Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Adults who suffer from adhd are treated by medication, therapy, and family support. Individuals can also take part in clinical trials to try new methods of treating ADHD.
Stimulant medications are the most effective medications for adults with ADHD. They need to be monitored regularly. This means monthly appointments with a doctor and frequent review of symptoms.
Medicines
Many medications can be used to treat the symptoms of ADHD in adults. They are known as psychostimulants and they alter the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) which transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will recommend a medication that's right for you and determine the most effective dose and time to take it. It may take some time to determine the appropriate dosage and medication to control your symptoms.
The first medication that doctors prescribe to adults with ADHD is stimulants. These medications increase the amount of dopamine found in your brain and norepinephrine, which allows you to manage your impulses and focus. They come in short-, intermediateand long-acting varieties. Short-acting stimulants can last up to up to 6 hours. Intermediate-acting drugs last between 8 and 10 hours. Long-acting drugs can last up to 16. Long-acting stimulants have less side effects than shorter- or intermediate-acting medications, but they still cause insomnia and changes in appetite.
Nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera), are used to treat adult ADHD in cases where stimulants don't perform or cause undesirable adverse effects. These medications don't alter your norepinephrine or dopamine levels however they increase the amount of norepinephrine available to your brain and increase your ability to concentrate. The capsules are taken one or twice a day.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other mental disorders, like anxiety and depression. These conditions are referred to as comorbidities, and they can influence how you respond to ADHD treatment. It is important to address any comorbidities prior to starting treatment for ADHD. For instance, those who have an addiction history to drugs or disorder may be more likely to misuse psychostimulants. It is best to wait until a person has quit using drugs before taking them on with stimulants.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an interaction process of discussing and talking about issues that may be disturbing or troubling to a person. The therapist offers guidance on the basis of his or her education, experience, credentials and the philosophy of therapy. Psychotherapy can be short-term (a few weeks or even months) and can address more immediate issues, or long-term. The therapist and the patient determine the length and frequency of therapy.
The use of psychotherapy and drugs together is an extremely effective treatment option for adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy helps people improve their ability to manage their time, organize and prioritizing. It can also teach techniques to manage emotions, such as anger and frustration. Medication can reduce symptoms and increase concentration, which results in more efficient and successful academic and work.
Adults suffering from ADHD have a higher likelihood of having co-existing disorders. This is particularly applicable to mood disorders like depression and anxiety. Before starting treatment for ADHD, it is important to treat any co-existing conditions. The treatment of co-existing disorders might require different kinds of medication and doses than the medications that are used to treat ADHD.
For example, a person with ADHD may also have hypertension. Choosing a medication that treats the ADHD symptoms but doesn't alter the patient's tentatively controlled hypertension requires knowledge of how different medications affect people over time and an understanding of the interactions between various medications.
It's important that you find a therapist who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD and with whom you feel comfortable. iampsychiatry 's also important to schedule your first few sessions during times when you're not distracted by family responsibilities or work obligations.
Counseling
Adults suffering from ADHD have many difficulties in their lives, including difficulties at work and in relationships. They also may experience frustration, blame and anger that have developed in their lives because of their symptoms. Psychosocial treatments can help patients and their families develop new attitudes, skills and ways of relating.
Psychotherapy can include cognitive behavior therapy, which is a type of psychotherapy that aids individuals to modify their thinking and behavior. It involves goal-setting, training and practicing of skills, and teaching strategies for improving self-esteem and organizational skills. It can be carried out in groups or individually. A few studies have proven that treatment for metacognitive disorders can reduce symptoms and improve functioning for adults suffering from ADHD (Stevenson and colleagues 2002).
Some people suffering from ADHD may also require counseling to help them overcome specific life challenges. These issues could include family conflicts, aggressive or impulsive behaviors, and difficulty coping with failures and disappointments. Counseling can help teach strategies to manage these situations, improve communication, and increase problem-solving capabilities. It can also enhance relationships, especially in marriages and other long-term relationships.
Family therapy and supportive groups therapy are also types of psychotherapy that can be utilized to treat ADHD. These therapies can help families cope and improve their skills to manage conflict and improve communication when dealing with a child suffering from ADHD. It can also assist parents to recognize the symptoms and develop parenting styles that promote positive outcomes for their children.
Adults with ADHD should discuss their medications regularly with their physicians and inform them of any other medications, including over-the prescription drugs. Certain medications can trigger adverse effects or interact with other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis is established, it is crucial that the patient is monitored to ensure that he or she is receiving the benefits of medication and not experiencing any adverse side effects. It is recommended that patients be referred for a first clinical examination within 30 days of starting treatment, and every month afterward. In the case of psychostimulants (methylphenidate amphetamines) this enables complete titration to an effective and well-tolerated dosage. This allows for accurate registration of the patients' response and helps to avoid keeping a the patient with a sensitive response on doses that are not sufficient.
For adults who do not respond effectively to stimulant medications or have intolerable side effects the use of nonstimulant medication may be indicated. Typically this involves the use of atomoxetine, or other related alternatives to methylphenidate.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are usually affected by comorbid disorders, like depression or drug abuse. They may also have medical problems like hearing and vision problems, or chronic sleep disorders. It is important to screen and assess these conditions in the initial evaluation for ADHD because they could have a significant impact on functional impairment in adults.
ADHD can also be controlled through marital therapy. Couples often say that they feel overburdened by the responsibilities of caring for their spouses who have ADHD and may become resentful and angry due to this. Increasing the patient's awareness of the symptoms of his/her condition and helping to understand that these aren't willful acts or a lack of affection can reduce marital tensions and resentment. Couples who go through this kind of therapy tend to have better family functioning.
Behavioral Therapy
For those who suffer from ADHD Psychotherapy is generally recommended and should include a cognitive-behavioral component. Behavioral therapy assists patients in improving their organizational skills, focus and manage impulsive behavior. It teaches patients to manage their work, home and social settings in more productive ways. Psychotherapy assists patients in understanding how their disorder impacts different aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help reduce the feelings of shame and low self-esteem that are often seen among people with ADHD. They might be perceived by others as lazy or inexperienced.
Many psychiatric disorders mimic ADHD symptoms. For instance anxiety disorders are found at a high rate in adults ADHD patients and depression is observed at increased levels in people suffering from the disorder. The presence of other psychiatric problems should be assessed in order to determine if the patient's ADHD symptoms are connected to them.
A combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy is generally recommended for treatment of ADHD in adults. It has been proven that the combination of psychotherapy with medication can produce superior results over either treatment on its own. Future controlled studies must attempt to track and measure the improvement in functional aspects such as improved functioning at school, workplace, and interpersonal relationships.