Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Treatment of adhd in adults includes therapy, medication and support from family members. People can also participate in clinical trials to try new ways of treating ADHD.
Stimulant medication is the most effective medications for adults suffering from ADHD. They require monitoring regularly. That includes monthly clinical appointments, and frequent reviews of side effects and symptoms.
Medicines
Many medications can be used to treat the symptoms of ADHD among adults. These are called psychostimulants and they work by changing the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) which transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will choose the most appropriate medication for your needs, and determine the best dosage and schedule. It could take some time to find the right medication and dosage that controls your symptoms.
The first medication that doctors prescribe to adults suffering from ADHD is stimulants. They increase the amount of dopamine found in your brain and norepinephrine which allows you to manage your thoughts and keep your focus. These medicines are available in short-, medium-- and long-acting versions. Short-acting stimulants last for about 6 hours, intermediate-acting drugs last between 8 and 10 hours, and long-acting medicines last up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely cause side effects than intermediate- or shorter-acting medications. However, they can cause sleepiness and changes in appetite.
Nonstimulant medicines, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera) can be used to treat adult ADHD when stimulants aren't effective or cause undesirable side consequences. These medications don't affect your norepinephrine or dopamine however, they can increase the brain's supply of norepinephrine. They also improve your ability to concentrate. These medicines come in capsules and are taken once or twice a day.
Some adults with ADHD suffer from co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression. These conditions are referred to as comorbidities and can influence how you respond to ADHD treatment. It is important to address any comorbid conditions before starting treatment for ADHD. For instance, those who have an addiction history to drugs or disorder are more likely to abuse psychostimulants. Because of this, it is generally recommended to wait until the person has removed themselves from using substances before evaluating treatment with stimulants for ADHD.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a method of therapy that involves discussing and discussing issues that cause anxiety or are disturbing to the person. The therapist gives advice on the basis of his or her training, experience, credentials and the philosophy of therapy. Psychotherapy can be short-term (a few weeks or months) and can address more immediate issues, or more long-term. The duration and frequency of treatment is decided by the therapist and the patient together.
The combination of psychotherapy and medication is a highly effective way to treat adults with ADHD. I Am Psychiatry can help individuals improve their time management, organizational skills, and prioritizing. It can also teach strategies 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 suffering from ADHD have a higher likelihood of having co-existing disorders. This is particularly relevant for mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. It is crucial that any co-existing disorders be treated before beginning treatment for ADHD. The treatment of co-existing conditions may require different types of medications and dosages than the medications that are used to treat ADHD.
For instance, a person who suffers from ADHD could also be suffering from hypertension. To select a medication to treat the ADHD symptoms without destabilizing the patient's hypertension it is crucial to understand how various medications affect individuals over time and the interactions between medications.
It's important to find a professional with whom you share a an excellent relationship and who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. It is important to schedule your first few sessions at a time that you will not be distracted by family or work obligations.
Counseling
Adults who suffer from ADHD face a variety of challenges in their lives, including difficulties at work and with relationships. They may also experience frustration, blame and anger that have built up in their lives because of their symptoms. Numerous psychosocial therapies have been proven to aid them and their families develop new behaviors, skills, and ways of connecting.
Psychotherapy can include cognitive behavior therapy, a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals modify their thinking and behavior. It involves goal-setting, training and practice of skills, and teaching strategies for improving self-esteem and organization. It can be done in a private or in a group. A few studies have proven that the use of metacognitive therapy can reduce symptoms and improve performance for adults suffering from ADHD (Stevenson et al, 2002).
In addition to psychotherapy, some individuals with ADHD also need counseling to address specific challenges. These issues could include family conflicts, aggressive or impulsive behaviors, or difficulty in dealing with failures and disappointments. Counseling can help teach how to handle these situations, improve communication and improve problem-solving skills. It can also improve interpersonal relationships, especially in marriages and other long-term partnerships.
Family therapy and supportive group therapy are also types of psychotherapy that could be used to treat ADHD. These therapies can help families cope and learn skills to reduce conflict and improve communication when dealing with children who have ADHD. It also helps parents understand the disorder and develop parenting techniques that promote positive outcomes for their children.
It is essential for people suffering from ADHD to discuss their medication with their healthcare providers regularly, and to inform them of any other medications they're taking, including over-the-counter drugs. Certain medications can trigger adverse reactions or interact with other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough examination and diagnosis, it is essential to monitor the patient's progress to ensure that he/she receives the benefits of the medication and does not experience side effects. It is recommended that a patient be seen for initial clinical monitoring within 30 days of initiating treatment and then every month following that. In the case of psychostimulants (methylphenidate amphetamines, methylphenidate) this allows for a complete titration to an effective and well-tolerated dose. This permits accurate recording of the patient's response and helps to avoid the patient from being kept on insufficient doses (slow metabolizers) or forcing those who require higher doses onto excessively high levels (rapid metabolizers).
For adults who are not responding adequately to stimulant medication or experience uncontrollable side effects the use of nonstimulant medication might be suggested. This usually involves the use atomoxetine, or other methylphenidate-related alternatives.
Adults suffering from ADHD are frequently affected by comorbid disorders like depression or drug abuse. Additionally, they may suffer from chronic sleep disorders or medical issues such as hearing and vision problems. As part of the initial evaluation for ADHD it is crucial to screen such conditions and evaluate the severity of them. These conditions can have a significant impact on functional impairments in adults.
Marital therapy can be helpful in the management of ADHD. Spouses often report that they feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities to care for their spouses who have ADHD and may become resentful and angry as a result. Reduced resentment can be achieved by enhancing the understanding of his/her illness, and helping them understand that the symptoms are not due to a lack in affection or willfulness. Couples who undergo this type of therapy generally experience a better family functioning.
Behavioral Therapy
For adults with ADHD, psychotherapy is generally recommended and should incorporate a cognitive-behavioral component. Behavioral therapy can help patients to improve their organizational skills and focus, as well as control the impulsive behavior. It helps patients manage their work, social and home environments more effectively. Psychotherapy assists patients in understanding how their condition affects various aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help reduce the self-doubt and shame that are often experienced by adults with ADHD, who may be viewed as lazy or insufficiently intelligent.
ADHD symptoms can be mimicked by a variety of psychiatric disorders. For instance anxiety disorders are seen at a high rate in adults ADHD patients, and depression is found in greater numbers among adults with the disorder. The presence of other psychiatric problems should be assessed, as appropriate, to determine whether or not the patient's ADHD symptoms are linked to them.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated using an amalgamation of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been established that the combination of psychotherapy and medication can produce better results than either therapy alone. Future controlled medication studies will attempt to measure and assess functional improvements, such as improvement in school performance or at work, as well as interpersonal relationships.