Treatment of ADHD in Adults

Adults suffering from adhd are treated by therapy, medication, and family support. Clinical trials are available to test new treatments for ADHD.

Adults with ADHD are most likely to benefit from stimulant drugs. However, they must be closely monitored. This means monthly appointments with a doctor and frequent review of symptoms.

Medicines

Numerous medications can be used to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD in adults. These medications are called psychostimulants, and they work by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain that transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will recommend a medication that's right for you and will decide the most appropriate dosage and time to take it. It may take some time to determine the proper dosage and medication to control your symptoms.

The first drug that doctors prescribe to adults suffering from ADHD is stimulants. They increase the amount of dopamine found in your brain, and also norepinephrine which allows you to manage your impulses and focus. They are available in short-, intermediate-- and long-acting forms. Short-acting stimulants can last up to up to 6 hours. Intermediate-acting drugs last between 8 and 10 hours. Long-acting stimulants last from 8 to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely to cause adverse reactions than intermediate- or shorter-acting medicines. However, they can still cause sleepiness and change in appetite.

Nonstimulant medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera) are used to treat adults with ADHD when stimulants aren't effective or cause undesirable side negative effects. These medications don't affect your dopamine or norepinephrine levels, but they increase your brain's availability of norepinephrine, which improves your ability to concentrate. These medications are available in capsule form and are taken once or twice a day.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression. These conditions are known as comorbidities and may influence how you respond to ADHD treatment. It is important to address any comorbidities prior to starting treatment for ADHD. People who have a history of substance abuse disorders are more likely to misuse psychostimulants. This is why it is generally recommended to wait until the person has quit using substances before considering treatment with stimulants for ADHD.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a process of talking and discussing issues that may be disturbing or troubling for a person. The therapist provides guidance based upon his or her qualifications, experience, training, and therapeutic philosophy. Psychotherapy may be short-term (a couple of weeks or months), addressing more immediate issues, or longer-term. The therapist and the patient determine the duration and frequency of therapy.

The use of psychotherapy and drugs together is an extremely effective treatment option for adults withce, as well as teaching strategies to 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 et al 2002).

Some people suffering from ADHD may also require counseling to help them overcome particular issues in their lives. These difficulties could include family conflicts, impulsive or aggressive behavior, and difficulties in dealing with disappointments and failures. Counseling can help develop skills to help manage these situations and improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. It can also improve interpersonal relationships, particularly in marriages or other long-term partnerships.

Other forms 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, as well as develop skills to improve communication and reduce conflicts. It can aid parents understand the condition and develop parenting methods that encourage positive outcomes in their children.

Adults with ADHD should discuss their medications regularly with their doctors and also disclose any other medications, such as over-the counter drugs. Some medications can interact with certain medications or cause side effects that are worsened by other medications.

Medication Monitoring

After a thorough examination and diagnosis is established, it is important 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 patients be examined for initial clinical monitoring within 30 days of initiating best treatment for adhd in adults and monthly following that. In the case of psychostimulants (methylphenidate amphetamines, methylphenidate) this allows for a the gradual titration of an effective dose that is well-tolerated. This allows for a precise registration of the patient's reaction and assists in avoiding keeping sensitive patients on doses that are not sufficient (slow metabolism) or forcing those who require higher doses to excessively high levels (rapid metabolizers).

For adults who do not respond well to stimulant medication or have intolerable side effects the use of nonstimulant medications might be suggested. This typically involves the use of atomoxetine, or other methylphenidate-related alternatives.

Adults suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring disorders like mood or anxiety disorder, substance abuse issues or depression. They may also suffer from medical problems like hearing and vision problems, or chronic sleep disorders. It is crucial to identify and evaluate such conditions in the initial assessment for ADHD since these can have 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 of caring for their spouses who have ADHD and can become angry and angry due to this. Reducing resentment can be achieved by increasing the patient's understanding of his/her illness, and helping them understand that the symptoms aren't caused by an absence of affection or willfulness. Couples who go through this type of therapy tend to be more functional as a family.

Behavioral Therapy

For adults with ADHD, psychotherapy is generally recommended and should include an element of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy can help patients improve their focus, organization skills and manage impulsive behavior. It teaches patients to manage their home, work and social interactions more effectively. Psychotherapy helps patients to understand how their disorder impacts different areas of their life and relationships. This can reduce the feelings of shame and low self-esteem that are commonly seen in adults with ADHD. They might be perceived by others as being lazy or unintelligent.

Many psychiatric disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms. For instance anxiety disorders are seen at high rates in adult ADHD patients, and depression is found at increased levels in people suffering from the disorder. The presence of other mental health issues should be analyzed, as appropriate, to determine whether or not the patient's ADHD symptoms are connected to them.

A combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy is typically recommended for the treatment of ADHD in adults. It has been established that the combination of psychotherapy and medication yields better results than 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.