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ADHD in Adults Treatment ADHD is associated with significant problems in social and academic functioning. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of depression, anxiety disorders as well as addiction and disorders of use. The medications that help improve ADHD symptoms by increasing neurotransmitters that control attention and impulsivity appear to be working. Medication trials are usually conducted to determine which drugs and in what dosages work best for each person. Medication The use of acute treatments, such as medication, can help to improve ADHD symptoms in adults. The most effective medications improve the core ADHD symptoms by altering neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. They work by increasing the amount of these neurotransmitters in the presynaptic transporters and decreasing their reuptake, which prevents their breakdown. Practitioners aren't able to know ahead of time what medication is most effective for a particular person and so the majority of adults go through an experiment with their medications. It starts with a small dose that is slowly increased over 3-7 days until clinical benefits are realized. Methylphenidate is a psychostimulant that is used to treat ADHD. It is available as tablets, liquids extended-release (Concerta). Extended-release preparations are the most reliable because it cannot be crushed or used in other ways, such as getting high. Adults who use stimulant drugs are susceptible to serious health issues. Those with a history of alcohol or drug abuse should speak with an expert in mental health regarding the use of psychostimulants. Stimulants may cause mood changes or sleep disturbances. If these effects are present it is possible that the patient needs a change in medication or even stop taking it. Stimulants are also contraindicated in those with a history of the disorder, severe anorexia, certain psychosis disorders like schizoaffective disorders and antisocial personality disorder, as well as certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease. Mood stabilizers, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) can improve mood and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity in some adults with ADHD. They block the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transmitter which allows for a greater amount of the substance to be absorbed by the brain. They can be given together with other ADHD medications or as a stand-alone. Adults with ADHD are often afflicted by comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety. They can be treated with psychotherapy and/or non-medication therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. This treatment helps patients manage their symptoms and improve their self-esteem, functioning, and relationships. Certain therapists are trained in treating adult ADHD. Counseling Counseling, a form of psychotherapy, is a key part of treatment for adhd in adults. Talk therapy can help you manage your feelings improve your relationships, and help you manage anger and stress. It can also teach you methods to increase your self-control and reduce your impulsive behavior. Counseling can be done in person or via the phone. Counseling may involve cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you to recognize and modify negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to ADHD symptoms. It can also include family or marital therapy which can assist loved children cope with their emotions and help them support your success. It may also include lifestyle coaching, which will teach you skills to help manage your ADHD. Adults with ADHD often have difficulty waking up in the morning and getting through the day without feeling groggy or annoyed. A therapist could suggest a sleeping routine, which includes a consistent bedtime and a wake-up time every day. It is essential to get enough sleep so that your body can function optimally. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle with working through tasks and staying on track at school, work and in their personal lives. Often, their problems are rooted in long-standing patterns of failure and underachievement academically or job changes, as well as conflicts in relationships. Individual talk therapy can help address emotional baggage such as low self-esteem and feelings of shame, embarrassment over past mistakes, and resentment towards criticism and the constant nagging of those close to them. Behavioral coaching for adults with ADHD is a form of therapy that focuses on practical solutions to daily living, such as organizing your work and home environment, structuring your schedule, prioritizing work and managing your money. This type of therapy is generally available in person or on the internet and aims to teach you strategies to improve your life when you suffer from ADHD. Adults suffering from ADHD have a higher likelihood of developing comorbid disorders. It is important to treat these disorders as well. In some instances the combination of medication and behavioral therapies can provide the most effective results. A counselor can help you learn to manage your mood and anxiety with mindfulness-based therapies like yoga and meditation, as well as deal with other comorbidities like addiction or depression. Therapy Many psychiatric disorders can resemble ADHD symptoms. Therefore, a thorough assessment is necessary to determine the root of these symptoms. The evaluation could include a review of the patient's medical history, psychological testing and a detailed analysis of their behavior. The evaluation will include a review of the person’s family history. Psychotherapy is an essential component of treatment for adhd in adults. It can help people deal with the emotional turmoil and frustrations caused by their inability to function at a level that is in line with their own expectations. It can also help them develop coping strategies and strengthen relationships with family members. Behavioral therapy can teach patients to concentrate on their tasks and break big projects into small steps that are easier to manage. It helps them to learn to manage their impulsive behavior and increase confidence in their abilities to succeed. Family and marriage counseling can help couples recognize the issues ADHD can bring to their relationship. They can also learn to talk about issues that arise within their families or marriages in a constructive way instead of blaming one another. Individual psychotherapy can help people identify the root causes of their problems, including feelings of guilt or sadness. It can also help them to develop healthy strategies for coping, such as exercise or meditation. A calming medication such as clonidine which is a 2adrenergic receptor agonist, can be used to treat impulsivity and hyperactivity in adults who suffer from ADHD. It can be especially beneficial for people who suffer from an underlying Tourette's disorder or other tic disorders. It is usually used as a last resort medication after nonstimulant drugs have been tried but found to be ineffective.
Nutrition Adults with ADHD might find that their diet has a significant impact on how they feel and function. A balanced, healthy diet can reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve focus. Avoiding junk food and sodas can also help to reduce or eliminate ADHD symptoms. Adults suffering from ADHD should also eat regular meals and snacks, as well as drink to ensure that their blood sugar levels remain constant throughout the day. This can boost their mood, energy and sleep quality at night. Many psychiatric disorders may have symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD It is important for adults with these conditions to be examined carefully to determine if their symptoms are caused by a different disorder. In addition, many medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as thyroid disorders and lead poisoning hearing and vision issues, depression and anxiety and the background of alcohol or drug use, and certain medications. Adults can have a more difficult to diagnose ADHD than children. A diagnosis is based on a history of childhood symptoms that are similar to ADHD, as well as an assessment of functional impairment. Many adults do not have a distinct childhood ADHD background, or might not have a parent or a sibling who can verify their symptoms. If someone is abusing alcohol or drugs and is a frequent user of drugs, they may not be the best candidate for psychostimulants. The doctor should take this into consideration when deciding whether or not to prescribe these medications. There are a variety of FDA approved drugs that can help adults with ADHD. These include stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. They can be effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD however they must be used responsibly and those with ADHD should be monitored frequently for side effects. These medications are available in long-acting formulations that can be taken two or three times per day by adults with ADHD. These medications are available in tablet, liquid or chewable form, and they can be taken with or without food. |
