Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Treatment for adhd in adults is based on therapy, medication and support from family members. Patients can also take part in clinical trials that test new ways of treating ADHD.
Adults with ADHD are the most likely to benefit from stimulant medication. They need to be monitored regularly. This includes regular clinical appointments and regular reviews of symptoms and side effects.
Medications
There are a variety of medications that can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. They are referred to as psychostimulants. they alter the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) that pass messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will choose the most appropriate medication for your needs, and determine the best dosage and timetable. It may take some time to find the right dosage and medication that control your symptoms.
Stimulants are typically the first prescribed medication by doctors for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which increase your ability to focus and control impulses. The medications are available in short-, medium-- and long-acting versions. Short-acting stimulants last about 6 hours, intermediate-acting medicines last between 8 and 10 hours, and long-acting medications last for up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely cause side effects than intermediate- or shorter-acting medications. However, they can induce sleepiness and a change in appetite.
Nonstimulant drugs, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) can be used to treat adults with ADHD when stimulants aren't effective or cause unwanted side consequences. These medications do not alter your norepinephrine or dopamine, but they increase the brain's supply of norepinephrine, which improves your focus. These medications are available in capsule form and are taken once or twice each day.
Certain adults who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety. These disorders are referred to as comorbidities, and they can affect your response to ADHD treatment. Before beginning treatment for ADHD it is essential to address any comorbidities. Patients with a history of substance abuse disorder are more likely to misuse psychostimulants. It's best to wait until someone has stopped using drugs before using stimulants.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy involves talking and discussing topics that are troubling or disturbing for a person. The therapist offers guidance on the basis of his or her training, experience, credentials, and therapeutic philosophy. Psychotherapy could be short-term (a few weeks or months) dealing with immediate issues, or long-term (months or years) in which a person is working on more complex and long-standing issues. The therapist and the patient determine the duration and frequency of therapy.
The combination of psychotherapy and medication together is a highly effective treatment for adults with ADHD. Behavioral therapy can assist people improve their time management, organizational skills, and prioritizing. It can also teach strategies to manage emotions like anger and frustration. Medication can reduce symptoms and improve concentration, which results in more efficient and successful work and academic performance.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be affected by co-existing issues, especially mood disorders like anxiety and depression. It is crucial that any co-existing disorders be treated before beginning treatment for ADHD. Treatment of co-existing disorders could require different types and doses of medication than that used to treat ADHD.
A person suffering from ADHD may also be suffering from hypertension. To pick a medication that can treat the ADHD symptoms without causing instability to the patient's hypertension, it is important to understand how different medications affect people over time and the interactions between medications.
It is essential to locate a therapist who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD and with whom you are at ease. It is also crucial to schedule your first few sessions when you won't be distracted by family obligations or work obligations.
Counseling
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have many problems in their lives, such as work and relationship problems. They also may experience frustration, blame and anger that have built up in their lives due to their symptoms. Psychosocial therapies can aid patients and their families develop new abilities, attitudes, and ways of relating.
Psychotherapy can include cognitive behavior therapy, a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals change their behavior and thinking. It includes goal-setting, skills training and practice, as well as methods to help increase self-esteem and organizational skills. This can be accomplished individually or in a group setting. Some studies have shown that the use of metacognitive therapy can reduce symptoms and improve performance in adults with ADHD (Stevenson and co-authors 2002).
In addition to psychotherapy, some individuals with ADHD also require counseling to address specific challenges. These issues could include family conflicts, aggressive or impulsive behaviors, and difficulty coping with disappointments and failures. Counseling can help teach strategies to manage these situations, improve communication and improve problem-solving skills. It can also enhance relationships, particularly in marriages and other long-term relationships.
Other types of psychotherapy for ADHD are family therapy and supportive group therapy. These therapies can assist families in coping 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 styles that encourage positive outcomes for their children.
It is crucial for adults with ADHD to discuss their medication with their healthcare providers regularly, and to inform them of all other medications they're taking, including over-the-counter drugs. Some medications can cause adverse reactions or interact with other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough assessment and diagnosis, it is crucial to monitor the patient's condition to ensure that he/she reaps the benefits of the medication and doesn't experience side adverse effects. It is recommended that patients be examined for an initial medical check-up within 30 days of starting treatment and monthly afterward. This will allow for a thorough titration of psychostimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate to a well-tolerated, effective dose. This permits accurate recording of the patient's response. It also assists in avoiding keeping sensitive patients taking insufficient doses (slow metabolism) or forcing those who require higher doses to excessively high levels (rapid metabolizers).
Adults who do not respond well to stimulant medications or have adverse effects that are unpalatable might benefit from non-stimulant drugs. This typically involves the use of atomoxetine, or other alternatives to methylphenidate.
Adults suffering from ADHD are frequently affected by comorbid disorders like depression or substance abuse. They may also have medical problems like hearing and vision problems, or chronic sleep disorders. It is crucial to identify and analyze these conditions as part of the initial evaluation for ADHD because they could have a significant impact on functional impairment in adults.
Marital therapy is also useful in managing ADHD. Spouses report when adhd goes untreated feeling overburdened with the responsibilities of caring for their spouses who suffer from ADHD, and can become resentful or angry due to this. increasing the awareness of the patient about the signs of their condition and helping them realize that these aren't impulsive actions or a lack of love can help to reduce resentment and marital difficulties. Couples who undergo this type of therapy are more likely to have better family functioning.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD is typically suggested. It should include a cognitive and behavioral component. Behavioral therapy helps patients learn to improve their ability to organize their lives and focus and control their the impulsive behavior. It teaches patients to manage their work, home and social settings more effectively. Psychotherapy also helps patients understand how their disorder affects various aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help decrease the shame and low self-esteem that are often experienced by people with ADHD, who may be thought of as inept or unintelligent.
Many psychiatric disorders may be akin to ADHD symptoms. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. The presence of other psychiatric problems should be evaluated, as appropriate, to determine whether or not the patient's ADHD symptoms are linked to them.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with the combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been demonstrated that a combination of psychotherapy and medication produces better results than either therapy alone. Future controlled medication studies should attempt to track and measure functional improvements such as improved performance at work, school and interpersonal relationships.