ADHD Treatment in Adults
ADHD can cause issues at school, work, and in relationships. It's important to get a thorough medical evaluation and to rule out other conditions that may resemble ADHD symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that helps people manage their symptoms. It focuses on changing negative thought patterns to more positive ones.
Medication
The most popular treatment for ADHD for adults is medication. Usually, stimulants are prescribed to help reduce symptoms and improve performance. NIMH suggests that you consult with your physician to determine if medication is appropriate for you. Consult your doctor if you decide to take medication about the effects it could have on your life.
People who suffer from ADHD frequently have comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression. These comorbidities can make it more difficult to be able to respond to therapy on its own. Psychosocial treatment and medication is the most effective method for treating adults with ADHD (Rostain and co., 2006).
Psychoeducation helps adults suffering from ADHD to understand their condition and its impact on their lives. It also teaches them strategies to handle any problems that could arise. This helps boost their self-esteem that may have been affected by the constant negative feedback received from friends and family. Psychoeducation can be done by combining group and individual cognitive therapy for behavior.
A thorough medical history is essential due to the fact that certain medical conditions can have similar symptoms to ADHD. These include developmental disorders, seizure disorders (petit mal), sleep apnea, and a few other drugs. It can also be helpful to review the person's educational and childhood experiences.
In general, non-stimulant medications should be considered first for those with co-occurring mental disorders. After the comorbid condition has improved, stimulant medication are a possibility (Wilens 2004,b). If the patient is in active substance abuse treatment the possibility of a trial with stimulants should only be considered when the patient is in stable remission of substance abuse.
Stimulants can be highly variable in their responses to different doses. Therefore, untreated adhd in adults test and accurate registration of the patient's response and adverse effects is essential. It is important to try out different formulations of a medication. Dextroamphetamine instant-release for instance has a brief half-life, and requires multiple doses, sometimes three times daily. The extended-release mix of amphetamines salts, on the other hand are more long-lasting.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
The majority of people with ADHD are treated psychosocially which consists of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies can help adults with ADHD how to improve their organization abilities manage their time, prioritize tasks and manage the risky and impulsive behavior. A few adults could benefit from the assistance of a life coach or ADHD coach who can help them learn a variety of different skills to enhance their daily functioning.
Many psychiatric disorders mimic the symptoms of ADHD in both adults and children. These include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, disorders as along with language and learning issues, adjustment disorders and some psychotic conditions. It is crucial to rule out these conditions prior to beginning treatment for ADHD.
About 75% of adults with ADHD also suffer from anxiety or depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example can be very effective in treating the comorbidity of disorders. These treatments can assist adults suffering from ADHD control their unpredictable behavior and concentrate on the problematic areas of their lives.
Adult ADHD is best treated using the combination of pharmacotherapy, psychosocial therapy, and medication. A study conducted by Rostain et al (2006) found that CBT in conjunction with mixed salts of amphetamine helped improve both the primary symptoms of ADHD and symptoms of anxiety and depression disorders. It is important to keep in mind that stimulants may cause a slight increase in blood pressure and pulse in some patients.
Psychotherapy can also help couples and families with ADHD develop the ability to communicate and be able to understand each other. This could result in a decrease in tension and conflict within the home, particularly between spouses. CBT can help people with ADHD recognize their condition and also learn to recognize and manage negative thoughts and beliefs.
Some people suffering from ADHD also choose to use alternative health practices, such as diet and natural products. These approaches are not scientifically proven to help improve ADHD impairments or symptoms however they can help in managing the disorder. Before you begin any new therapy, talk to your therapist and doctor about these alternatives.
Counseling
It's never too late for people with ADHD to get treatment. Effective treatment can make your life easier and assist you in achieving success in work, school and in relationships. It's important to include medication into your ADHD treatment plan. However, it's beneficial to seek out therapy. It can help you improve your ability to manage stress and cope with disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety and depression.
Counseling can be a beneficial tool for adults with ADHD as well as their families. It can help them comprehend how ADHD affects their lives and help them detect problems that could arise. It can help them understand how to deal with the challenges associated with ADHD such as being unorganized or unorganized. Counseling can also be helpful for spouses of adults suffering from ADHD, as they often feel overwhelmed by their partner's inattention and impulsiveness.
Adults with ADHD might have comorbid conditions like major depression disorder and addiction disorders. These comorbid conditions can interfere with the effectiveness of ADHD medication and should be addressed prior to the start of medication. However, identifying and treating these disorders can be difficult because many of the symptoms of these conditions are similar to those of ADHD.
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is stimulant medication. It can help improve attention and impulse controls but it is not without its limitations. Some adults experience unpleasant side effects such as dry mouth, sedation and the feeling of drowsiness. In these instances it could be necessary to switch to a nonstimulant or an alternative stimulant. Other side effects of stimulants include visual hallucinations, mood disturbances and heart palpitations. Certain people aren't able to take stimulants because of medical conditions like asthma or cardiovascular disease and should be referred to a doctor for evaluation.
Nonstimulants are also effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Clonidine is an a2-adrenergic agonist which has been proven to decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity among adults suffering from ADHD. This medication is sometimes used in combination with stimulants and may be particularly effective in patients with comorbid Tourette's syndrome and other tics (Robertson 2006; Wilens 2006).
When seeking treatment for ADHD it is essential to inform your doctor of any other health issues you may have. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure can interact with certain medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from family therapy. This kind of therapy can aid them in improving their lives at work and at home and improve communication with their families. It can also help them manage comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy is commonly used in family therapy to change the way a person thinks and behaves. It may also involve family therapy and marital counseling to improve communication. In certain situations the therapist might recommend medication.
When dealing with adult ADHD the best method is to combine psychotherapy and medication. Medication can help with symptoms like impulsivity and inattention while psychotherapy can assist with organizational skills, problem-solving, and social interaction. In addition, medications can be used to treat co-existing disorders like depression and anxiety.
The first step in treatment for adult ADHD is to determine the symptoms. This can be done by completing a symptom checklist or behavioral assessment. A doctor may also evaluate a person's past, including their childhood and schooling experiences.
Stimulants are the most commonly used drugs used to treat adults with ADHD. They are extremely efficient, but they can also cause side effects that require monitoring. There are nonstimulant medicines that are as effective as stimulants. They also don't cause the same adverse effects.
For patients suffering from co-occurring ADHD and other mental health problems Cognitive-behavioral therapy may be extremely effective. It can also be beneficial for those suffering from comorbid conditions like depression and substance abuse. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people change their thinking and behavior and improve their relationships.
Families should understand how ADHD affects their loved one. This will help reduce the tension between spouses and blame-shifting. It can help them see the negative impact that the disorder has on their relationship. It also helps them discover more ways to help their loved ones.
A therapist will discuss with the family members the goals and objectives they have set. The therapist will assist families to keep the new patterns they have created during therapy.