ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is associated with significant difficulties in academic performance and social functioning. Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be victims of anxiety disorders, depression as well as substance abuse and addiction disorders.
The use of medications to treat core ADHD symptoms appear to work by increasing the availability of neurotransmitters that control the ability to focus and impulsivity. The purpose of these trials is to determine which drugs are most effective and at what dosages.
Medication
Acute treatments such as medication can help improve ADHD symptoms in adults. The most effective way to improve ADHD symptoms is through altering neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine. They improve the amount of these neurotransmitters at the presynaptic transporters, and reducing their reuptake to avoid their breakdown. Since doctors cannot know the medication that will be most effective for a particular person, they usually conduct a drug trial. This begins with a low dose that is gradually increasing over 3-7 days until the clinical benefits are observed.
Methylphenidate is a psychostimulant that is used to treat ADHD. It is available in tablet, liquid or extended-release form (Concerta). The extended-release preparation is the most secure because it is not crushed and used in other ways, such as getting high. Adults who misuse stimulant medications can suffer serious health problems. People who have a history of substance abuse or alcohol use should consult a mental health professional about the use of psychostimulants.
The stimulants can cause mood fluctuations or sleep disturbances. If these effects are present, the person may need an adjustment in medication or stop taking it. Stimulants may also be contraindicated for those with an underlying history of Tourette's disorder, severe aorexia, certain mental illnesses such as schizoaffective disorders and antisocial personality disorders, or certain medical conditions, like high blood pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) can improve mood and reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity in adults with ADHD. They block the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transmitter and allowing more of the substance in the brain. They can be used in conjunction with other ADHD medications or as a stand-alone.
Adults with ADHD are often afflicted by comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can be treated with psychotherapy or non-medicated therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy. This treatment helps the patient learn to manage their symptoms, boost their self-esteem and relationships and improve their performance. Certain therapists are trained in treating adult ADHD.
Counseling
Counseling, which is a form of psychotherapy, is a crucial element of adhd treatment for adults. Talk therapy can help you manage your emotions improve your relationships and learn to manage anger and stress. It can also help you learn strategies to control your self and decrease your impulsive behavior. Counseling can be conducted in person or over the phone.
Counseling can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you to recognize and alter negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to ADHD symptoms. It may also include family or marital therapy, which can help your loved children cope with their emotions and find ways to support your progress. It may also involve lifestyle coaching, which will teach you skills to help manage your ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty waking up in the morning and getting through the day without feeling tired or angry. A therapist can recommend a schedule for sleep, which could include a bedtime and wake-up time that is consistent throughout the day and night. It is essential to get enough rest so that your body can function optimally.
Many people with ADHD struggle to complete tasks and remain on the right track in their work, school and in their personal lives. Often, their problems result from long-standing patterns of failure and underachievement, academic difficulties, job turnover and relationship conflicts. Individual therapy can be used to address emotional baggage such as 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 for adult ADHD is a form of therapy that focuses on practical solutions to daily living, such as organizing your home and work environment, structuring your day, prioritizing tasks and managing your money. This therapy is typically available in person or online and is designed to help you develop ways to improve your life when you suffer from ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders than other disorders of the psyche, and it is crucial to address these issues as well. In certain cases the combination of medication and behavioral therapy may result in the best results. A Therapist can assist you in learning to control your mood and anxiety with mindfulness-based treatments like yoga and meditation, as well as deal with other comorbidities like substance abuse or depression.
Therapy
Many psychiatric conditions can resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, a thorough assessment is necessary to determine the cause of these symptoms. The evaluation could include an examination of the medical history, psychological test and a thorough analysis of the person's behavior. The evaluation may also include a thorough examination of a person's family background.
Psychotherapy is an important part of treating adhd in adults. It can help people cope with the emotional stress caused by their inability to function in a way that is consistent with their expectations. It can also help improve relationships with their family members and aid in the development of coping strategies. Behavioral therapy can help patients concentrate on their tasks and break up large projects into smaller pieces that are easier for them to manage. It can also help them learn to manage their impulsive behaviors and gain confidence in their abilities to achieve success.
Family and marriage counseling can help couples to understand the issues that ADHD can create in their relationships. They can also learn to talk about issues that arise in their families or marriages in a constructive manner, rather than blaming each other. Individual psychotherapy can assist people to explore the root causes of their problems, including feelings of sadness or guilt. It can also help people develop healthy strategies for coping like exercise or meditation.
A few adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with a calming medication, such as Clonidine. It is a 2-adrenergic agonist. It can be particularly helpful for individuals who have comorbid Tourette's syndrome or other tic disorders. It is usually regarded as a second-line treatment after nonstimulant medications were tried and discovered to be ineffective (Wilens 2004).
Clinical trials are research studies that examine the safety and efficacy of new treatments and diseases. They can be a vital part of adhd in adults treatment and give patients the chance to participate in cutting-edge research with the hope that it can lead to better treatment in the future. Patients should always speak with their health care provider before participating in a clinical trial. A health care professional can provide an overview of current clinical trials that are available to the patient.
Nutrition
Adults suffering from ADHD might find that their diet has a significant influence on how they feel and perform. A balanced, healthy diet can reduce impulsivity and adhd symptoms adults treatment improve concentration. It's also a good idea to avoid beverages that contain sugar or junk food as they can trigger or exacerbate symptoms of ADHD. In addition, those with ADHD should try to take regular meals and snacks, keeping their blood sugar levels stable throughout the day. This can help improve their mood, energy level, and sleep quality.
Many psychiatric disorders may have symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD It is crucial for adults suffering from 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, such as thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and problems with vision and hearing. Depression and anxiety are common, as is a alcohol or drug history, and certain medications are possible.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be more difficult than for children. A diagnosis is determined by assessing functional impairment and the history of childhood ADHD symptoms. Many adults do not have a clear diagnosis of childhood ADHD, or may not have an older sibling or parent who can confirm symptoms. A person who is actively abusing drugs or alcohol may not be a suitable candidate for treatment with psychostimulants and their doctor should be aware of this when deciding whether or not to prescribe these drugs.
There are several FDA approved drugs that can help adults with ADHD. These include stimulants as well as nonstimulant medications. Stimulants are effective in reducing ADHD symptoms however, they should be used with caution and those who suffer from the disorder should be monitored regularly to check for any adverse effects. There are also long-acting versions of these medications that can be consumed once or twice daily which is an ideal choice for those who suffer from ADHD. These medications are available in chewable, tablet or liquid form and can be taken with or without food.