Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Adults who suffer from adhd are treated through medication, therapy, and family support. Clinical trials are being conducted to test new treatments for ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD are the most likely to benefit from stimulant medications. But they need to be monitored regularly. That includes monthly clinical appointments, and frequent reviews of symptoms and side effects.
Medicines
A variety of medications can be utilized to treat symptoms of ADHD in adults. These medications are called psychostimulants. They function by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain that transmit messages between nerve cell. Your doctor will choose the most appropriate medication for your needs, and determine the best dosage and schedule. It could take some time to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that will control your symptoms.
The first drug that doctors prescribe to adults with ADHD is stimulants. These medications increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which enhances your ability to focus and control impulses. The medications 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, while long-acting medicines last up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely to cause adverse reactions than intermediate or shorter-acting medicines. However, they can cause sleepiness and changes in appetite.
Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera), are used to treat adult ADHD when stimulants don't work or cause undesirable side effects. These medications don't affect your norepinephrine or dopamine however they do increase the brain's supply of norepinephrine, which improves your ability to concentrate. These medications are in capsules and can be taken twice or once each day.
Some adults with ADHD suffer from co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression. These are referred to as comorbid conditions and they can impact how you react to treatment for ADHD. Before beginning treatment for ADHD it is essential to address any comorbid issues. People with a history substance abuse disorder are more likely to abuse psychostimulants. Because of this, it's often advisable to wait until the patient has stopped using substances before considering treatment with stimulants to treat ADHD.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a process that involves talking and discussing topics that cause anxiety or are disturbing for a person. The therapist offers guidance based upon his or her education, experience, credentials, and the philosophy of therapy. Psychotherapy can be short-term (a couple of weeks or months), addressing more immediate issues, or long-term. The duration and frequency of treatment is decided by the patient and therapist together.
Psychotherapy and medication together are a highly effective way to treat adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy can assist people improve their time management, organizational skills and prioritizing. his response can also teach strategies to manage emotions such as anger and frustration. Treatment can ease symptoms, increase focus, and result in better academic and work performance.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a higher risk of co-existing illnesses. This is particularly relevant for mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. It is crucial that any co-existing disorders be treated prior to starting treatment for ADHD. The treatment of co-existing conditions could require different types of medications and dosages compared to the medications used to treat ADHD.
For instance, a patient with ADHD might also be suffering from hypertension. To pick a medication that can treat the ADHD symptoms without destabilizing the patient's hypertension it is crucial to understand how various medications affect people in the course of time, as well as the interactions between medications.
It is essential to choose a therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD and with whom you feel comfortable. It is crucial to schedule your first few sessions at a time that you won't be distracted by family or work obligations.
Counseling
Adults suffering from ADHD have many difficulties in their lives, such as difficulties at work and in relationships. A person with ADHD may also experience anger, frustration and guilt that has built up over time. Psychosocial therapies can help patients and their families to develop new abilities, attitudes and ways of relating.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of psychotherapy that helps people change their habits and thoughts. It includes goal-setting, skill training and practice, as well as teaching strategies to improve organization and self-esteem. It can be carried out in individual or group sessions. A few studies have proven that treatment for metacognitive disorders can reduce symptoms and improve functioning in adults with ADHD (Stevenson and colleagues, 2002).
Some people suffering from ADHD may also require therapy to help them overcome specific issues in their lives. These issues could include family conflicts, impulsive or aggressive behaviors, and difficulty coping with disappointments and failures. Counseling can help develop strategies to manage these situations, improve communication and improve problem-solving skills. It can also help improve relationships, particularly in marriages and other long-term relationships.
Other types of psychotherapy for ADHD are family therapy and supportive group therapy. These can assist families to cope with the anxiety of having a child with ADHD and develop skills to improve communication and reduce conflicts. It can also assist parents to learn about the disorder and develop parenting styles that promote positive outcomes for their children.
Adults with ADHD should discuss their medications regularly with their doctors and inform them of any other medications, including over the prescription drugs. Certain medications can interact with specific medications or cause side effects that are worsened by other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough evaluation and diagnosis is made it is important to monitor the patient to ensure that he or she is receiving the benefits of the medication and not experiencing adverse effects. It is recommended that a patient be examined for an initial medical check-up within 30 days of starting treatment and then every month thereafter. This will allow for a thorough adjustment of psychostimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidate to a safe, effective dose. This allows for a precise registration of the patient's reaction and helps to avoid the patient from being kept on doses that are not sufficient (slow metabolism) or forcing those who require higher doses on excessively high levels (rapid metabolizers).
For adults who are unable to respond adequately to stimulant medication or experience uncontrollable side effects the use of nonstimulant medication may be indicated. This typically involves the use of atomoxetine, or other methylphenidate-related alternatives.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are often affected by comorbid disorders, like depression or drug abuse. They may also suffer from medical problems like hearing and vision problems, or chronic sleep disorders. As part of the initial assessment for ADHD, it is important to detect these conditions and assess the severity of them. These conditions can have a significant effect on functional impairments in adults.
Marital therapy can be helpful in the treatment of ADHD. Couples complain of being overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caring for their spouses with ADHD and can be angry or resentful as a consequence. Increasing the patient's awareness of the symptoms of his/her illness and helping them understand that these aren't impulsive actions or lack of affection can reduce marital tensions and resentment. Couples who undergo this type of therapy tend to have better family functioning.
Behavioral Therapy
For those who suffer from ADHD Psychotherapy is generally recommended and should incorporate an element of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy helps patients improve their organizational skills, focus and control their impulsive behaviors. It helps patients manage their work, home and social interactions in more productive ways. Psychotherapy helps patients to understand how their condition impacts various aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help reduce the feelings of shame and low self-esteem that are often seen among adults with ADHD. They might be perceived by others as being lazy or unintelligent.
ADHD symptoms can be mirrored by many mental disorders. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to be suffering from anxiety disorders and depression. The presence of any other psychiatric issues should be analyzed according to the need, to determine whether or not the patient's ADHD symptoms are related to them.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with the combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been demonstrated that the combination of psychotherapy with medication yields better results than either treatment on its own. Future controlled medication studies should attempt to measure and track the effects of functional improvements, such as better performance at work, school and interpersonal relationships.