Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Adults suffering from adhd are treated by therapy, medication and support from family members. People can also participate in clinical trials that test new methods of treating ADHD.
The stimulant medications are the most effective medications for adults with ADHD. But they need to be closely monitored. That includes monthly clinical appointments as well as frequent reviews of side effects and symptoms.
Medications
Many medications can be used to reduce the symptoms of ADHD among adults. These are called psychostimulants and they alter the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) that pass messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will choose the appropriate medication for you and will decide on the most appropriate dosage and timetable. It could take some time to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that is able to control your symptoms.
The first drug that doctors prescribe to adults with ADHD is stimulants. They increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in your brain, which increase your ability to concentrate and control impulses. They are available in short-, intermediate-- and long-acting forms. Short-acting stimulants last for up to 6 hours. Intermediate-acting medicines last for 8-10 hours. Long-acting drugs can last up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants have fewer adverse effects than shorter- and intermediate-acting medicines, but they still cause insomnia and changes in appetite.
Nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera) are used to treat adult ADHD if stimulants do not work or cause undesirable adverse effects. These medicines do not affect the levels of norepinephrine or dopamine however they do increase the amount of norepinephrine that's available to your brain, and improve your ability to concentrate. These capsules are consumed once or two times a day.
Some adults with ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression. These conditions are known as comorbidities, and they can influence how you respond to ADHD treatment. Before starting treatment for ADHD it is important to address any comorbid issues. People with a history addiction to drugs are more likely to misuse psychostimulants. It is recommended to wait until someone has stopped using drugs before treating them with stimulants.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an interaction process of discussing and talking about issues that may be disturbing or troubling for a person. The therapist provides guidance in accordance with their training, experience, credentials and the philosophy of therapy. Psychotherapy may be short-term (a few weeks or months) dealing with immediate issues or more long-term (months or years) in which a person is working to address more complicated and longstanding issues. The duration and frequency of the treatment are determined by the therapist and the patient together.
The combination of psychotherapy and medication together is a highly effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy assists people in improving their abilities to organize their lives, manage their time and prioritizing. It can also teach strategies for managing emotions such as anger and frustration. Treatment can ease symptoms, improve focus and lead to better work and academic performance.
Adults with ADHD have a higher likelihood of co-existing illnesses. This is particularly applicable to mood disorders like anxiety and depression. It is important that any co-existing conditions be treated prior to starting treatment for ADHD. Treatment for co-existing disorders might require different forms and dosages of medication than the ones used to treat ADHD.
For instance, a patient with ADHD may also have hypertension. To select a medication to treat the ADHD symptoms without destabilizing the hypertension of the patient it is crucial to understand how different medications affect people in the course of time, as well as the interactions between medications.
It's important to find a professional with whom you share a an excellent relationship and who is experienced in treating adults suffering from ADHD. It is crucial to schedule your first few sessions at a time when you will not be distracted by work or family obligations.
Counseling
Adults who suffer from ADHD have many difficulties in their lives, including problems in their relationships and at work. They may also experience anger, blame, and frustration that have accumulated in their lives because of their symptoms. Several psychosocial treatments have been proven effective in helping their families and patients learn new attitudes, skills and ways of relating.
Psychotherapy can also include cognitive behavioral therapy, a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals modify their thinking and behavior. It involves setting goals, training and the practice of skills, as well as strategies for teaching that help improve self-esteem and organizational skills. It can be done in a private or in a group. Metacognitive therapy has proven to significantly reduce symptoms among adults suffering from ADHD and improve their functioning (Stevenson et al. 2002).
In treatment adult adhd to psychotherapy, some people with ADHD also need counseling to deal with specific life difficulties. This could include family conflict, impulsive or aggressive behavior, or difficulty dealing with failures and disappointments. Counseling can help develop techniques to manage these situations and improve communication and problem-solving skills. It can also enhance relationships, particularly in marriages and other long-term partnerships.
Family therapy and supportive group therapy are two other types of psychotherapy that could be used to treat ADHD. These can help families deal with the stress of having a child who has ADHD and help improve communication and reduce conflict. It can also help parents learn about the disorder and develop parenting techniques that promote positive outcomes for their children.
It is essential for people suffering from ADHD to discuss their medications with their health care professionals regularly, and to inform them of all other medications they are taking, including any over-the-counter medications. Some medications can interact with certain medications or cause adverse reactions that are made worse by other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough assessment and diagnosis, it is important to monitor the patient's condition to ensure that he/she receives the benefits of the medication and does not experience side effects. It is recommended that patients be referred for initial clinical monitoring within 30 days of initiating treatment and then every month following that. For psychostimulants (methylphenidate amphetamines) this allows for the gradual titration of an effective dose that is well-tolerated. This permits accurate recording of the patients' response and helps avoid keeping the patient with a sensitive response on doses that are not sufficient.
For adults who are not responding adequately to stimulant medication or suffer from uncontrollable side effects, the use of nonstimulant medications may be indicated. Typically this involves the use of atomoxetine, or other related alternatives to methylphenidate.
Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring disorders like mood disorder or anxiety disorder, substance abuse problems or depression. They might also be suffering from medical problems like hearing and vision problems, or chronic sleep disorders. It is essential to identify and evaluate such conditions in the initial evaluation for ADHD because they could have a significant impact on functional impairment in adults.
ADHD can also be controlled through marital therapy. Spouses often report that they are overwhelmed by the responsibilities to care for their spouses who have ADHD and may become resentful and angry in the process. The way to reduce resentment is by increasing the patient's understanding of the condition, and helping them to understand that the symptoms aren't caused by an absence of love or willfulness. Couples who go through this kind of therapy generally experience a better family functioning.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD is usually recommended. It should include a cognitive and behavioral component. Behavioral therapy assists patients in improving their organizational skills, focus and manage impulsive behavior. It helps patients manage their social, work and home environments more effectively. Psychotherapy assists patients in understanding how their condition affects different aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help alleviate the self-doubt and shame that is commonly seen in people with ADHD who are considered lazy or less intelligent.
ADHD symptoms can be mirrored by a variety of psychiatric disorders. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. The presence of other psychiatric issues should be analyzed according to the need, to determine if the patient's ADHD symptoms are connected to them.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with a combination of pharmacotherapy, and psychotherapy. It has been proven that the combination of psychotherapy with medication produces superior results over either treatment by itself. Future controlled medication studies should attempt to track and measure the effects of functional improvements, such as better performance at work, school, and interpersonal relationships.