ADHD Treatment in Adults
ADHD can cause problems at work, school and in relationships. It is essential to have an accurate medical assessment and to rule out other conditions that may resemble ADHD symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that can help patients manage their symptoms. It focuses on changing negative thought patterns to more positive ones.
Medication
The most commonly used medication is treatment for ADHD in adults. Usually stimulants are prescribed to reduce symptoms and improve functioning. NIMH recommends talking with your healthcare provider to determine whether you should consider medication. Consult your doctor when you decide to take medication to discuss the effects it could have on your life.
People who suffer from ADHD frequently have comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression. These comorbidities can make it difficult to respond to treatment. Adult ADHD is best treated using a a combination of psychosocial therapy and medications (Rostain and others. 2006).
Psychoeducation assists adults suffering from ADHD understand the condition and its impact on their lives. It also helps them develop strategies to handle any issues that might arise. This can help improve confidence in themselves, which could have been negatively impacted by persistent negative feedback from family and friends. Individual and group cognitive behavioral therapies can be utilized to provide psychoeducation.
A thorough medical history is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include developmental disorders, seizure disorders (petit mal), sleep apnea, and some drugs. It can also be helpful to review the person's school and childhood experiences.
In general, nonstimulant medication should be tried first for those suffering from co-occurring mental disorders. Once the comorbidity is improved, stimulant medications can be considered (Wilens 2004b). If the person in active substance abuse treatment is in stable remission stimulant medication should only be considered.
Stimulants are highly variable in their responses to different doses. It is crucial to be careful when you titrate the dose and accurately record the patient's reaction and adverse reactions. It is essential to test different formulations of the medication. Dextroamphetamine instant-release for instance has a brief half-life, and requires multiple doses of the drug twice or three times per day. The extended-release mix of amphetamines salts on the other hand, have a longer-term effect.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
The majority of people suffering from ADHD receive psychosocial therapy, which includes a combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. These treatments can teach people with ADHD how to improve their organization skills and manage their time, prioritize tasks, and control risky and impulsive behaviors. Some adults may also benefit from the assistance of a life coach or ADHD coach, who can teach them various techniques to improve their daily functioning.
Many psychiatric disorders can mimic the symptoms of ADHD in both adults and children. These include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, learning and language difficulties, and some psychotic conditions. It is important to rule out these disorders before beginning treatment for ADHD.
Around 75% of adults with ADHD also suffer from anxiety or depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example can be very effective in treating multiple disorders. These treatments can help adults who have ADHD control their behaviors that are impulsive and focus on the problem areas of their lives.
A combination of pharmacotherapy and psychosocial treatment is the most effective method for adults with ADHD. Rostain et. and others (2006) found CBT coupled with mixed salts amphetamine in order to improve the core symptoms of ADHD as well as the symptoms of comorbid anxiety and depression disorders. It is important to be aware that stimulants can cause a small increase of blood pressure and pulse in certain patients.
Psychotherapy can also help couples and families suffering from ADHD improve their ability to communicate and be able to understand each other. This could lead to a decrease in conflict and tension in the home, especially between spouses. CBT can also assist adults with ADHD gain a better understanding of their condition, and learn to recognize and cope with negative thoughts and beliefs about themselves.
Some individuals with ADHD might also opt to take advantage of complementary health methods, such as natural products and diet. These methods haven't been scientifically proven to improve ADHD symptoms or impairments, but they could be beneficial in managing the disorder. Before beginning any new therapy, consult your doctor and therapist about these alternatives.
Counseling
If you are an adult who has ADHD, it's never too late to seek treatment. Effective treatment can make life easier and help you achieve success in work, school, and relationships. Medication is an important component of your ADHD treatment plan, but it's also a good idea to receive therapy. It can improve your ability to manage stress and cope with disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety and depression.
Counseling is a valuable tool for adults with ADHD and their families. It can help them comprehend how ADHD affects their lives and help them spot problems that may be arising. It can also teach them how to cope with the challenges that come with having ADHD like being impulsive or irritable. Counseling can also be helpful for spouses of adults suffering from ADHD since they frequently feel overwhelmed by their partner's inattention and the impulsiveness.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from multiple disorders that are comorbid, including major depressive disorder and other substance use disorders. These comorbid conditions can interfere with the efficacy of ADHD medications. They should be treated prior to starting medication. It is often difficult to recognize and treat these disorders since they have many symptoms in common with ADHD.
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is stimulant medications. It can help improve the ability to control impulses and attention however, it does have limitations. Some adults experience unpleasant side effects such as dry mouth, sedation and the feeling of drowsiness. In these cases, it may be necessary to switch to a nonstimulant or alternative stimulant. Other stimulant side effects include visual hallucinations, mood instability and heart palpitations. Some people are not able to take stimulants because of medical conditions such as asthma or severe cardiovascular disease and should be referred for an evaluation.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from nonstimulants. Clonidine is an a2-adrenergic agonist, has been shown to be effective in reducing impulsivity and hyperactivity in adults suffering from ADHD. This medication can be used in conjunction with stimulants and is especially effective for patients with Tourette's syndrome and other disorders.
It is crucial to mention any other health issues you have to your doctor when seeking treatment for ADHD. Certain health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes may interact with certain medications used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from family therapy. This type of therapy can help improve their work and home lives, and improve communication between them and their families. It also helps manage other disorders that are comorbid, such as depression and anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy is typically employed in family therapy to alter the way a person thinks and behaves. It can also include marital counseling and family therapy to improve communication. In some instances the therapist might recommend medication.
When treating adult ADHD, the best approach is to combine psychotherapy and medication. Therapy can aid in organizational skills, social interaction and problem-solving. The use of medication can help treat symptoms like inattention and an impulsive nature. Additionally, medications can also be used to treat co-existing disorders such as depression and anxiety.
The first step in treating adult ADHD is identifying the signs. This can be done by completing a symptom checklist or behavioral assessment. A doctor may also evaluate the past of a patient, including their school and childhood experiences.
Stimulants are the most commonly used drugs used to treat adults with ADHD. They are highly efficient, but they can also cause side effects that require monitoring. There are medications that are not stimulant that are as effective as stimulants. adhd symptoms adults treatment do not have the same side effects.
For those suffering from compulsive ADHD and other mental health issues Cognitive-behavioral therapy is especially efficient. It can be beneficial for patients suffering from comorbid conditions like addiction to drugs and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people modify their thoughts and actions, and improve their relationships.
It is crucial for families to understand how ADHD affects the patient. This can help to reduce the conflict between spouses and blame shifting. It can help them understand the negative impact that the disorder can have on their relationship. It can also assist in finding ways to support the loved ones.
After the completion of therapy for families A therapist will review the goals and objectives that were set by the family. The therapist will help the family to adhere to the new patterns they have developed in therapy.