ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is associated with significant impairments of academic performance and social functioning. Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be victims of anxiety disorders, depression as well as addiction and substance use disorders.
The use of medications to treat the core ADHD symptoms appear to work by increasing the availability of neurotransmitters responsible for controlling the ability to focus and impulsivity. Medication trials are usually conducted to determine which medications and dosages work best for each individual.
Medication
Treatments that are quick, such as medication, can help improve symptoms of ADHD in adults. They are the most effective way to treat core ADHD symptoms by altering neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. They function by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters available at presynaptic receptors and decreasing their reuptake in order to prevent their breakdown. Since practitioners cannot predict the medication that will be most effective for a particular person, they usually conduct a drug trial. The process begins with a low dose that is gradually increased over 3-7 days until clinical benefits are observed.
A popular psychostimulant used to treat ADHD is methylphenidate. It's available in the form of tablets, liquids extended-release (Concerta). The extended-release preparation is the most reliable since it cannot be crushed and used in other ways, for example, getting high. Adults who abuse stimulant medication may be afflicted with serious health issues. So, those with an history of alcohol or drug abuse should discuss the use of psychostimulants with a mental health professional.
Stimulants can trigger mood changes or sleep disturbances. If these symptoms occur they may require a change in medication or to stop taking it. The use of stimulants is also not recommended for those who have a family history of Tourette's disorder, severe anorexia, certain psychosis disorders like schizoaffective disorders, antisocial personality disorder, and certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers, like bupropion (Wellbutrin XL), can improve mood and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity in some 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 can be used in combination with other ADHD medications or alone.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from comorbid disorders, such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can be treated with psychotherapy or non-medicated treatments like cognitive behavior therapy. This treatment teaches patients to manage their symptoms and improve their functioning, self-esteem and relationships. Some therapists are trained to treat adult ADHD.
Counseling
A key part of treatment for adhd for adults is counseling, a type of psychotherapy. Talk therapy can help you work through your emotions, improve your relationships and help you manage anger and stress. It can also teach you methods to improve your self-control and reduce your impulsive behavior. Counseling can be provided in person or via the phone.
Counseling may involve cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you to recognize and change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to ADHD symptoms. It could also involve counseling for your family or marital relationship which assists loved ones cope and find ways to support you. It may also involve lifestyle coaching, which will teach you the skills needed to manage your ADHD.
Adults with ADHD often have difficulty waking up in the morning and going through the day without feeling tired or angry. A therapist may suggest a sleep routine that includes a regular bedtime and a time for waking up every day. It is essential to get enough sleep to ensure that your body is functioning optimally.
Many people with ADHD struggle with getting their tasks completed and staying on their course at work, school and in their personal lives. Most of the time, their issues stem from longstanding patterns of underachievement and failure academic issues, job turnover and relationship conflict. Individual therapy can be used to address emotional baggage such as low self esteem and feelings of shame, embarrassment over past mistakes, and resentment at criticism, and the constant nagging of those close to them.
Behavioral coaching is a kind of therapy for adults suffering from ADHD that focuses on practical daily living strategies, like organizing your home and office and arranging your day, prioritizing your work and managing your money. This therapy is typically available in person or online and is designed to help you develop strategies to improve your life when you suffer from ADHD.
Adults with ADHD are more likely of having comorbid disorders. It's important to treat these conditions as well. In some cases, a combination of medications and behavioral therapies may yield the most effective results. A therapist can help you learn how to control your mood and anxiety with mindfulness-based techniques, such as meditation and yoga, as well as deal with comorbid conditions like depression and substance abuse.
Therapy
Many psychiatric conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, a thorough assessment is essential to determine the root of these symptoms. This can include a review of the person's medical history, psychological testing and a thorough analysis of their behavior. The evaluation may also include a thorough investigation of a person's family history.
Psychotherapy is an integral part of adhd treatment for adults. It can help people cope with the emotional stress caused by their inability function in a way that is consistent with their expectations. It can also help improve their relationships with family and aid in the development of coping strategies. Behavioral therapy can help patients concentrate on their tasks and break large tasks into smaller ones that are easier for them to manage. It can help them manage impulsive behavior and gain confidence.
Counseling for families and marriage helps couples understand the difficulties ADHD can cause in their relationship. They can also learn to discuss issues that arise within their families or marriages in a constructive manner, instead of blaming each other. Individual psychotherapy allows people to explore the root causes behind their problems, such as feelings of sadness or guilt. It can also help people develop healthy coping mechanisms that include exercise or meditation.
A calming medication, such as clonidine, a 2-adrenergic receptor agonist, can be used to treat impulsivity and hyperactivity in some adults suffering from ADHD. It is especially helpful for those with Tourette's Syndrome or other tic disorders. It is usually regarded as a second-line therapy after nonstimulant medications were tried and not effective (Wilens 2004).
Clinical trials are research studies that test the effectiveness and safety of new treatments and diseases. 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. Before participating in any clinical trial, patients should consult their doctor. A health care professional will be able provide a list with current clinical trials for patients.
Nutrition
Adults who suffer from ADHD may discover that their diet has a major impact on their mood and function. A healthy, balanced diet can reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve focus. It's also recommended to stay clear of junk food and drink soda as they can trigger or exacerbate symptoms of ADHD. Adults with ADHD should consume regular meals and snacks, as well as drink to keep their blood sugar levels constant throughout the day. This can help improve their mood, energy and sleep quality at night.
It is crucial to assess people suffering from ADHD symptoms to make sure they are not caused by a different health issue. Many medical conditions can cause symptoms and signs reminiscent of ADHD like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and hearing and vision problems. Depression and anxiety as well as a drinking or drug history and certain medications are also possible.
Adults may have a more difficult to diagnose ADHD than children. A diagnosis is based on a history of childhood symptoms that are similar to ADHD and an evaluation of functional impairment. A lot of adults don't have a clear record of childhood ADHD, or may not have an older parent or sibling who can confirm the symptoms. treatment for add in adults who is abusing drugs or alcohol 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 several FDA approved medications that are able to treat adults with ADHD. These include stimulants and nonstimulant medication. Stimulants are effective in the reduction of ADHD symptoms however they must be used with caution and those with the disorder should be monitored regularly to check for any adverse effects. The medications are available in long-acting versions that can be taken twice or even once every day by adults suffering from ADHD. These medications are available in tablet, liquid or chewable form and can be taken with or without food.