Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Treatment for adhd in adults is based on therapy, medication and family support. Clinical trials are available to test the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to benefit from stimulant medications. They must be monitored regularly. That includes monthly clinical appointments as well as frequent reviews of side effects and symptoms.
Medicines
There are many drugs that can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. They are referred to as psychostimulants. they work by changing the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) which transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will recommend the right medication for you and determine the most appropriate dosage and time to take it. It could take some time to find the right medication and dosage that controls your symptoms.
The first drug that doctors prescribe to adults suffering from ADHD is stimulants. They increase the amount of dopamine that is present in your brain and norepinephrine which allows you to manage your impulses and improve your focus. These medicines are available in short-, medium-and long-acting forms. Short-acting stimulants can last up to 6 hours. Intermediate-acting medicines last for 8-10 hours. Long-acting drugs can last up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely cause side effects than intermediate or shorter-acting medicines. However, they can cause sleepiness and changes in appetite.
Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, (Strattera), are used to treat adult ADHD if stimulants do not work or cause unwanted side effects. These medications do not alter your norepinephrine or dopamine however, they can increase your brain's availability of norepinephrine and improve your focus. These medications are available in capsules and can be taken twice or once every day.
Some people with ADHD have co-occurring disorders, such as depression or anxiety. These are known as comorbid disorders and they can influence how you react to treatment for ADHD. Before starting treatment for ADHD it is important to address any comorbid issues. People who have a history of substance abuse disorders are more likely to misuse psychostimulants. For this reason, it's generally advised to wait until the patient has removed themselves from using substances before evaluating treatment with stimulants to treat ADHD.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a process that involves talking and discussing topics that are troubling or disturbing to the person. The therapist listens and provides guidance based on her education, training and experience professional credentials and therapeutic theories. Psychotherapy may be short-term (a few weeks or months) dealing with immediate issues or more long-term (months or years) in which a person is working on more complicated and longstanding issues. The duration and frequency of therapy are determined by the therapist and the patient together.
The use of psychotherapy and drugs together is an extremely effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy assists people in improving their ability to manage their time, organize and prioritizing. It can also teach strategies for managing emotions like anger and frustration. Treatment can ease symptoms, increase concentration and improve work and academic performance.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-existing disorders, including mood disorders like depression and anxiety. It is crucial that any co-existing disorders be addressed prior to beginning treatment for ADHD. Treatment of co-existing disorders could require different types and doses of medication than those used to treat ADHD.
For example, a person who suffers from ADHD could also be suffering from hypertension. To choose a medication to treat the ADHD symptoms without causing destabilization of the patient's hypertension it is essential to understand how various medications affect people in the course of time, as well as the interactions between medications.
It's important that you find a therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD and with whom you feel comfortable. It's important to schedule your first few sessions at times when you will not be distracted by work or family obligations.
Counseling
Adults suffering from ADHD face a variety of challenges in their lives, such as issues in their relationships and at work. They also may experience anger, blame, and frustration that have built up in their lives due to their symptoms. Several psychosocial treatments have been proven effective in helping their families and patients learn new attitudes, skills and ways of communicating.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type psychotherapy that helps people change their thinking and behavior. It includes goal-setting, skill training and practice, and methods to help improve self-esteem and organization. It can be done in a private or in a group setting. Certain studies have demonstrated that treatment for metacognitive disorders can reduce symptoms and improve performance for adults suffering from ADHD (Stevenson et al, 2002).
Some people suffering from ADHD may also require counseling to help them overcome certain life challenges. These may include family conflict, impulsive and aggressive behavior, or difficulties dealing with failures and disappointments. Counseling can help teach strategies to manage these situations, improve communication and increase problem-solving capabilities. It can also help improve relationships, especially in marriages and other long-term relationships.
Family therapy and supportive group therapy are two other types of psychotherapy that can be utilized to treat ADHD. These can help families 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 to understand the disorder, and develop parenting techniques that encourage positive outcomes in their children.
It is crucial for adults with ADHD to discuss their medication with their health care professionals regularly, and to disclose all other medications they're taking, including over-the-counter drugs. Certain medications can cause adverse effects or interact with other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough evaluation and diagnosis is established, it is essential that the patient is monitored to ensure that they are receiving the benefits of medication and not experiencing any adverse side effects. It is recommended that a patient be examined for an initial medical check-up within 30 days of starting treatment and then every month following that. This permits a thorough adjustment of psychostimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate to a safe, effective dose. This permits accurate recording of the patients' response and helps avoid keeping sensitive patient on insufficient doses.
For adults who do not respond well to stimulant medication or experience uncontrollable side effects the use of nonstimulant medications may be indicated. Typically this involves the use of atomoxetine, or other methylphenidate alternatives.
treatment of add who suffer from ADHD are frequently affected by comorbid disorders, like depression or drug abuse. They may also suffer from medical problems like hearing and vision problems or chronic sleep disorders. It is important to screen and assess these conditions as part of the initial evaluation for ADHD since these can have significant impact on functional impairment in adults.
Marital therapy can be helpful in managing ADHD. Spouses report feeling overburdened with the caretaking responsibilities of their spouses suffering from ADHD and may become resentful or angry as a consequence. 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 help to reduce resentment and marital difficulties. Couples who undergo this type of therapy usually experience improved family functioning.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy for adults with ADHD is usually recommended. It should include a cognitive and behavioral component. Behavioral therapy can help patients to improve their organizational skills and focus, as well as control the impulsive behavior. It helps patients manage their social, work and home environments more effectively. Psychotherapy also helps patients understand how their disorder impacts different aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help reduce the shame and low-esteem that are often felt by people with ADHD. They might be perceived by others as lazy or unintelligent.
Many psychiatric disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. If needed the presence of any other psychiatric disorders must be analyzed to determine whether ADHD symptoms are a result of them.
A combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy is usually recommended for the treatment of ADHD in adults. It has been proven that the combination of psychotherapy and medication produces better results than either therapy by itself. Future controlled studies must attempt to track and measure functional improvements such as improved performance at work, school, and interpersonal relationships.