Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Treatment for adhd in adults is based on therapy, medication and support from family members. Clinical trials are being conducted to test new treatments for ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD are most likely to benefit from stimulant medication. They need to be monitored regularly. That includes monthly clinical appointments, and frequent reviews of symptoms and side effects.
Medicines
There are many drugs that can help 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 cell. Your doctor will select the appropriate medication for you and will decide on the most appropriate dosage and schedule. It could take some time to find the right dosage and medication that will control your symptoms.
Stimulants are typically the first medication doctors prescribe to adults suffering from ADHD. These medications increase the amount of dopamine that is present in your brain and norepinephrine, which aids in controlling your thoughts and keep your focus. They are available in short-, intermediate-and long-acting varieties. Short-acting stimulants last about 6 hours, intermediate-acting medicines last between 8 and 10 hours, while long-acting drugs last up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants have less side effects than shorter- or intermediate-acting medicines, but they can still cause insomnia and changes in appetite.
Nonstimulant medications, like atomoxetine (Strattera) can be used to treat adult ADHD when stimulants don't work or cause unwanted side negative effects. These medications do not alter your norepinephrine or dopamine however they do increase the brain's supply of norepinephrine and improve your focus. These medications are in capsule form and are taken twice or once each day.
Some adults with ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression. These are known as comorbid disorders and they can influence how you react to treatment for ADHD. Before beginning treatment for ADHD, it's important to address any comorbid issues. For instance, those who have an addiction history to drugs or disorder may be more likely to use psychostimulants. This is why it's generally advised to wait until the person has quit using substances before considering treatment with stimulants for ADHD.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an interactive process of discussing and talking about issues that could be troubling or troubling to someone. The therapist gives advice in accordance with their education, experience, credentials and the philosophy of therapy. Psychotherapy may be short-term (a few weeks or even months) and can address more immediate issues, or long-term. The duration and frequency of therapy are determined by the therapist and the patient together.
Psychotherapy and medication together are an extremely effective way to treat adults with ADHD. Behavioral therapy can assist people improve their time management, organizational skills and prioritizing. It can also teach methods to manage emotions like anger and frustration. The use of medication can help reduce symptoms, improve focus and lead to better work and academic performance.
Adults suffering from ADHD have a higher likelihood of co-existing illnesses. This is especially relevant for mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Before beginning treatment for ADHD, it is important to treat any co-existing conditions. The treatment of co-existing disorders might require different kinds of medications and dosages compared to the medications prescribed to treat ADHD.
For instance, a person who suffers from ADHD might also be suffering from hypertension. To pick a medication that can treat the ADHD symptoms without causing instability to the patient's hypertension, it is important to understand how various medications affect people over time as well as the interactions between medications.
It's important to find the right therapy provider with whom you have a an excellent relationship and who is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. It is important to schedule your first few sessions at a time that you won't be distracted by family or work obligations.
Counseling
Adults suffering from ADHD often face many problems in their lives, such as work and relationship problems. People with ADHD can also experience anger, frustration and blame that have developed over time. Numerous psychosocial therapies have been proven to help their families and patients learn new skills, attitudes and ways of communicating.
Psychotherapy can include cognitive behavior therapy, which is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals change their thinking and behavior. It involves goal-setting, skill training and practice, and teaching strategies to improve organization and self-esteem. This can be done individually or in a group setting. Metacognitive therapy has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and improve their performance (Stevenson et al., 2002).
Some people with ADHD may also require therapy to help them overcome specific issues in their lives. This could include family conflict, impulsive and aggressive behavior, or difficulty dealing with failures and disappointments. Counseling can help you develop the strategies to help deal with these situations and enhance communication and problem-solving abilities. It can also improve relationships, particularly in marriages and other long-term relationships.
Other types of psychotherapy for ADHD are family therapy and supportive group therapy. These therapies can assist families in coping and learn skills to reduce conflict and improve communication when dealing with children who have ADHD. It can also help parents learn about the disorder and develop parenting strategies that promote positive outcomes for their children.
Adults suffering from ADHD should discuss their medications regularly with their doctors and inform them of any other medications, including over-the prescription drugs. Certain medications may interact with certain medications or cause adverse effects that are exacerbated by other medicines.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough evaluation and diagnosis is made it is crucial that the patient be monitored to ensure that he or she is receiving the benefits of medication and not experiencing side effects. It is recommended that patients be referred for a first clinical examination within 30 days of starting treatment and monthly afterward. This allows for an accurate titration of psychostimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, to a safe, effective dose. This permits accurate recording of the patient's response. It also assists in avoiding the patient from being kept on doses that are not sufficient (slow metabolism) or forcing those who require higher doses to unnecessarily high levels (rapid metabolizers).
For adults who are unable to respond well to stimulant medication or suffer from uncontrollable side effects, the use of non-stimulant drugs may be indicated. This typically involves the use of atomoxetine or other methylphenidate alternatives.
Adults with ADHD are frequently affected by comorbid disorders, like depression or substance abuse. They might also be suffering from medical issues like hearing and vision problems, or chronic sleep disorders. As part of the initial evaluation for ADHD it is essential to screen for these conditions and then evaluate their severity. These conditions could have a significant impact on functional impairments for adults.
Marital therapy can be helpful in the management of ADHD. Couples often say that they are overwhelmed by the responsibilities to care for their spouses who have ADHD and can become resentful and angry as a result. Reducing resentment can be achieved by increasing the patient's awareness of their condition, and helping them to understand that the symptoms are not caused by a lack in willfulness or love. Couples who go through this type of therapy are more likely to have better functioning families.
Behavioral Therapy
For adults with ADHD, psychotherapy is generally recommended and should incorporate a cognitive-behavioral component. Behavioral therapy can help patients improve their focus, organization skills, and control impulsive behaviors. It helps patients manage their work, home, and social situations in more productive ways. Psychotherapy can also help patients understand how their disorder impacts different aspects of their lives and relationships. via can reduce the feelings of shame and low self-esteem that are commonly seen in adults with ADHD. They could be perceived by others as being lazy or unintelligent.
Many psychiatric disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to be suffering from anxiety disorders and depression. The presence of any other psychiatric problems should be assessed in order to determine whether or not the patient's ADHD symptoms are connected to them.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with the combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been demonstrated that a combination of psychotherapy and medication produces better results than either treatment alone. Future controlled medication studies will attempt to measure and assess the effects of functional improvement, like improved functioning in school, the workplace, and interpersonal relationships.