Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Treatment of adhd in adults focuses on medication, therapy and family support. Clinical trials are available to test the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD.
The stimulant medications are the most effective drugs for adults suffering from ADHD. They need to be monitored regularly. That includes monthly clinical appointments, and frequent reviews of symptoms and side effects.
Medications
There are a variety of medications that can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. These are called psychostimulants and they alter the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) which transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will recommend the right medication for you and determine the best dose and schedule to take it. It could take some time to determine the appropriate medication and dosage that controls your symptoms.
Stimulants are usually the first medication doctors prescribe for adults with ADHD. These medications increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which increase your ability to concentrate and manage impulses. They come in short-, intermediate-- and long-acting forms. Short-acting stimulants last around 6 hours, intermediate-acting drugs last between 8 and 10 hours, and long-acting medications last for up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants have less adverse effects than shorter- or intermediate-acting drugs, however they still can cause an increase in appetite and sleepiness.
Nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine (Strattera), are used to treat adults with ADHD when stimulants don't perform or cause undesirable side effects. These medications don't alter your dopamine or norepinephrine, but they increase the amount of norepinephrine available to your brain and improve your ability to concentrate. These medications are available in capsule form and are taken twice or once each day.
Certain adults who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression. These are known as comorbid disorders and they can impact how you react to treatment for ADHD. Before beginning treatment for ADHD it is important to address any comorbid issues. People with a history addiction to drugs are more likely to abuse psychostimulants. Because of this, it is generally recommended to wait until the person has stopped using substances before considering treatment with stimulants for ADHD.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an interactive method of discussing and discussing issues that may be disturbing or troubling to a person. The therapist listens and offers guidance based on his or their education, training as well as experience, professional credentials and therapeutic philosophical philosophies. Psychotherapy may be short-term (a few weeks or even months) or addressing more immediate issues, or longer-term. The therapist and the patient determine the duration and frequency of treatment.
Psychotherapy and medication together are an extremely effective way to treat adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy helps people improve their organizational skills, time management and prioritizing. It can also teach strategies for managing emotions like anger and frustration. Medication can reduce symptoms, improve concentration and improve work and academic performance.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a higher likelihood of having co-existing disorders. This is particularly relevant for mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. It is crucial that any co-existing disorders be treated before beginning treatment for ADHD. Treatment of co-existing disorders could require different types and dosages of medication than that used to treat ADHD.
A person suffering from ADHD can also have hypertension. To choose a medication to treat the ADHD symptoms without causing instability to the hypertension of the patient, it is important to understand how various medications affect individuals over time and the interactions between the medications.
It is important to choose an professional with whom you share a an excellent relationship and who is experienced in treating adults suffering from ADHD. It's also important to arrange your first few sessions when you're not distracted by your family obligations or work obligations.
Counseling
Adults with ADHD often face many life challenges, including work and relationship problems. They also may experience frustration, blame and anger that have accumulated 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 helps people alter their habits and thoughts. It includes goal-setting, skills training and practice, as well as teaching strategies to improve organization and self-esteem. This can be done individually or in a group. Some studies have shown that metacognitive treatment can significantly reduce symptoms and improve performance in adults with ADHD (Stevenson and colleagues, 2002).
Some people with ADHD might also require counseling to help them overcome specific life challenges. These issues could include family conflicts, aggressive or impulsive behavior, and difficulties in dealing with failures and disappointments. Counseling can help teach skills to manage these situations, improve communication and increase problem-solving capabilities. It can also improve relationships, particularly in marriages and other long-term partnerships.
Family therapy and support groups therapy are two other types of psychotherapy that can be used to treat ADHD. These therapies can assist families in coping and improve their skills to manage conflict and improve communication when dealing with a child who has ADHD. It can assist parents understand 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 disclose any other medications, including over-the drug products. Certain medications can cause side effects or interact with other medications.
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After a thorough examination and diagnosis, it is important to monitor the patient to ensure that the patient receives the benefits of the medication and does not experience side negative effects. It is recommended that a patient be referred for a first clinical examination within 30 days of starting treatment and then every month afterward. For psychostimulants (methylphenidate, amphetamines) this allows for complete titration to an effective and well-tolerated dosage. This allows for accurate registration of the patient's response and helps to avoid keeping sensitive patients on doses that are not sufficient (slow metabolism) or forcing those who require higher doses to excessively high levels (rapid metabolizers).
Adults who aren't responding well to stimulant medication or suffer from adverse effects that are unpalatable could benefit from non-stimulant medications. This typically involves the use of the methylphenidate based atomoxetine alternatives.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are usually affected by comorbid disorders such as depression or substance abuse. In addition, they may experience chronic sleep disorders or medical issues like hearing and vision problems. It is crucial to identify and assess these conditions in the initial assessment for ADHD since these can have significant effects on functional impairment in adults.
Marital therapy is also useful in the management of ADHD. Spouses report feeling overburdened with the caretaking duties of their spouses with ADHD, and can become resentful or angry in response. Reducing resentment can be achieved by increasing the patient's understanding of his/her condition, and assisting them to understand that the symptoms are not the result of a lack in willfulness or love. Couples who undergo this kind of therapy tend to have better family functioning.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD is generally suggested. It should include a cognitive and behavioral component. Behavioral therapy can help patients improve their organizational skills, focus and control their impulsive behaviors. It teaches patients to manage their home, work, and social situations in more productive ways. Psychotherapy helps patients understand how their disorder impacts different aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help reduce the shame and low-esteem that are often seen among people suffering from ADHD. They may be viewed by others as lazy or unintelligent.
ADHD symptoms can be mimicked by many mental disorders. For example anxiety disorders are found at a high rate in adult ADHD patients and depression is observed in greater numbers among those suffering from the disorder. The presence of other mental health issues should be analyzed according to the need, to determine if the patient's ADHD symptoms are connected to them.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated using an amalgamation of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been established that a combination of psychotherapy and medication produces better results than either therapy by itself. Future controlled medication studies should aim to measure and track the improvement in functional aspects such as improved performance at work, school and interpersonal relationships.