Treating ADHD With Medications
Many people with ADHD also have other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can impact how ADHD medications work, and vice the other way around.
To assess a person's symptoms, health care providers use the standardized ADHD rating scales and psychometric tests. They may recommend lab or physical exams to rule out medical issues that can cause symptoms like those of ADHD.
Medicines
The foundation of ADHD treatment is medication. It helps people focus, decrease the risk of impulsive behavior and decrease distractions. They can improve your family, work and school life. They also aid in sleeping better so that they feel more rested and less likely to make poor decisions throughout the day. The majority of medications are used by themselves or in conjunction with other treatments such as therapies or changes to diet or lifestyle.
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD and help in increasing and balancing levels of specific neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. The two stimulants most commonly used to treat adult ADHD are amphetamine and methylphenidate (brand names include Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall XR and Focalin XR). Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated with antidepressants like bupropion and atomoxetine which are non-stimulant. Many adults experiment with a variety of dosages and types of medications to find what works best for them.
If a person begins taking ADHD medication the drug has a different effect on everyone and it can take a while to find the right combination of medicine for them. A doctor or nurse may prescribe a lower dose and then monitor the patient's reaction to it before recommending a higher dosage. They may alter the dosage to avoid side effects such as drowsiness or stomach upset. They might also suggest changes to diet and vitamins to improve the medication's effectiveness.
The needs of a patient on ADHD medication may alter over time, particularly when significant life changes take place. Talk to your doctor if experiencing problems at school or at work. Co-workers, supervisors and teachers are usually understanding and will make small adjustments to help someone who suffers from ADHD do their job. Regular sleep can also help to improve ADHD symptoms.
Therapists can help people learn new strategies to deal with their symptoms and overcome challenges they are having at work, home or in their relationships. This type of treatment can be conducted in one-on-1 sessions or in group therapy. It is focused on changing negative behavior and replacing them with positive ones. Counseling can also assist family members learn how to support someone with ADHD.
Counseling
Behavioral therapy and other psychosocial therapies can help improve the symptoms of ADHD. The use of medication is often paired with these treatments to improve outcomes. Adult ADHD medications include stimulants as well as nonstimulants. These medications can help you concentrate better, feel calmer and be less impatient. They may also help them develop and master new techniques. Most people suffering from ADHD respond well to these drugs and the benefits last for an extended period of time. The medications do not cause dependence or habit formation. However, patients who have a history of substance addiction disorders should be examined prior to taking these drugs.
Many adults with ADHD struggle to concentrate at school and at work and can create issues for their careers as well as relationships. Counseling can assist them in improving their ability to listen, focus, and follow instructions in the workplace or at school. This can improve their performance and help improve their confidence. Some therapy specialists specialize in working with people who suffer from ADHD.
Therapy for behavior can be conducted by individuals, in groups or with family members. Behavioral therapy involves modifying the environment to be conducive to concentration and focus and helping people discern what triggers behavior problems and what is motivating them. It could also involve training in coping techniques and exposure therapy to help people overcome certain fears.
A therapist can help with the numerous emotional issues that come with ADHD. They can also teach you strategies to improve your marriage and family life. They can help you manage money, prioritize tasks, and deal with everyday stress. They can also assist individuals and their families understand ADHD and provide ways to support the person with it.
Some people with ADHD also develop depression or anxiety disorders. These disorders are difficult to manage. These comorbid conditions can make it more difficult to deal with the symptoms of ADHD. A thorough medical history is necessary to determine if any underlying conditions are contributing to the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with a history of seizures, developmental disorders or hearing or vision problems and sleep apnea need more careful evaluation and possibly other treatments.
Medication Tests
The most effective way to treat ADHD is to increase the brain's dopamine and norepinephrine. These molecules help transmit messages from one neuron (brain cell) to another. A trial of medications allows physicians to determine the most effective medication for an individual. They are unable to predict which medication will be most efficient, but they can determine which drug is most efficient. The trial usually begins with a here low dose that is slowly increased at 3-7 day intervals until the clinical benefits are evident.
It is important to have a thorough medical history, as many medical conditions can be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. These include mental disorders and developmental disorders such as depression, anxiety, learning and communication deficits and medical conditions like thyroid disorder and hearing or vision loss and various medical conditions.
Stimulant medication is the most commonly used treatment for adults with ADHD however there are other drugs that can help as well. Certain of these medications are antidepressants that have a direct effect on the brain chemical norepinephrine, or specific anticholinergics which reduce symptoms by reducing the activity of the dopamine-neurotransmitter. Certain of these medications are not appropriate for use in children, so an experienced psychiatrist or neurologist is recommended when prescribing these medications to an adult patient.
Behavioral therapy is a great option for treating ADHD among adults. Therapists can instruct families and individuals practical skills to help manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizing strategies. They can also offer emotional support and teach coping techniques. People with ADHD often struggle with relationships and family, and marriage therapy can help them develop effective ways to communicate and resolve conflict.
For some adults, the most important treatment for their ADHD is to improve their sleep habits. A regular bedtime and a good night's sleep can make a huge difference in their ability focus and behave as well as concentrate.
Other treatments for ADHD include cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a talk therapy that assists people in changing their thinking and behavior patterns. Lifestyle changes like dietary modifications are also beneficial. Certain people can lessen ADHD symptoms by altering their diet, however, you should consult with your doctor before making any changes. Certain food items and supplements can worsen symptoms, or even cause them to disappear.
Other Treatments
Treatment for adults with ADHD requires a mix of psychosocial treatment and medication. The medication assists people in staying focused and organized which helps them maintain relationships and manage their tasks. Psychosocial treatments aid people in learning strategies that can lessen their symptoms and improve the way they function in daily life like managing time and organizing strategies. People who aren't responding to medication can benefit from these treatments too.
Behavioral coaching is a type of therapy that teaches adults with ADHD practical life skills, such as managing their time and money prioritizing their tasks and improving their organizational abilities. Unlike traditional talk therapy, that focuses on emotional issues, these coaches focus exclusively on helping clients manage their behavior. Often, these coaches work from a distance and don't meet with their clients in person.
Many people suffering from ADHD have other mental health disorders, including bipolar disorder, major depression and substance abuse problems. These conditions can cause significant stress and hinder daily functioning, so treating these issues is an important factor prior to starting any ADHD treatment. Some medications that are used to treat other disorders such as bupropion, (Wellbutrin), and atomoxetine, (Prozac) are also able to aid in treating ADHD.
Meditation and yoga are non-medicinal treatments that can help to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing focus and attention and decreasing the tendency to be impulsive. These calming techniques can be taught to groups or individuals. Other therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that seeks to alter the way that people feel about a specific situation and can be conducted by a therapist in person or on the internet.
Sleep problems are common in people with ADHD and a lack of sleep can cause symptoms. This can be improved by setting a regular sleeping schedule and avoiding caffeine at night.
The most effective treatment for adult ADHD involves both psychosocial and medication treatment. Some people see dramatic improvements with medication, while others may not notice any effect at all. Finding the appropriate dose and regimen could take a long time, which is why it's crucial to consult with your doctor to ensure that you get the maximum benefit from this treatment.