Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Adults with adhd are treated by therapy, medication and support from the family. People can also participate in clinical trials to test new approaches to treating ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD are the most likely to benefit from stimulant medications. They must be monitored regularly. This means monthly appointments with a doctor and regular review of symptoms.
Medicines
There are a variety of medications that can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. These are known as psychostimulants. They work by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain that transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will recommend the best medication for you and will decide the best dose and schedule to take it. It could take a while to find the right dosage and medication to control your symptoms.
Stimulants are often the first medication doctors prescribe to adults suffering from ADHD. These medicines increase the amounts of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain, which enhances your ability to focus and control impulses. These medicines are available in short-, mediumand long-acting forms. Short-acting stimulants last for about 6 hours, intermediate-acting medicines last 8-10 hours, and long-acting medications last for up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants have less adverse effects than shorter- and intermediate-acting medications, but they still can cause an increase in appetite and sleepiness.
Nonstimulant drugs, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) are used to treat adult ADHD when stimulants aren't effective or cause unwanted side negative effects. These medications don't alter the levels of norepinephrine or dopamine however they increase the amount of norepinephrine available to your brain and improve your ability to concentrate. These medications are available in capsules and can be taken twice or once a day.
Some adults with ADHD have co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety or depression. These disorders are referred to as comorbidities, and they can affect how you respond to ADHD treatment. It's important to treat any comorbidities prior to starting treatment for ADHD. People who have a history of substance abuse disorders are more likely to misuse psychostimulants. It is best to wait until someone has quit using drugs before treating them with stimulants.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy involves talking and discussing topics that cause distress or anxiety for a person. The therapist provides guidance based upon his or her qualifications, experience, training, and therapeutic philosophy. Psychotherapy may be short-term (a few weeks or even months) and can address more immediate issues, or more long-term. The duration and frequency of treatment is determined by the patient and therapist together.
The combination of psychotherapy and medication is an extremely effective way to treat adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy can help people improve their abilities to organize their lives, manage their time and prioritizing. It can also teach methods to manage emotions, such as anger and frustration. Treatment can ease symptoms and improve focus, which leads to more effective and efficient academic and work.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have co-existing conditions, particularly mood disorders like depression and anxiety. It is essential that any co-existing conditions be treated prior to starting treatment for ADHD. Treatment of co-existing disorders may require different forms and dosages of medication than the ones used to treat ADHD.
A person with ADHD may also be suffering from hypertension. To choose a medication to treat the ADHD symptoms without causing instability to the patient's hypertension it is crucial to know how different medications affect individuals over time and the interactions between the medications.
It is important to choose the right professional with whom you share a an excellent relationship and who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. It's also important to arrange your first few sessions during times when you aren't distracted by your family obligations or work obligations.
Counseling
Adults with ADHD face many challenges in their lives, such as issues at work and with relationships. They may also experience frustration, blame and anger that have accumulated in their lives because of their symptoms. Several psychosocial treatments have been proven effective in helping them and their families learn new skills, attitudes and ways of relating.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of psychotherapy that helps people change their habits and thoughts. It includes goal-setting, skills training and practice, as well as teaching strategies to improve self-esteem and organization. It can be conducted in groups or individually. Certain studies have demonstrated that the use of metacognitive therapy can reduce symptoms and improve performance in adults with ADHD (Stevenson and co-authors, 2002).
Some people suffering from ADHD might also require counseling to help them overcome adhd symptoms in adults treatment specific life issues. These may include family conflict, impulsive or aggressive behavior, or difficulty dealing with failures and disappointments. Counseling can help teach skills to manage these situations, improve communication, and enhance problem-solving abilities. It can also enhance interpersonal relationships, especially in long-term marriages or other partnerships.
Other types of psychotherapy for ADHD are family therapy and supportive group therapy. These can help families cope with the anxiety of having a child suffering from ADHD, as well as teach skills to improve communication and reduce conflicts. It can also assist parents to understand the disorder and develop parenting styles that promote positive outcomes for their children.
Adults with ADHD must discuss their medication regularly with their doctors and also disclose any other medications, including over-the counter drugs. Some medications can interact with certain medications or trigger adverse effects that are exacerbated by other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough examination and diagnosis, it is important to monitor the patient to ensure that he/she receives the benefits of the medication and doesn't experience any adverse side negative effects. It is recommended that a patient be examined for a first clinical examination within 30 days of initiating treatment and monthly following that. In the case of psychostimulants (methylphenidate, amphetamines) this allows for a thorough titration to an effective and well-tolerated dose. This allows for accurate registration of the patient's reaction and helps to avoid keeping a the patient with a sensitive response on doses that are not sufficient.
For adults who are unable to respond well to stimulant medication or experience uncontrollable side effects the use of nonstimulant medications may be indicated. This usually involves the use atomoxetine or other methylphenidate-related alternatives.
Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring disorders such as mood or anxiety disorder, substance abuse problems or depression. They might also be suffering from medical conditions like hearing or vision problems, or chronic sleep disorders. As part of the initial evaluation for ADHD it is essential to screen these conditions and assess their severity. These conditions could have a significant impact on functional impairments in adults.
Marital therapy can also be beneficial in the management of ADHD. spouses feel overwhelmed by the caretaking responsibilities of their spouses who suffer from ADHD and may become resentful or angry due to this. Increasing the patient's awareness of the symptoms of his/her condition and helping to understand that these aren't impulsive acts or a lack of affection can help to reduce marital tensions and resentment. Couples who go through this kind of therapy generally experience a better family functioning.
Behavioral Therapy
For adults with ADHD Psychotherapy is generally recommended and should incorporate a cognitive-behavioral component. Behavioral therapy can help patients to improve their abilities to manage their time and focus, as well as control the impulsive behavior. It helps patients manage their home, work and social interactions in more productive ways. Psychotherapy also helps patients understand how their condition affects different areas of their lives and relationships. This can reduce the shame and low-esteem that are often seen among people suffering from ADHD. They might be perceived by others as lazy or inexperienced.
ADHD symptoms can be mimicked by many psychiatric disorders. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to be suffering from depression and anxiety disorders. The presence of other mental health problems should be assessed, as appropriate, to determine whether or not the patient's ADHD symptoms are related to them.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with a combination of pharmacotherapy, and psychotherapy. It has been established that a combination of psychotherapy and medication can produce better results than either therapy alone. Future controlled medication studies should aim to track and measure the improvement in functional aspects such as improved performance at work, school and interpersonal relationships.