Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Adults who suffer from adhd are treated by medication, therapy and support from the family. Clinical trials are available to test new treatments for ADHD.
Stimulant medication is the most effective drugs for adults with ADHD. But they need to be constantly monitored. This includes regular appointments with a physician and frequent examinations of symptoms.
Medications
A variety of medications can be utilized to alleviate symptoms of ADHD in adults. They are referred to as psychostimulants. they affect the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) which transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will select the best medication for you and will determine the best dose and schedule to take it. It could take some time to find the right dosage and medication to control your symptoms.
The first medication doctors prescribe to adults with ADHD is stimulants. They increase the amount of dopamine that is present in your brain and norepinephrine which helps you to control your impulses and focus. These medicines are available in short-, medium-- and long-acting versions. Short-acting stimulants last for about 6 hours, intermediate-acting medicines last between 8 and 10 hours, and long-acting medicines last up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely cause adverse effects than intermediate- or shorter-acting medicines. However, they may induce sleepiness and a change in appetite.
Nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine (Strattera), can be used to treat adults with ADHD when stimulants don't work or cause unpleasant adverse negative effects. These medicines don't affect your norepinephrine or dopamine levels however they increase the amount of norepinephrine that's available to your brain, and improve your ability to focus. These medications are in capsules and can be taken once or twice a day.
Some people with ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression. These are referred to as comorbid conditions and they can influence the way you respond to treatment for ADHD. Before starting treatment for ADHD, it's important to address any comorbidities. For instance, those who have an addiction history to drugs or disorder are more likely to misuse psychostimulants. It is best to wait until a person has stopped using drugs before taking them on with stimulants.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an interaction process of talking and discussing issues that may be disturbing or troubling for a person. The therapist offers guidance based upon his or her training, experience, credentials, and therapeutic philosophy. Psychotherapy can be short-term, (a few weeks or even months) and can address more immediate issues, or longer-term. The therapist and patient determine the duration and frequency of treatment.
Psychotherapy and medication are an extremely effective way to treat adults with ADHD. Behavioral therapy helps people improve their abilities to organize their lives, manage their time 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 who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be affected by co-existing conditions, particularly mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Before beginning treatment for ADHD it is essential to treat any co-existing conditions. Treatment of co-existing disorders could require different types and dosages of medication than those used to treat ADHD.
For instance, a person who suffers from ADHD might also be suffering from hypertension. To select a medication to treat the ADHD symptoms without destabilizing the patient's hypertension, it is important to know how different medications affect people over time and the interactions between medications.
It is essential to find an therapy provider with whom you have a an excellent relationship and who is experienced in treating adults suffering from ADHD. It's also important to arrange your first few sessions during times when you aren't distracted by your family obligations or work obligations.
Counseling
Adults with ADHD typically face a variety of life challenges, including work and relationship problems. They also may experience frustration, blame and anger that have built up in their lives because of their symptoms. Psychosocial treatments can help patients and their families to develop new abilities, attitudes and ways of communicating.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type psychotherapy that assists people in changing their behavior and thinking. It involves setting goals, training and the practice of skills, as well as strategies for teaching that help improve self-esteem and organizational skills. It can be conducted in individual or group sessions. Certain studies have demonstrated that the use of metacognitive therapy can reduce symptoms and improve performance in adults with ADHD (Stevenson and colleagues, 2002).
In addition to psychotherapy, some people with ADHD require counseling to address specific life issues. This could include family conflict, impulsive and aggressive behaviors, or difficulty managing failures and disappointments. Counseling can teach the skills to manage these situations, improve communication, and improve problem-solving skills. It can also improve relationships, especially in marriages and other long-term partnerships.
Family therapy and supportive group therapy are two other types of psychotherapy that can be used to treat ADHD. These can help families cope with the anxiety of having a child with ADHD and help improve communication and reduce conflict. It can also help parents understand the disorder and develop parenting strategies that encourage positive outcomes for their children.
adult adhd treatments with ADHD should discuss their medications regularly with their doctors and inform them of any other medications, such as over-the counter drugs. Some medications can interact with certain medications or trigger side effects that are worsened by other medicines.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough evaluation and diagnosis, it is crucial to monitor the patient's condition to ensure that he/she receives the benefits of the medication and does not experience side effects. It is recommended that patients be examined for a first clinical examination within 30 days of beginning treatment and then every month afterward. In the case of psychostimulants (methylphenidate, amphetamines) this enables thorough titration to an effective and well-tolerated dosage. This allows for accurate registration of the patient's response and helps avoid keeping sensitive patient on insufficient doses.
For adults who are not responding adequately to stimulant medication or suffer from uncontrollable side effects, the use of nonstimulant medication might be suggested. Typically this involves the use of atomoxetine or other alternatives to methylphenidate.
Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring disorders like mood disorder or anxiety disorder, substance abuse problems or depression. They may also suffer from medical issues like hearing and vision problems, or chronic sleep disorders. As part of the initial evaluation for ADHD, it is important to screen these conditions and assess them. These conditions can have a significant impact on functional impairments in adults.
Marital therapy is also useful in managing ADHD. Couples complain of being overwhelmed by the caretaking responsibilities of their spouses who suffer from ADHD, and can become angry or resentful as a consequence. Reduced resentment can be achieved by increasing the patient's awareness of their condition, and helping them to realize that the symptoms aren't caused by a lack in affection or willfulness. Couples who undergo this type of therapy tend to be more functional as a family.
Behavioral Therapy
For people who suffer from ADHD, psychotherapy is generally recommended and should incorporate a cognitive-behavioral component. 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 settings in more productive ways. Psychotherapy can also help patients understand how their disorder impacts different aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help decrease the feelings of shame and low self-esteem that is often seen in those with ADHD, who may be viewed as inept or unintelligent.
Many psychiatric disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms. For example anxiety disorders are found at high rates in adults ADHD patients, and depression is found in greater numbers among those suffering from the disorder. If necessary the presence of any other mental disorders should be analyzed to determine if ADHD symptoms are caused by them.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with an amalgamation of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been established that the combination of psychotherapy with medication yields better results than either therapy by itself. Future controlled studies will aim to monitor and evaluate functional improvements, such as better functioning at school or at work, as well as interpersonal relations.