Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Adults with adhd are treated through medication, therapy and support from family members. People can also participate in clinical trials that test new ways of treating ADHD.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to benefit from stimulant medication. But they need to be closely monitored. That includes monthly clinical appointments as well as frequent reviews of symptoms and side effects.
Medicines
There are a variety of medications that can help reduce 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 will decide the most effective dose and time to take it. It may take some time to determine the proper dosage and medication that will control your symptoms.
The first drug that doctors prescribe to adults with ADHD is stimulants. They increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in your brain, which increase your ability to focus and control impulses. These medications are available in short-, medium- and long-acting versions. Short-acting stimulants last about 6 hours, intermediate-acting drugs last between 8 and 10 hours, while long-acting medications last for up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely to cause adverse effects than intermediate- or shorter-acting medications. However, they may still cause sleepiness and change in appetite.
Nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine, (Strattera), are used to treat adults with ADHD when stimulants don’t perform or cause unwanted adverse effects. These medicines don’t affect your norepinephrine or dopamine levels however they increase the amount of norepinephrine that’s available to your brain, and improve your ability to focus. These capsules are consumed once or twice a day.
Some adults with ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety. These are known as comorbid disorders and they can impact how you react to treatment for ADHD. It is important to address any comorbid conditions before starting treatment for ADHD. For instance, those who have an history of using substances disorder may be more likely to abuse psychostimulants. This is why it’s generally advised to wait until the patient has quit using substances before considering treatment with stimulants for ADHD.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an interaction process of discussing and talking about issues that may be disturbing or troubling for a person. The therapist listens and provides guidance based on their education, training, experience, professional credentials and therapeutic philosophies. Psychotherapy can be short-term, (a couple of weeks or months) or addressing more immediate issues, or more long-term. The duration and frequency of treatment is decided by the therapist and the patient together.
The use of psychotherapy and drugs together is an extremely effective treatment for adults with ADHD. Behavioral therapy helps 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, leading to more effective and efficient work and academic performance.
Adults suffering from ADHD have a higher risk of co-existing conditions. This is especially applicable to mood disorders like depression and anxiety. It is essential that any co-existing condition be treated prior to starting treatment for ADHD. Treatment for co-existing disorders might require different types and doses of medication than the ones used to treat ADHD.
For example, a person with ADHD might 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 understand how different medications affect people over time as well as the interactions between medications.
It’s important that you choose a therapist with expertise in treating adults with ADHD and with whom you feel comfortable. It’s important to schedule your initial sessions at a time when you will not be distracted by work or family obligations.
Counseling
Adults with ADHD often have many life challenges, including relationships and work issues. The person who has ADHD might also experience frustration, anger and guilt that has developed over time. Several psychosocial Alternative Treatments for adhd have been proven to aid them and their families learn new attitudes, skills and ways of relating.
Psychotherapy can also include cognitive behavioral therapy, a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals change their thinking and behavior. It involves goal-setting, training and practicing of skills, as well as strategies for teaching that help improve organization and self-esteem. This can be accomplished individually or in a group setting. A few studies have proven that the use of metacognitive therapy can reduce symptoms and improve performance in adults with ADHD (Stevenson and colleagues, 2002).
In addition to psychotherapy, some people with ADHD also need counseling to address specific difficulties. These could include family conflict, impulsive and aggressive behavior, or difficulties managing failures and disappointments. Counseling can teach the how to handle these situations, improve communication and improve problem-solving skills. It can also enhance relationships, especially in marriages and other long-term partnerships.
Family therapy and supportive groups therapy are two other types of psychotherapy that could be utilized to treat ADHD. These therapies can assist families in coping and learn skills to reduce conflict and improve communication when dealing with children who have ADHD. It can assist parents to understand the disorder, and develop parenting techniques that encourage positive results in their children.
It is crucial for people with ADHD to discuss their medications with their health care professionals regularly, and to inform them of any other medications they’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs. Some medications can interact with certain medications or cause side effects that are worsened by other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis is established, it is important that the patient is monitored to ensure he/she is getting the benefits of medication and not experiencing adverse effects. It is recommended to see a patient for the initial clinical assessment within 30 days after starting treatment and every month thereafter. This permits a thorough adjustment of psychostimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidate, to a safe, effective dose. This allows for accurate registration of the patient’s reaction and assists in avoiding the patient from being kept on insufficient doses (slow metabolism) or forcing those who require higher doses on excessively high levels (rapid metabolizers).
Adults who aren’t responding well to stimulant medications or have unwanted side effects that are difficult to tolerate might benefit from non medication treatment for adhd adults-stimulant drugs. This typically involves the use of atomoxetine or other methylphenidate-related alternatives.
Adults with ADHD typically suffer from comorbid disorders like mood disorder or anxiety disorder, substance abuse issues or depression. Moreover, they may have chronic sleep disorders or medical issues such as vision and hearing disorders. As part of the initial assessment for ADHD, it is important to identify such conditions and evaluate the severity of them. These conditions can have a significant impact on functional impairments in adults.
Marital therapy can also be beneficial in the treatment of ADHD. Spouses often report that they feel overburdened by the responsibilities to care for their spouses with ADHD and can become resentful and angry in the process. The way to reduce resentment is by enhancing the understanding of the condition, and assisting them understand that the symptoms are not caused by a lack in willfulness or love. Couples who undergo this type of therapy are more likely to have better functioning families.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD is usually advised. It should include a behavioral and cognitive component. Behavioral therapy assists patients in improving their organization skills, focus and manage impulsive behavior. It helps patients manage their work, home and social interactions more effectively. Psychotherapy also helps patients understand how their condition affects different areas of their lives and relationships. This can help reduce the feelings of shame and low self-esteem that is commonly seen in adults with ADHD, who may be thought of as lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
Many psychiatric disorders may mimic ADHD symptoms. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to be suffering from depression and anxiety. The presence of any other psychiatric issues should be analyzed in order to determine whether or not the patient’s ADHD symptoms are connected to them.
A combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy is usually recommended for the treatment of ADHD in adults. It has been demonstrated that the combination of psychotherapy and medication can produce better results than either therapy alone. Future controlled medication studies will try to track and evaluate improvements in functional performance, for example, improved functioning in school or at work, as well as interpersonal relationships.
