Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Adults who suffer from adhd are treated with medication, therapy and support from the family. Clinical trials are being conducted to test new treatments for ADHD.
Stimulant medication is the most effective medications for adults suffering from ADHD. However, they must be monitored regularly. This means monthly appointments with a doctor and frequent review of symptoms.
Medicines
There are many drugs that can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. These are referred to as psychostimulants. treating add function by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain that transmit messages between nerve cell. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate medication for your needs, and determine the best dosage and schedule. It may take a while to find the right medication and dosage that controls your symptoms.
The first medication that doctors prescribe to adults with ADHD is stimulants. These medications increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which increase your ability to concentrate and control impulses. The medications are available in short-, medium-and long-acting forms. Short-acting stimulants can last up to 6 hours. Intermediate-acting drugs last between 8 and 10 hours. Long-acting drugs can last up to 16. Long-acting stimulants have less negative effects than shorter- or intermediate-acting drugs, however they still cause sleepiness and changes in appetite.
Nonstimulant medications, like atomoxetine (Strattera) are used to treat adult ADHD when stimulants aren't effective or cause undesirable side effects. These medicines don't affect the levels of norepinephrine or dopamine however they do increase the amount of norepinephrine available to your brain and improve your ability to focus. These medications are in capsule form and are taken once or twice every day.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD also suffer from other mental disorders, like anxiety and depression. These conditions are referred to as comorbidities and may influence how you respond to ADHD treatment. Before beginning treatment for ADHD it is essential to address any comorbid issues. People with a history substance abuse disorders are more likely to misuse psychostimulants. It is recommended to wait until a person has stopped using drugs before using stimulants.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an interactive process of talking and discussing issues that may be disturbing or troubling to a person. The therapist offers guidance based upon his or her education, experience, credentials and therapeutic philosophy. Psychotherapy may be short-term (a couple of weeks or months) and can address more immediate issues, or more long-term. The patient and therapist determine the length and frequency of treatment.
The combination of psychotherapy and medication together is an extremely effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy can help people improve their time management, organizational skills, and prioritizing. It can also teach strategies to manage emotions like anger and frustration. Treatment can ease symptoms and improve focus, leading to more efficient and successful academic and work.
Adults with ADHD have a higher likelihood of having co-existing disorders. This is especially relevant for mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Before starting treatment for ADHD, it is important to treat any co-existing condition. The treatment of co-existing conditions might require different kinds of medications and dosages than the ones prescribed to treat ADHD.
A person suffering from ADHD may also suffer from hypertension. Choosing a medication that treats the ADHD symptoms but does not destabilize the patient's hypertension that is controlled requires understanding how different medications affect individuals over time and an understanding of the interactions between different medications.
It's crucial to locate a therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD and with whom you are at ease. It's important to schedule your first few sessions at a time that you won't be distracted by family or work obligations.
Counseling
Adults who suffer from ADHD often face many issues in their lives, including relationships and work problems. A person with ADHD may be prone to anger, frustration and blame that has built up over time. Psychosocial treatments can aid patients and their families to develop new attitudes, skills and ways of communicating.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps people alter their behavior and thinking. It involves goal-setting, skill training and practice, as well as methods to help increase self-esteem and organizational skills. It can be done in a private or in a group. Metacognitive therapy has proven to significantly reduce symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and improve their functioning (Stevenson, et al., 2002).
In addition to psychotherapy, some people with ADHD also require counseling to address specific issues. These may include family conflict, impulsive or aggressive behavior, or difficulty managing failures and disappointments. Counseling can help you develop the skills to help deal with these situations and increase communication and problem-solving skills. It can also improve relationships, particularly in marriages and other long-term partnerships.
Other types of psychotherapy for ADHD include family therapy and supportive group therapy. These therapies can help families cope and learn skills to reduce conflict and improve communication when dealing with children who have ADHD. It can help parents to understand the disorder, and develop parenting techniques that promote positive outcomes for their children.
It is important for adults with ADHD to discuss their medications with their health care professionals regularly, and to reveal any other medications they're taking, including any over-the-counter medications. Certain medications may interact with specific medications or cause adverse reactions that are made worse by other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough evaluation and diagnosis is made it is essential that the patient is monitored to ensure that they are receiving the benefits of the medication and is not experiencing side effects. It is recommended that a patient be referred for initial clinical monitoring within 30 days of starting treatment and then every month afterward. In the case of psychostimulants (methylphenidate, amphetamines) this enables thorough titration to an effective and well-tolerated dosage. This allows for accurate registration of the patient's reaction and prevents the patient from being a patients who are sensitive to doses that are too low.
Adults who aren't responding well to stimulant medication or have side effects that are intolerable could benefit from non-stimulant medications. Typically this involves the use of atomoxetine, or other related alternatives to methylphenidate.
Adults with ADHD are frequently affected by comorbid disorders like depression or drug abuse. Moreover, they may have chronic sleep disturbances or medical problems such as hearing and vision disorders. As part of the initial evaluation for ADHD it is crucial to identify such conditions and evaluate the severity of them. These conditions can have a significant impact on functional impairments for adults.
ADHD can also be controlled through marital therapy. spouses feel overwhelmed by the caretaking responsibilities of their spouses suffering from ADHD and may become resentful or angry due to this. Increasing the patient's awareness of the symptoms of his/her illness and helping to understand that these aren't willful acts or a lack of affection can reduce marital tensions and resentment. 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 include the cognitive-behavioral aspect. Behavioral therapy helps patients improve their organizational skills, focus, and control impulsive behaviors. It helps patients manage their work, home and social interactions more effectively. Psychotherapy can also help patients understand how their condition affects various aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help reduce the shame and low-esteem that are commonly seen in people with ADHD. They could be perceived by others as being lazy or unintelligent.
ADHD symptoms can be mirrored by various mental disorders. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to be suffering from depression and anxiety disorders. The presence of other mental health 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 typically treated with the combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been demonstrated that a combination of psychotherapy and medication can produce superior results over either treatment on its own. Future controlled medication studies should attempt to measure and track the improvement in functional aspects such as improved performance at work, school and interpersonal relationships.