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Treatment of ADHD in Adults Adults who suffer from adhd are treated by medication, therapy and support from the family. Clinical trials are being conducted to test new treatments for ADHD. The stimulant medications are the most effective treatment for adults with ADHD. But they need to be monitored regularly. This includes regular appointments with a physician and regular examinations of symptoms. Medications There are many drugs that can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. These are called psychostimulants and they alter the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) which transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will choose the right medication for you and will decide the most appropriate dosage and time to take it. It may take a while to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that is able to control your symptoms.
Nonstimulant drugs, such as atomoxetine (Strattera), can be used to treat adult ADHD when stimulants don't work or cause unwanted adverse consequences. These medicines do not affect the levels of norepinephrine or dopamine however they increase the amount of norepinephrine available to your brain and increase your ability to concentrate. These capsules are consumed once or twice daily. Some adults with ADHD also suffer from other mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety. These disorders are referred to as comorbidities and may affect how you respond to ADHD treatment. Before starting treatment for ADHD it is essential to address any comorbid issues. People with a history addiction to drugs are more likely to use psychostimulants. Because of this, it's often advisable to wait until the person has stopped using substances before considering treatment with stimulants for ADHD. Psychotherapy Psychotherapy is a method of therapy that involves discussing and talking about topics that cause distress or anxiety to a person. The therapist listens and provides guidance based on his or his or her training, education as well as experience professional credentials and therapeutic philosophies. Psychotherapy can be short-term (a couple of weeks or months) and can address more immediate issues, or more long-term. The duration and frequency of the treatment are determined by the therapist and patient together. The combination of psychotherapy and medication together is an extremely effective treatment option for adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy can help people improve their time management, organizational skills and prioritizing. It can also teach techniques to manage emotions such as anger and frustration. The use of medication can help reduce symptoms, increase focus, and result in better academic and work performance. Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-existing issues, especially mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Before beginning treatment for ADHD it is essential to treat any co-existing condition. Treatment for co-existing disorders might require different types and dosages of medication than the ones used to treat ADHD. A person with ADHD may also be suffering from hypertension. To select a medication to treat the ADHD symptoms without causing destabilization of the patient's hypertension it is crucial to know how different medications affect individuals over time and the interactions between medications. It is important to choose the right therapist with whom you have an excellent relationship and who has experience treating adults with ADHD. It's also important to schedule your first few sessions during times when you aren't distracted by family obligations or work obligations. Counseling Adults who suffer from ADHD face many challenges in their lives, such as difficulties in their relationships and at work. People with ADHD can be prone to anger, frustration and blame that have developed over time. Psychosocial therapies can aid patients and their families develop new attitudes, skills and ways of relating. Psychotherapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, a type of psychotherapy that assists individuals change their behavior and thinking. It involves goal-setting, training and practice of skills, as well as teaching strategies for improving self-esteem and organizational skills. It can be done in a private or in a group. Metacognitive therapy has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and improve their performance (Stevenson, et al. 2002). Other forms of psychotherapy for ADHD include family therapy and supportive group therapy. 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 also help parents learn about the disorder and develop parenting strategies that encourage positive outcomes for their children. It is important for adults with ADHD to discuss their medication with their health care providers regularly, and to inform them of any other medications they're taking, including over-the-counter drugs. Some medications can cause adverse reactions or interact with other medications. Medication Monitoring After a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis is made, it is essential that the patient be monitored to ensure that they are receiving the benefits of the medication and is not experiencing side effects. It is recommended to see a patient for the initial clinical monitoring within 30days after starting treatment and every month following that. This permits an accurate titration of psychostimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate to a well-tolerated, effective dose. This permits accurate recording of the patients' response and prevents the patient from being a sensitive patient on insufficient doses. Adults who aren't responding well to stimulant medications or suffer from side effects that are intolerable could benefit from non-stimulant medications. This typically involves the use of atomoxetine, or other methylphenidate-related alternatives. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually affected by comorbid disorders such as depression or substance abuse. They may also suffer from medical problems like hearing and vision problems or chronic sleep disorders. It is crucial to identify and assess these conditions in the initial evaluation for ADHD because they could have a significant effects on functional impairment in adults. ADHD can also be managed through marital therapy. Many spouses report that they feel overburdened by the responsibilities to care for their spouses who have ADHD and can become angry and angry in the process. Making the patient aware of the symptoms of his/her condition and helping to understand that these are not willful acts or a lack of affection can reduce resentment and marital difficulties. Couples who undergo this type of therapy are more likely to have better functioning families. Behavioral Therapy For people who suffer from ADHD Psychotherapy is generally recommended and should incorporate a cognitive-behavioral component. Behavioral therapy assists patients in learning to improve their organizational skills and focus and control their the impulsive behavior. It helps patients manage their social, work and home environments more efficiently. Psychotherapy can also help patients understand how their condition affects various aspects of their lives and relationships. This helps reduce the shame and low-esteem that are often felt by adults with ADHD. They could be viewed by others as being lazy or less intelligent. ADHD symptoms can be mirrored by various psychiatric disorders. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. If it is necessary the presence of other psychiatric disorders must be evaluated to determine whether ADHD symptoms are caused by them. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated using the combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been demonstrated that the combination of psychotherapy with medication can produce better results than either therapy alone. Future controlled medication studies should attempt to track and measure the effects of functional improvements, such as better performance at work, school and interpersonal relationships. |
