Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Treatment for adhd in adults includes therapy, medication and family support. Clinical trials are available to test new treatments for ADHD.
The stimulant medications are the most effective treatment for adults with ADHD. They require monitoring regularly. This includes monthly clinical appointments and regular review of symptoms.
Medications
There are many drugs that can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. They are referred to as psychostimulants. they alter the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) which transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will select the right medication for you and will determine the most effective dose and time to take it. It could take some time to determine the appropriate medication and dosage that controls your symptoms.
The first drug that doctors prescribe to adults suffering from ADHD is stimulants. They increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which improve your ability to focus and control impulses. They come in short-, intermediate- and long-acting forms. 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 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely cause adverse reactions than intermediate- or shorter-acting medications. However, they may induce sleepiness and a change in appetite.
Nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine, (Strattera), are used to treat adults with ADHD when stimulants don't work or cause unwanted side effects. These medicines do not affect your dopamine or norepinephrine levels however, they can increase the brain's supply of norepinephrine, which improves your ability to concentrate. 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 disorders are referred to as comorbidities and may affect how you respond to ADHD treatment. It is important to address any comorbidities prior to starting treatment for ADHD. Patients with a history of substance abuse disorder are more likely to misuse psychostimulants. It's best to wait until a person has stopped using drugs before taking them on with stimulants.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy involves discussing and discussing issues that cause anxiety or are disturbing for a person. The therapist provides guidance based upon his or her education, experience, credentials, and therapeutic philosophy. Psychotherapy may be short-term (a few weeks or months) dealing with immediate issues or more long-term (months or years) where a person is working on more complicated and longstanding issues. 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 with ADHD. Behavioral therapy can help individuals improve their time management, organizational skills and prioritizing. It can also teach strategies to manage emotions, such as anger and frustration. Medication can reduce symptoms, increase focus and lead to better work and academic performance.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-existing conditions, particularly mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. It is essential that any co-existing condition be treated prior to starting treatment for ADHD. The treatment of co-existing conditions could require different types of medications and dosages than those that are used to treat ADHD.
For instance, a patient who suffers from ADHD may also have hypertension. To select a medication to treat the ADHD symptoms without causing instability to the patient's hypertension it is essential to understand how various medications affect individuals over time and the interactions between the medications.
It's important that you choose a therapist with expertise in treating adults with ADHD and with whom you are comfortable. It's important to schedule your first few sessions at a time that you will not be distracted by work or family obligations.
Counseling
Adults with ADHD face a variety of challenges in their lives, including issues at work and with relationships. People with ADHD can be prone to anger, frustration and blame that have developed over time. Several psychosocial treatments have been proven to help them and their families learn new behaviors, skills, and ways of communicating.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type psychotherapy that assists people in changing their behavior and thinking. adult treatment for adhd involves setting goals, training and the practice of skills, as well as methods of teaching to improve self-esteem and organization. It may be done in groups or individually. Metacognitive therapy has been proven to significantly reduce symptoms among adults suffering from ADHD and improve their functioning (Stevenson et al., 2002).
In addition to psychotherapy, some people with ADHD require counseling to address specific issues. These difficulties could include family conflicts, aggressive or impulsive behaviors, and difficulty coping with failures and disappointments. Counseling can teach skills to help manage these situations and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. It can also enhance relationships, especially in marriages and other long-term relationships.
Family therapy and supportive groups therapy are two other types of psychotherapy that can be utilized to treat ADHD. These can assist families to cope with the stress of having a child who has ADHD and develop skills to improve communication and reduce conflict. It can also help parents learn about the disorder and develop parenting techniques that promote positive outcomes for their children.
Adults with ADHD should discuss their medications regularly with their doctors and disclose any other medications, including over the drug products. Certain medications may interact with specific medications or cause adverse effects that are exacerbated by other medicines.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough assessment and diagnosis, it is essential to monitor the patient's progress to ensure that he/she reaps the benefits of the medication and doesn't experience any adverse side adverse 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 well-tolerated, effective dose. This allows for accurate registration of the patient's reaction and assists in avoiding keeping sensitive patients on doses that are not sufficient (slow metabolizers) or forcing those who require higher doses to unnecessarily high levels (rapid metabolizers).
For adults who do not respond effectively to stimulant medications or have intolerable side effects the use of nonstimulant medication could be recommended. This usually involves the use atomoxetine, or other methylphenidate-related alternatives.
Adults with ADHD are frequently affected by comorbid disorders like depression or drug abuse. In addition, they may experience chronic sleep disorders or medical problems such as hearing and vision disorders. It is crucial to identify and assess these conditions as part of the initial evaluation for ADHD because they could have a significant impact on functional impairment in adults.
Marital therapy can also be beneficial in the treatment of ADHD. spouses feel overwhelmed by the caretaking responsibilities of their spouses suffering from ADHD, and can become resentful or angry due to this. increasing the awareness of the patient about the symptoms of his/her condition and helping them realize that these aren't impulsive actions or lack of affection can help reduce resentment and marital difficulties. Couples who undergo this type of therapy typically experience better family functioning.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD is typically recommended. It should include a behavioral and cognitive component. Behavioral therapy assists patients in improving their focus, organization skills and manage impulsive behavior. It teaches patients to manage their home, work and social settings in more productive ways. Psychotherapy helps patients to understand how their condition impacts different aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help reduce the feelings of shame and low self-esteem that are often felt by people suffering from ADHD. They might be perceived by others as being lazy or less intelligent.
ADHD symptoms can be mimicked by various mental disorders. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to be suffering from anxiety disorders and depression. If necessary the presence of any other psychiatric disorders must be evaluated to determine if ADHD symptoms are a result of them.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated using the combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been shown that when a combination of medication and psychotherapy is employed the results are superior than the results of either treatment alone. Future controlled studies must attempt to track and measure the effects of functional improvements, such as better performance at work, school, and interpersonal relationships.