Treatment of ADHD in Adults

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

Adults suffering from ADHD are the most likely to benefit from stimulant medications. They must be monitored regularly. This includes monthly appointments with a doctor and regular reviews of symptoms and side effects.

Medications

Numerous medications can be used to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD among adults. These are referred to as psychostimulants. They work by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain that transmit messages between nerve cell. Your doctor will choose the appropriate medication for you and will decide on the most appropriate dosage and schedule. It could take some time to find the right medication and dosage that controls your symptoms.

The first drug that doctors prescribe to adults with ADHD is stimulants. They increase the amount of dopamine found in your brain and norepinephrine which aids in controlling your thoughts and improve your focus. They come in short-, intermediateand long-acting versions. Short-acting stimulants last for up to 6 hours. Intermediate-acting medications last 8-10 hours. Long-acting stimulants last from 8 to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely to cause adverse effects than intermediate or shorter-acting medicines. However, they can cause sleepiness and changes in appetite.

Nonstimulant drugs, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera) are used to treat adult ADHD when stimulants aren't effective or cause undesirable adverse side negative effects. These medications do not alter the levels of dopamine or norepinephrine however, they can increase the amount of norepinephrine and improve your focus. These medicines come in capsule form and are taken either twice or three times 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 respond to treatment for ADHD. Before beginning treatment for ADHD, it's important to address any comorbid issues. Patients with a history of substance abuse disorders are more likely to abuse psychostimulants. Because of this, it's often advisable to wait until a person has quit using substances before considering treatment with stimulants for ADHD.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy involves discussing and talking about topics that cause anxiety or are disturbing for a person. The therapist gives advice in accordance with their training, experience, credentials, and the therapeutic philosophy. Psychotherapy may be short-term (a few weeks or months) dealing with more immediate challenges, or long-term (months or years) in which a person is working to address more complex and long-standing issues. The patient and therapist decide on the duration and frequency of therapy.

Psychotherapy and medication are a highly effective way to treat adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy can help people improve their ability to manage their time, organize and prioritizing. It can also teach techniques for managing emotions like anger and frustration. Medication can reduce symptoms, increase focus, and result in better work and academic performance.

Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have co-existing disorders, including mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. It is important that any co-existing disorders be treated before beginning treatment for ADHD. The treatment of co-existing disorders may require different types of medications and dosages compared to those used to treat ADHD.

For instance, a patient who can diagnose and treat adhd suffers from ADHD could also be suffering from hypertension. To pick a medication that can treat the ADHD symptoms without causing destabilization of the hypertension of the patient it is essential to know how different medications affect people over time and the interactions between the medications.

It is essential to find a therapist who has had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD and with whom you are at ease. It's also important to schedule your first few sessions when you won't be distracted by family responsibilities or work obligations.

Counseling

Adults suffering from ADHD face many challenges in their lives, including difficulties at work and in relationships. The person who has ADHD might also experience frustration, anger and blame that have been accumulated over time. A variety of psychosocial treatments have been proven effective in helping them and their families develop new attitudes, skills and ways of relating.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type psychotherapy that helps people change their behavior and thinking. It includes goal-setting, skill training and practice, and methods to help increase self-esteem and organizational skills. It can be conducted in groups or individually. Metacognitive therapy has proven to significantly reduce symptoms in adults with ADHD and improve their functioning (Stevenson and colleagues., 2002).

Certain people with ADHD might also require counseling to help them overcome specific life challenges. These may include family conflict, impulsive or aggressive behavior, or difficulties managing failures and disappointments. Counseling can teach skills to help manage these situations and improve communication and problem-solving skills. It can also enhance interpersonal relationships, particularly in marriages and other long-term relationships.

Other types of psychotherapy for ADHD include family therapy as well as supportive group therapy. These therapies can assist families in coping and improve their skills to manage conflict and improve communication when dealing with children who have ADHD. It can also help parents learn about the disorder and develop parenting styles that encourage positive outcomes for their children.

Adults suffering from ADHD must discuss their medication regularly with their doctor and disclose any other medications, including over-the drug products. Some medications can cause adverse reactions or interact with other medications.

Medication Monitoring

After a thorough evaluation and diagnosis, it is essential to monitor the patient to ensure that he/she reaps the benefits of the medication and doesn't experience any adverse side negative effects. It is recommended that a patient be referred for a first clinical examination within 30 days of initiating treatment and monthly afterward. In the case of psychostimulants (methylphenidate amphetamines) this allows for thorough titration to an effective and well-tolerated dosage. This allows accurate registration of the patient's reaction and helps to avoid keeping a the patient with a sensitive response on doses that are not sufficient.

For adults who are not responding effectively to stimulant medications or have intolerable side effects the use of nonstimulant medications may be indicated. This is usually the case with atomoxetine, or other methylphenidate-related alternatives.

Adults with ADHD are frequently affected by comorbid disorders, like depression or drug abuse. They might also be suffering from medical issues like hearing and vision problems or chronic sleep disorders. As part of the initial evaluation for ADHD it is essential to detect for these conditions and then evaluate their severity. These conditions can have a significant impact on functional impairments in adults.

ADHD can also be managed through marital therapy. spouses feel overwhelmed by the caretaking responsibilities of their spouses with ADHD and may become resentful or angry as a consequence. Making the patient aware of the symptoms of his/her condition and helping to understand that these aren't impulsive actions or a lack of love can help reduce marital tensions and resentment. Couples who undergo this type of therapy are more likely to be more functional as a family.

Behavioral Therapy

For those who suffer from ADHD Psychotherapy is generally recommended and should incorporate an element of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy can help patients improve their organization skills, focus and manage impulsive behavior. It teaches patients to manage their work, home, and social situations in more productive ways. Psychotherapy helps patients understand how their condition affects various aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help alleviate the shame and low self-esteem that is often seen in adults with ADHD who are thought of as lazy or less intelligent.

Many psychiatric disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to be suffering from depression and anxiety. The presence of other psychiatric problems should be assessed according to the need, to determine if the patient's ADHD symptoms are connected to them.

Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated using the combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been proven that the combination of psychotherapy and medication can produce better results than either therapy alone. Future controlled medication studies should aim to measure and track the effects of functional improvements, such as better performance at work, school and interpersonal relationships.