![[PukiWiki]](image/pukiwiki.png "[PukiWiki]")
|
ADHD in Adults Treatment ADHD is linked to significant impairments of academic performance and social functioning. Adults with ADHD are at higher risk for anxiety disorders, depression, and addiction to drugs. The medications that help improve ADHD symptoms by increasing neurotransmitters responsible for controlling attention and impulsivity seem to work. Trials of medication are typically conducted to determine which medications and dosages work best for each individual. Medication
The use of acute treatments, such as medication, can help improve ADHD symptoms in adults. The most effective way to reduce ADHD symptoms is to alter neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine. They work by increasing the availability of neurotransmitters at presynaptic receptors, and reducing their reuptake to stop their breakdown. Since practitioners cannot predict which medication will be most effective for a specific person, they typically conduct a trial. This begins with a low dose that is gradually increased over a period of 3-7 days until the clinical benefits are realized. Methylphenidate is a psychostimulant that is used to treat ADHD. It is available in tablet form, liquid or extended-release form (Concerta). The extended-release preparation is the most reliable since it cannot be crushed and used in other ways, for example, getting high. Adults who misuse stimulant medication may be afflicted with serious health issues. People who have a history of alcohol or drug abuse should talk to a mental health professional regarding the use of psychostimulants. The stimulants can cause mood swings and sleep disturbances. If these effects are present, a person may need to change to a different kind of medication or stop taking it altogether. The use of stimulants is not recommended for those who have the history of having Tourette's disease severe aorexia, mental conditions like schizoaffective disorder and antisocial personality disorders, or for certain medical conditions, like high blood pressure or heart disease. Mood stabilizers like bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) can enhance mood and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity among some adults with ADHD. They are effective by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transporter, allowing for more of the substance in the brain. They can be administered together with other ADHD medicines or by themselves. Adults with ADHD often have comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety. These can be treated with psychotherapy and/or non-medicative treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. This treatment helps the patient learn to manage their symptoms, improve their self-esteem and relationships and improve their performance. Some therapists have specialized training in treating adult ADHD. Counseling Counseling, a type of psychotherapy, is a crucial element of adhd treatment for adults. Talk therapy can help you manage your stress and anger, improve your relationships, and deal with your emotions. It can also assist you in learning strategies to control your self and reduce the risk of impulsive behavior. Counseling can take place in person or via phone. Counseling can include cognitive behavioral therapy. This teaches you how to recognize and change negative attitudes and behaviors that cause ADHD symptoms. It could also involve marital or family counseling, which helps family members cope and find ways to help you. Lifestyle coaching can also be included in the training to manage ADHD. Adults with ADHD have difficulty getting up in the morning or going through the day. A therapist can recommend a sleep schedule, which includes a consistent bedtime and a time for waking up every day. It is crucial to get enough rest so that your body can function optimally. Many people with ADHD struggle with completing tasks and staying on their course at work, school and in their private lives. Their problems are often caused by long-standing patterns of underachievement and failure academic issues or job changes, as well as relationship conflicts. Individual talk therapy can help you overcome emotional baggage, like low self-esteem, feelings of shame and embarrassment resulting from past mistakes, as well as frustration at the criticism or the nagging that you receive from the people closest to you. Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from multiple psychiatric conditions, and it is important to address these issues as well. In some cases the combination of medication and behavioral therapy may yield the most effective results. A Therapist can assist you in learning to manage your anxiety and mood through mindfulness-based interventions such as meditation and yoga, and address other comorbid conditions, such as substance abuse or depression. Therapy Many psychiatric disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, a thorough evaluation is required to determine the cause of these symptoms. This evaluation may include a medical history, psychological tests and a thorough examination of a person's behavior. The test may also include a thorough investigation of a person's family history. Psychotherapy is an integral part of treatment for adhd for adults. It can help people cope with the emotional stress caused by their inability function at a level that meets their expectations. It can also improve the relationships with their families and aid in the development of coping strategies. Behavioral therapy can help patients stay focused on their tasks and break large projects into smaller steps that are easier to manage. It can also assist them in learning to control impulsive behaviors and gain confidence in their ability to succeed. Marriage and family counseling can help couples understand the difficulties that ADHD can bring about in their relationships. They are also able to discuss issues that arise in their families or marriages in a constructive way, instead of blaming each other. Individual psychotherapy can assist people to explore the root causes of their issues, such as feelings of guilt or sadness. It can also help individuals develop healthy strategies for coping, such as exercise or meditation. A calming medication such as clonidine, a 2-adrenergic receptor agonist, can be used to treat hyperactivity and impulsivity in adults who suffer from ADHD. It is especially helpful for those with Tourette's Syndrome or other disorders of the tic. It is typically prescribed as a second line medication after nonstimulant medications have been tried, but are found to not be effective. Clinical trials are research studies that investigate the effectiveness and safety of new treatments for a variety of diseases and conditions. They can be an important part of adhd in adults treatment and provide the opportunity to take part in cutting-edge research in the hopes that it will lead to better care in the future. Individuals should always consult with their physician prior to taking part in a clinical trial. A health care professional can provide a list of current clinical trials that are available to the patient. Nutrition Adults who have ADHD typically find that diet plays a major role in how they feel and how well they perform. A balanced, healthy diet can help decrease impulsivity and improve concentration. It is also recommended to stay clear of junk food and drink soda because they can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, people who suffer from ADHD should consume regular meals and snacks, ensuring their blood sugar levels steady throughout the day. This can help improve their mood, energy, and sleep quality. Many psychiatric disorders may have symptoms similar to those of ADHD, so it is essential for people suffering from these conditions to be examined carefully to ensure that the symptoms are caused by a different issue. Numerous medical conditions can cause symptoms and signs that resemble those of ADHD like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning, and issues with hearing and vision. Depression and anxiety, a drug or alcohol history, and certain medications are possible. The diagnosis of ADHD in adults is more difficult than it is for children. The diagnosis is made by assessing functional impairment as well as an underlying history of childhood ADHD symptoms. Many adults don't have a clear childhood ADHD background, or may not have a parent or older sibling who can verify their symptoms. If a person is actively using drugs or alcohol, they may not be the ideal candidate for psychostimulants. Their doctor should consider this when deciding if or not to prescribe these medications. There are many FDA-approved medications that can be used to treat adult ADHD which include stimulants as well as nonstimulant medications. The use of stimulants can be beneficial in reducing symptoms of ADHD however, they must be used responsibly, and people with ADHD should be monitored for any side effects. These medications are available in long-acting versions that can be taken two or three times daily by adults suffering from ADHD. These medications are available in chewable, tablet, or liquid form and can be taken with food or without. |
