a high rate in adult ADHD patients, and depression is found at increased levels in those suffering from the disorder. If it is necessary, the presence of other mental disorders should be analyzed to determine if ADHD symptoms are caused by them.
treatment of adhd in adults of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy is usually recommended for the treatment of ADHD in adults. It has been shown that when a combination of medication and psychotherapy is employed results are more favorable than either treatment alone. Future controlled medication studies will attempt to monitor and evaluate the effects of functional improvement, like improved functioning in school, the workplace, and interpersonal relations.