Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Treatment for adults with adhd focuses on medication, therapy and family support. Clinical trials are available to test new treatments for ADHD.
Stimulant medication is the most effective medications for adults suffering from ADHD. But they need to be constantly monitored. This includes regular clinical appointments and regular reviews of symptoms and side effects.
Medicines
There are many medications that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. These medications are called psychostimulants. They work by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain that transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will determine the right medication for you, and determine the best dosage and timetable. It could take some time to determine the proper dosage and medication that control your symptoms.
Stimulants are usually the first medication doctors prescribe for adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs increase the amount of dopamine in your brain and norepinephrine which aids in controlling your impulses and keep your focus. They come in short-, intermediate-and long-acting versions. Short-acting stimulants last for 6 hours. Intermediate-acting drugs last between 8 and 10 hours. Long-acting stimulants last from 8 to 16. Long-acting stimulants have less side effects than shorterand intermediate-acting medications, but they still can cause insomnia and changes in appetite.
Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) are used to treat adult ADHD if stimulants do not work or cause undesirable adverse effects. These medications do not alter your dopamine or norepinephrine levels, but they increase your brain's availability of norepinephrine. They also improve your concentration. These capsules are taken once or twice a day.
Certain adults who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety. These are known as comorbid disorders and can affect how you respond to treatment for ADHD. It is important to address any comorbid conditions before starting treatment for ADHD. For instance, people who have an addiction history to drugs or disorder are more likely to use psychostimulants. It is best to wait until a person has quit using drugs before using stimulants.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a method of therapy that involves discussing and discussing issues that cause anxiety or are disturbing to the person. The therapist listens and offers guidance based on his or her training, education as well as experience as well as professional qualifications and therapeutic theories. Psychotherapy may be short-term (a few weeks or months) dealing with immediate issues or longer-term (months or years) where a person is attempting to resolve more complicated and longstanding issues. The therapist and the patient determine the length and frequency of therapy.
The use of psychotherapy and drugs together is a highly effective treatment for adults with ADHD. Behavioral therapy can help individuals improve their time management, organizational skills, and prioritizing. It can also teach strategies to manage emotions like anger and frustration. Medication can reduce symptoms, increase focus and lead to better academic and work performance.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to have co-existing issues, especially mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Before beginning treatment for ADHD it is crucial to treat any co-existing condition. Treatment for co-existing disorders might require different forms and dosages of medication than that used to treat ADHD.
For instance, a patient who suffers from ADHD might also be suffering from hypertension. To choose adult add treatments to treat the ADHD symptoms without destabilizing the patient's hypertension it is essential to understand how different medications affect people over time and the interactions between the medications.
It is essential to choose a therapist with had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD and with whom you are at ease. It's also important to schedule your initial sessions in a time when you're not distracted by family responsibilities or work obligations.
Counseling
Adults suffering from ADHD often have many issues in their lives, including work and relationship problems. A person with ADHD may also experience anger, frustration and blame that has been accumulated over time. Numerous psychosocial therapies have been proven effective in helping their families and patients learn new skills, attitudes and ways of relating.
Psychotherapy can include cognitive behavior therapy, a type of psychotherapy that aids individuals to change their behavior and thinking. It includes goal-setting, skills training and practice, and teaching strategies to improve organization and self-esteem. This can be accomplished individually or in a group setting. Metacognitive therapy has been proven to significantly reduce symptoms among adults with ADHD and improve their performance (Stevenson, et al., 2002).
Certain people with ADHD may also require counseling to help them overcome particular life issues. These could include family conflict, impulsive and aggressive behavior, or difficulty dealing with failures and disappointments. Counseling can help you develop the skills to help deal with these situations and increase the ability to communicate and solve problems. It can also enhance interpersonal relationships, particularly in marriages and other long-term partnerships.
Other forms of psychotherapy for ADHD include family therapy as well as supportive group therapy. These therapies can assist families in coping and improve their skills to manage conflict and improve communication when dealing with children who have ADHD. It can also help parents understand the disorder and develop parenting styles that promote positive outcomes for their children.
Adults with ADHD should discuss their medications regularly with their physicians and inform them of any other medications, including over-the counter drugs. Some medications can cause adverse reactions or interact with other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough assessment and diagnosis, it is important to monitor the patient to ensure that he/she reaps the benefits of the medication and doesn't suffer from side adverse effects. It is recommended to see patients for initial clinical assessment within 30 days of beginning treatment, and then every month following that. This allows for the proper adjustment of psychostimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate to a well-tolerated, effective dose. This permits accurate recording of the patients' response and helps avoid keeping sensitive patient on insufficient doses.
Adults who aren't responding well to stimulant medications or who have unwanted side effects that are difficult to tolerate could benefit from non-stimulant medications. This usually involves the use the methylphenidate based atomoxetine alternatives.
Adults with ADHD are often affected by comorbid conditions, like depression or substance abuse. Moreover, they may have persistent sleep disturbances or medical issues such as vision and hearing disorders. It is crucial to identify and analyze these conditions in the initial assessment for ADHD because they can have a significant effects on functional impairment in adults.
Marital therapy can also be beneficial in the management of ADHD. Spouses often report that they feel overburdened by the caretaking responsibilities of their spouses with ADHD and may become resentful and angry in the process. Increasing the patient's awareness of the symptoms of his/her condition and helping to understand that these are not willful actions or a lack of affection can help reduce resentment and marital difficulties. Couples who undergo this type of therapy tend to have better family functioning.
Behavioral Therapy
For adults with ADHD Psychotherapy is generally recommended and should include the cognitive-behavioral aspect. Behavioral therapy can help patients to improve their ability to organize their lives and focus, as well as control an impulsive behaviour. It helps patients manage their work, home and social settings in more productive ways. Psychotherapy helps patients understand how their condition affects various aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help reduce the shame and low self-esteem that is commonly seen in adults with ADHD, who may be thought of as inept or unintelligent.
Many psychiatric disorders can be akin to ADHD symptoms. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to be suffering from anxiety disorders and depression. If necessary the presence of other psychiatric disorders must be evaluated to determine whether ADHD symptoms are a result of them.
A combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy is typically recommended for the treatment of ADHD in adults. It has been demonstrated that when a combination of medications and psychotherapy is employed results are more favorable than treatment on its own. Future controlled medication studies will attempt to measure and assess improvements in functional performance, for example, improvement in school performance, the workplace, and interpersonal relations.