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ADHD Treatments For Adults The majority of doctors recommend stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. They help balance levels of two chemical messengers in the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants also help to alleviate symptoms, but they do so more slowly. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help adults learn skills to improve organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy are capable of improving social functioning. Medications You can take medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people find they are more comfortable after changing their diet or taking supplements. However they should only be taken under the supervision of a medical professional. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), or family counseling are all viable solutions. Some adults with ADHD struggle to adhere to medication however, they should speak with their doctors and seek help. Certain medications are available over-the-counter while others need a prescription. Most ADHD medications help by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This reduces impulsivity, and increases concentration. Some of the most common medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. They are believed to be the most effective ADHD treatment, however they do have side effects. Some of these side effects could be severe, like cardiovascular problems. Stimulant medication may also cause symptoms like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth in adolescents and children by a few months. Nonstimulant drugs are often prescribed to people who suffer from adverse reactions to stimulants that are not tolerated or are at risk of developing heart issues. These are mostly norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These medications are not as effective as stimulants but are safe and don't contain the potential for abuse that certain people experience with stimulant medications.
Your relationships can be strained due to your ADHD symptoms. Talking to a therapist about the way you interact with your coworkers or spouse and taking classes that teach conflict resolution can be helpful. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how your ADHD affects you, and also recognizing that some of your behavior are not a deliberate act of aggression. Therapy ADHD in adulthood has serious emotional, social and occupational consequences for occupational, emotional and social. These include lower academic achievement, higher rates for job failure and transfer and poor performance at work. Additionally, there are more car accidents, and higher divorce rates than the general population. Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, or abuse of substances. Those with comorbid disorders may have more difficulty responding to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002). It is crucial to obtain an in-depth background of the patient since a variety of medical conditions may have symptoms similar to ADHD. Patients suffering from seizures, developmental disorders sleep apnea, thyroid disorders need to be evaluated more closely. Patients who are active in their addiction to substances or those suffering from particular medical conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure are not recommended from receiving stimulant therapy (Greenhill 2001). Psychosocial therapy is a form of therapy that includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychoeducation is the process of informing patients about their condition and its effects on their lives. Psychoeducation can help patients build their self-esteem, particularly those who are often viewed as being inept or unintelligent. The goal of behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is to enhance their organizational skills and help them learn better ways to manage their time. This will reduce the chance of missing appointments or making impulsive choices that can cause problems in school, at work or with their personal lives. This type of therapy may help improve relationships with their children, spouse and colleagues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to help people to change their negative behaviors. This type of therapy can be extremely effective in improving the functioning of those suffering from ADHD, especially if combined with psychoeducation and family therapy. Educating patients and their loved ones about ADHD can help decrease the likelihood of blaming each other for the problems caused by the patient's inability control their own behaviors. Classes that teach couples and families to communicate more effectively and improve their conflict resolution skills can also be beneficial. Counseling A good treatment strategy will address the symptoms of ADHD and their effects on work, school, and the family. It will include both stimulant and nonstimulant drugs as well as psychosocial therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change the way they think about their behavior. It also helps patients learn how to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family and friends. Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. There are a variety of stimulant drugs, each with their own advantages and side-effects. The two most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine, which are available under a variety of brand names including Ritalin and Adderall. Other drugs used to treat ADHD are atomoxetine, which helps by increasing the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells, and viloxazine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Atomoxetine and viloxazine are often used to treat ADHD in adults due to the fact that they are less likely to cause symptoms than stimulants. These medications are also available to people who are unable to take stimulants due to health issues or severe side effects. It is crucial to keep in mind that comorbid conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore the presence and severity of other conditions must be taken into consideration when diagnosing ADHD. It's important to determine the cause of the symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, hearing or sight problems. Certain patients may be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. It is important to consult a doctor before eliminating any foods. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies, and should only be done under the guidance of a dietician or doctor. Another option is counseling which can help patients learn to manage their symptoms and establish better relationships with their families. Counseling can also assist spouses in understanding that the patient's behaviors are not necessarily indicative of a lack of love or willful misconduct. Education The diagnosis of ADHD can be a bit confusing for both patients and doctors. It is not uncommon for other mental health disorders to coexist the disorder. Additionally, certain medications and medical conditions may cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Many of these issues can be resolved by treatment or lifestyle modifications. A person suffering from ADHD might benefit from taking supplements or adjusting their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy will teach him how to manage distractions, impulsiveness, and improve his focus. A doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or the practice of mindfulness meditation that can help control emotions and improve attention. Most often, stimulants are prescribed by physicians for ADHD. These include dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate as well as Concerta and Adderall. Other non-stimulant drugs could include clonidine or guanfacine, which are blood pressure drugs that can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, however they might take longer to start working and may cause negative side effects like constipation, heartburn and low sexual drive. ADHD patients tend to forget appointments, show up late for work and make irrational choices which can stress even the most patient of family and friends members. Couples therapy and classes focusing on improving communication skills can help people develop stable relationships. Diet, exercise and stress reduction all can play a part in managing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have found that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements has helped them. However, it is essential to consult with a physician prior to attempting any of these methods. If you do this without consulting with a physician it could result in nutritional deficiency and other health issues. |
