Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Treatment for adhd in adults is based on therapy, medication and family support. People can also participate in clinical trials that test new methods of treating ADHD.
Adults with ADHD are the most likely to benefit from stimulant drugs. But they need to be closely monitored. This includes regular clinical appointments, and frequent reviews of symptoms and side effects.
Medicines
There are many drugs that can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. These medications are called psychostimulants. They function by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain that transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will choose the right medication for you, and determine the best dosage and schedule. It could take some time to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that will control your symptoms.
Stimulants are usually the first prescription medication doctors recommend to adults suffering from ADHD. These medicines increase the amounts of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which improve your ability to focus and manage impulses. These medicines are available in short-, mediumand long-acting varieties. Short-acting stimulants last about 6 hours, intermediate-acting drugs last between 8 and 10 hours, and long-acting drugs last up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely cause side effects than intermediate or shorter-acting medications used to treat adhd. However, they can induce sleepiness and a change in appetite.
Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) are used to treat adults with ADHD in cases where stimulants don’t perform or cause undesirable side effects. These medicines don’t affect your norepinephrine or dopamine levels however they do increase the amount of norepinephrine available to your brain and improve your ability to concentrate. These medicines come in capsule form and are taken twice or once every day.
Certain adults who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring disorders, such as depression or anxiety. These are called comorbid conditions and can affect how you respond to treatment for ADHD. Before starting treatment for ADHD it is important to address any comorbid issues. People with a history addiction to drugs are more likely to use psychostimulants. It is best to wait until a person has stopped using drugs before treating them with stimulants.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy involves discussing and discussing issues that cause distress or anxiety to a person. The therapist listens and offers guidance based on his or her training, education and experience as well as professional qualifications and therapeutic theories. Psychotherapy may be short-term (a few weeks or even months) or addressing more immediate issues, or more long-term. The duration and frequency of the treatment is determined by the patient and therapist together.
Psychotherapy and medication together are a highly effective way to treat adults with ADHD. Behavioral therapy helps people improve their abilities to organize their lives, manage their time and prioritizing; it can also teach methods for managing emotions such as anger and frustration. Treatment can ease symptoms, increase focus and lead to better academic and work performance.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-existing disorders, including mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Before beginning treatment for ADHD, it is important to treat any co-existing conditions. Treatment for co-existing disorders might require different types and dosages of medication than those used to treat ADHD.
A person with ADHD may also suffer from hypertension. To pick a medication that can treat the ADHD symptoms without destabilizing the patient’s hypertension it is crucial to understand how various medications affect individuals in the course of time, as well as the interactions between the medications.
It is essential to find a professional with whom you share a a good relationship, and who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. It’s also important to schedule your first few sessions during times when you aren’t distracted by your family obligations or work obligations.
Counseling
Adults with ADHD often have many issues in their lives, including relationships and work problems. They may also experience frustration, blame and anger that have developed in their lives due to their symptoms. Numerous psychosocial therapies have been proven to help them and their families learn new behaviors, skills, and ways of relating.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps people alter their behavior and thinking. It includes goal-setting, skills training and practice, and methods of teaching to improve self-esteem and organization. It can be done in a private or in a group setting. Metacognitive therapy has been proven to significantly reduce symptoms among adults with ADHD and improve their functioning (Stevenson et al. 2002).
Some people suffering from ADHD may also require counseling to help them overcome specific issues in their lives. These issues could include family conflicts, aggressive or impulsive behavior, and difficulties in dealing with disappointments and failures. Counseling can teach the strategies to manage these situations, improve communication and enhance problem-solving abilities. It can also enhance interpersonal relationships, especially in marriages and other long-term partnerships.
Other forms of psychotherapy for ADHD include family therapy and supportive group therapy. These therapies can help families cope and develop skills to lessen conflict and improve communication when dealing with children who have ADHD. It can aid parents understand the disorder and develop parenting strategies that promote positive outcomes for their children.
It is important for people with ADHD to discuss their medications with their health care providers regularly, and to inform them of all other medications they are taking, including over-the-counter drugs. Certain medications can cause adverse reactions or interact with other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough evaluation and diagnosis, it is important to monitor the patient to ensure that he/she reaps the benefits of the medication and does not experience side effects. It is recommended to see the patient for the initial clinical monitoring within 30days after starting treatment, and then every month thereafter. This will allow for an accurate adjustment of psychostimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate to a safe, effective dose. This permits accurate recording of the patient’s reaction and helps avoid keeping the patient with a sensitive response on doses that are not sufficient.
Adults who are not 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 atomoxetine or other methylphenidate alternatives.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually affected by comorbid disorders like depression or substance abuse. Additionally, they may suffer from chronic sleep disorders or medical issues like vision and hearing disorders. As part of the initial evaluation for ADHD, it is important to screen such conditions and evaluate the severity of them. These conditions can have a significant effect on functional impairments in adults.
Marital therapy can also be beneficial in the management of ADHD. Couples complain of being overwhelmed by the caretaking duties of their spouses suffering from ADHD, and can become resentful or angry in response. The way to reduce resentment is by enhancing the understanding of the condition, and helping them understand that the symptoms are not caused by a lack in affection or willfulness. Couples who undergo this kind of therapy tend to have better family functioning.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy for adults with ADHD is generally recommended. It should include a cognitive and behavioral component. Behavioral therapy can help patients improve their organizational skills, focus, and control impulsive behaviors. It teaches patients to manage their home, work, and social situations in more productive ways. Psychotherapy also helps patients understand how to get adhd treatment their condition affects various aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help reduce the feelings of shame and low self-esteem that are often experienced by adults with ADHD who are thought of as lazy or less intelligent.
ADHD symptoms can be mimicked by various mental disorders. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. If it is necessary, the presence of other psychiatric disorders should be analyzed to determine if ADHD symptoms are caused by them.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with an amalgamation of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been demonstrated that a combination of psychotherapy and medication produces better results than either therapy by itself. Future controlled studies will aim to track and evaluate improvements in functional performance, for example, improved functioning in school or at work, as well as interpersonal relations.
