ADHD in Adults Treatment
ADHD is associated with significant impairments of academic performance and social functioning. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of depression, anxiety disorders as well as substance abuse and substance use disorders.
The drugs that reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing neurotransmitters that regulate impulsivity and attention appear to be working. Trials of medication are conducted to determine which drugs are most effective and at what dosages.
Medication
The use of acute treatments, such as medication, can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms in adults. The most effective method to improve ADHD symptoms is by affecting neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine. They function by increasing the amount of these neurotransmitters in the presynaptic transportation systems and reducing their reuptake to avoid their breakdown. Since doctors cannot know which medication 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.
Methylphenidate is one of the most commonly used psychostimulants that is used to treat ADHD. It is available in tablet form, liquid or extended-release form (Concerta). Extended-release preparations are the most reliable since it cannot be crushed or used in other ways, like getting high. Adults who abuse stimulant medications can experience serious health problems. Anyone with a history alcohol or drug abuse should speak with a mental health professional regarding the use of psychostimulants.
The stimulants can cause mood fluctuations or sleep disturbances. If these effects occur it is possible that the patient needs an adjustment in medication or stop taking it. The use of stimulants is not recommended for those who have a history of Tourette’s disorder or severe aorexia, mental disorders such as schizoaffective disorder and antisocial personality disorders, or medical conditions such as high blood-pressure or heart disease.
Mood stabilizers like bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) can improve mood and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity among adults with ADHD. They are effective by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transportationer, allowing for more of the substance to be absorbed by the brain. They can be used in combination with other ADHD medications or alone.
Adults with ADHD often have comorbid conditions, such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can be treated by psychotherapy or non-medication treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. This treatment helps the patient learn to manage their symptoms, boost their self-esteem, relationships, and improve their performance. Some therapists have specialized training in treating adults with ADHD.
Counseling
Counseling, which is a form of psychotherapy, is an essential component of adhd treatment in adults. Talk therapy can help you manage your feelings improve your relationships and learn to manage stress and anger. It can also teach you techniques to increase your self-control and reduce impulsive behaviors. Counseling can be conducted in person or over the phone.
Counseling may include cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches you to recognize and modify negative thoughts and behaviors that cause ADHD symptoms. It may also include family or marital therapy which can help your loved children cope with their emotions and help them support your success. It may also include lifestyle coaching, which teaches you the skills needed to manage your ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty waking up in the morning and going through the day without feeling groggy or angry. A therapist could suggest a sleeping routine, which includes a consistent bedtime and a wake-up time every day. It's important to get enough sleep so that your body is functioning optimally.
Many people with ADHD struggle with completing tasks and staying on their course at work, school and in their personal lives. Often, their problems result from long-standing patterns of underachievement and failure academically or job changes, as well as relationship conflicts. Individual talk therapy can help you manage emotional baggage, such as low self-esteem, feelings shame and embarrassment resulting due to past mistakes, and frustration at the criticism or the nagging that you receive from those close to you.
Behavioral coaching for adults with ADHD is a form of therapy that concentrates on practical solutions for daily living, such as organizing your work and home environment and organizing your schedule, prioritizing tasks and managing money. This therapy is typically available in-person or online and aims to help you develop ways to improve your life as a person with ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders than those with other psychiatric conditions, and it is important to address these issues as well. In certain cases it is possible to combine medications and behavioral therapies may yield the most effective results. A counselor can help you learn to manage your anxiety and mood with mindfulness-based interventions such as meditation and yoga, and address other comorbid conditions like depression or substance misuse.
Therapy
Many psychiatric disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, a complete evaluation is essential to determine the cause of these symptoms. This may include a medical history, psychological tests and a thorough examination of the person's behavior. The evaluation may include a thorough review of a person’s family history.
Psychotherapy is an essential component of treating adhd in adults. It can help people deal with the emotional distress and frustrations caused by their inability to perform at a level that satisfies their own expectations. It can also help them develop coping strategies and strengthen relationships with family members. Behavioral therapy can teach patients to focus on their work and break big projects into smaller steps that are more manageable. It can help them manage their impulsive behavior and build confidence.
Marriage and family counseling helps couples understand the difficulties ADHD can bring to their relationship. They can also learn to discuss issues in a constructive manner that arise in their families or in their marriages, instead of blaming one other. Individual psychotherapy can help individuals identify the root causes of their problems, including feelings of sadness or guilt. It can also help people create healthy strategies for coping, such as exercising or meditation.
A calming medication such as clonidine which is a 2adrenergic receptor agonist, can be used to treat impulsivity and hyperactivity in some adults suffering from ADHD. It can be particularly helpful for those who suffer from a comorbidity of Tourette's syndrome or other tic disorders. It is generally considered as a second-line medication after nonstimulant drugs have been tried and were discovered to be ineffective (Wilens 2004).
Clinical trials are research studies which test the effectiveness and safety of new treatments and diseases. They are a crucial component of adhd treatment and give patients the chance to participate in cutting-edge research in the hopes that it will lead to better care in the future. Before taking adult treatment for adhd in any clinical trial, individuals should consult their doctor. The health care professional will be able give a list of current clinical trials available to patients.
Nutrition
Adults with ADHD may find that their diet has a significant influence on how they feel and perform. A balanced, healthy diet can help reduce the impulsivity of people and increase focus. Eliminating junk food and sodas can also help reduce or eliminate ADHD symptoms. Adults with ADHD should consume regular meals and snacks as well as drinks to keep their blood sugar levels constant throughout the day. This will improve their energy levels, mood, and sleep quality.
It is crucial to assess adults suffering from ADHD symptoms to ensure they are not caused by another medical condition. Numerous medical conditions can cause ADHD-like signs and symptoms, 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 also possible.
Adults may have a more difficult time diagnosing ADHD than children. A diagnosis requires a thorough history of childhood symptoms that are in line with ADHD, as well as an assessment of functional impairment. Many adults do not have a distinct childhood ADHD history, or might not have a parent or older sibling who can verify their symptoms. A person who is actively using alcohol or drugs might not be a good candidate for treatment with psychostimulants, and their doctor should be aware of this when deciding whether to prescribe these drugs.
There are a variety of FDA approved drugs that can help adults with ADHD. These include stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. They are effective in the reduction of ADHD symptoms however, they should be used in a responsible manner and those affected by the disorder must be checked regularly for any adverse effects. There are also long-acting versions that can be taken one or twice daily and are a more convenient option for adults suffering from ADHD. These preparations are available in liquid, tablet or chewable form and can be taken with or without food.