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ADHD in Adults Treatment ADHD is linked to significant impairments of academic performance and social functioning. Adults who suffer from ADHD are at a higher risk for anxiety disorders, depression, and addiction to drugs. The drugs that reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing neurotransmitters that regulate attention and impulsivity appear to work. The majority of trials conducted are to determine which drugs and dosages work best for each person. Medication Treatments that are quick, such as medication, can improve symptoms of ADHD in adults. The most effective medications improve the underlying ADHD symptoms by altering neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They function by increasing the amount of these neurotransmitters in the presynaptic transporters and decreasing their reuptake, which prevents their breakdown. Since doctors cannot know which medications will be the most effective for a specific person, they typically conduct a trial. The low dose is gradually increased over 3-7 days, until the clinical benefits are achieved. Methylphenidate is one of the most commonly used psychostimulants that is used to treat ADHD. It comes in tablet, liquid or extended-release form (Concerta). Extended-release preparations are the most reliable because it cannot be crushed or used in other ways, like getting high. Adults who misuse stimulant medication are susceptible to serious health issues. People who have a history of drinking or using drugs should speak with an expert in mental health regarding the use of psychostimulants. Stimulants can cause mood swings and sleep disturbances. If these symptoms occur it is possible that the patient needs to alter the medication or to stop taking it. The use of stimulants is not recommended for those who have a history of Tourette’s disorder or severe aorexia, mental disorders such as schizoaffective disorder and antisocial personality disorders or certain medical conditions, such as high blood-pressure or heart disease. Mood stabilizers, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) can improve mood and reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity in adults with ADHD. They work by preventing the reuptake of norepinephrine in the presynaptic transporter, which allows more of the substance to reach the brain. They can be used together with other ADHD medications or as a stand-alone. Adults with ADHD are often afflicted by disorders that are comorbid, such as depression or anxiety. These conditions can be treated with psychotherapy or non-medicated therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy. This treatment helps patients manage their symptoms and improve their functioning, self-esteem and relationships. Certain therapists are trained to treat adults with ADHD. Counseling
Counseling may include cognitive behavioral therapy. This helps you learn to recognize and modify negative thoughts and behavior that could cause ADHD symptoms. It may also include counseling for your family or marital relationship which assists loved ones cope and discover ways to support you. Lifestyle coaching could also be included, which teaches skills to manage ADHD. Adults with ADHD have difficulty getting up in the morning or navigating through the day. A therapist can suggest an appropriate sleep schedule, which includes the time of bed and wake-up that's consistent every night and day. It is essential to get enough sleep to ensure that your body functions optimally. Many people with ADHD have difficulty completing tasks and staying on their course at work, school and in their private lives. Most of the time, their issues are rooted in long-standing patterns of failure and underachievement, academic difficulties, job turnover and conflicts in relationships. Individual therapy can be used to address emotional baggage like low self esteem as well as feelings of shame and embarrassment from past mistakes and resentment at criticism, and the constant nagging of those close to them. Behavioral coaching is a type of therapy for adults suffering from ADHD that focuses on practical daily living strategies, like organizing your home and office organizing your day, prioritizing your tasks and managing your finances. The therapy is usually offered in-person or online and aims to help you develop strategies for improving your life when you suffer from ADHD. Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders than other mental health conditions, so it is important to treat these conditions as well. In certain cases, a combination of medications and behavioral therapies can provide the best results. A Therapist can assist you in learning to control your anxiety and mood with mindfulness-based interventions such as meditation and yoga, and treat other comorbid conditions like substance abuse or depression. Therapy Many psychiatric disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms. Therefore, a complete evaluation is essential to determine the root of these symptoms. The evaluation could include an assessment of a person's medical history, psychological test and a thorough examination of the behavior of a person. The test may also include a thorough analysis of a person's familial history. Psychotherapy is an essential component of treatment for adhd in adults. It can help people cope with the emotional distress that results from their inability to function in a way that is consistent with their expectations. It can also improve the relationships with their families and assist them in developing coping strategies. Behavioral therapy can teach patients to focus on their work and break large projects down into small steps that are more manageable. It can also help them learn to manage their impulsive behaviors and gain confidence in their abilities to succeed. Counseling for families and marriage can help couples recognize the difficulties that ADHD can cause in their relationships. They can also learn to constructively address issues that arise in their families or in their marriages, instead of blaming one other. Individual psychotherapy helps people to identify the root causes of their issues, like feelings of sadness or guilt. It can also help individuals create healthy strategies for coping that include meditation or exercise. A calming drug such as clonidine, which is a 2-adrenergic receptor agonist, can be used to treat hyperactivity and impulsivity in adults who suffer from ADHD. It is especially beneficial for those who have Tourette's Syndrome or other tic disorders. It is usually used as a second line treatment after nonstimulant drugs have been tried, but are found to not be effective. Nutrition Adults suffering from ADHD may discover that their diet has a significant impact on how they feel and perform. A balanced, healthy diet can help reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve focus. It is also best to stay away from junk food and drink soda as they can trigger or exacerbate symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, people who suffer from ADHD should take regular meals and snacks to keep their blood sugar levels stable throughout the day. This can help improve their mood, energy, and sleep quality. Many psychiatric disorders can have symptoms similar to those of ADHD This is why it is important for adults with these conditions to be examined attentively to determine if their symptoms are due to another disorder. Additionally, many medical problems can also cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, including thyroid disorders and lead poisoning hearing and vision issues as well as anxiety and depression, an history of alcohol or drug abuse, and certain medications. Adults may have a more difficult in determining ADHD than children. A diagnosis is made by evaluating functional impairment as well as an underlying history of childhood ADHD symptoms. Many adults don't have a clear record of childhood ADHD, or may not have an older parent or sibling who can confirm symptoms. If someone is drinking or using drugs or other substances, they might not be a good candidate for psychostimulants. The doctor should take this into consideration when deciding if or not to prescribe these medications. There are several FDA-approved medications that can be used to treat adult ADHD which include stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. The stimulants can be effective in decreasing ADHD symptoms, but they should be used with caution and those who suffer from the disorder should be checked regularly for any adverse effects. There are also long-acting versions of these medications that can be taken once or twice daily and are an ideal choice for adults with ADHD. These medications are available in chewable, tablet, or liquid forms and can be taken with or without. |
