Treating ADHD With Medications
Many people who suffer from ADHD are also suffering from other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can affect the way ADHD medication works and vice the other way around.
Health professionals use standard ADHD symptom rating scales and psychological tests to determine an individual's symptoms. They may recommend medical or lab tests to rule out medical conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD.
Medications
Medicines are the mainstay of treatment for ADHD and aid in helping people focus and stay focused. They also reduce the risk of impulsive behavior. They improve school, work and family life. They also help people sleep better, which makes them feel more relaxed and less likely to make poor decisions throughout the day. They can be taken on their own or in combination with other treatments such as diet, therapy or lifestyle modifications.
Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD, work by increasing and balancing certain chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters. The two stimulants that are most commonly used to treat adult ADHD are methylphenidate and amphetamine (brand names include Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall XR and Focalin XR). Other medications that are utilized by adults suffering from ADHD include the non-stimulant atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants, such as bupropion. Adults frequently test different kinds of medication and dosages to determine the most appropriate one for them.
When a person starts taking ADHD medication it has a different effect on everyone and it can take time to find the right combination of medicine for them. A doctor or nurse typically start with the lowest dose and observe the person's response before prescribing more. They may alter the dosage to avoid adverse effects such as drowsiness or stomach upset. They may also recommend changes to diet or vitamins to increase the effectiveness of the medication.
The necessity for ADHD medication can change as time passes. This is especially true if a patient experiences significant changes in their life. Talk to your doctor if you're experiencing problems at work or in school. Co-workers, supervisors and teachers are usually accommodating and will make small accommodations to help a person with ADHD accomplish their tasks. Sleeping regularly can help to improve ADHD symptoms.
Therapists can help people learn new skills to cope with their symptoms and overcome challenges they are having at work, home or in their relationships. This kind of treatment can be conducted in one-on-1 sessions or in group therapy. The therapy concentrates on changing bad habits and replacing them with positive ones. Counseling can also help family members learn how to help someone who has ADHD.
Counseling
Behavioral therapy and other psychosocial treatments can improve the symptoms of ADHD. The use of medication is often paired with these treatments to improve outcomes. The medications used to treat adult ADHD comprise stimulants and non-stimulants. These medications can help people focus better and less impulsive, as well as feel more calm. They can also assist them to learn and develop new skills. These drugs are effective for a majority of people suffering from ADHD and their benefits can last a long time. The medications do not cause dependence or create a habit. However, patients who have a history of drug use disorders should be examined prior to taking these drugs.
Many adults suffering from ADHD struggle to concentrate at school and work and can create problems for their careers and relationships. Counseling can assist them in improving their ability listen, concentrate and follow directions in the workplace or at school. This can improve their performance and build confidence in themselves. Some therapy specialists are trained to work with individuals who suffer from ADHD.
In treatment for adults with add or with family members, a behavior therapy is a possibility. Behavioral therapy involves engineering the environment to be more conducive to focus and concentration and helping people discern what triggers behavior problems and what motivates them. It could also involve training in coping strategies and exposure therapy to help people overcome certain fears.
A therapist can assist with the numerous emotional issues that come with ADHD. They can also help you learn strategies to improve your family and marriage life. They can help you manage your money, prioritize tasks, and deal with stress in your daily life. They can help people understand ADHD and also educate their families on how to support the person with it.
Certain people with ADHD suffer from anxiety and depression disorders, which can be difficult to treat. These comorbid conditions can make it harder to manage ADHD symptoms. To determine if there are underlying conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms and a thorough medical history needs to be conducted. Patients with a history of developmental disorder, seizures hearing or sight issues and sleep apnea need an additional assessment, and may require additional treatment.
Medication Trials
The most effective medications can improve the core symptoms of ADHD by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine (brain molecules that aid in the transmission of messages from one neuron [brain cell] to another). Practitioners aren't able to predict ahead of time what drug is most effective for an individual, however they can determine which medication and dosage is the most effective via a trial. The trial starts with a low dose, and is gradually increased over 3-7 days until clinical benefits are achieved.
A thorough medical history is vital, since numerous medical conditions can mimic the symptoms of ADHD. These include developmental disorders mental disorders, psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety, as well as problems with language and learning and medical issues such as thyroid disorder, lead poisoning and hearing or vision loss.
There are a myriad of medications that can be used to treat adults with ADHD. The most popular are stimulant medications. However there are other options too. Some of these medications include antidepressants that have a direct impact on the chemical in the brain called norepinephrine or certain anticholinergics that can reduce symptoms by reducing the activity of the dopamine-neurotransmitter. Certain of these medications are not appropriate for use in children, and an experienced psychiatrist or neurologist should be consulted before prescribing these medications to an adult patient.
Behavioral therapy is helpful in treating ADHD for adults. Therapists can help families and individuals learn practical skills to help manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies. They can also offer emotional support and teach coping techniques. Familie and marriage therapy is a great way to assist those suffering from ADHD learn to communicate effectively and resolve conflict.
For many adults, the best treatment for their ADHD is to improve their sleeping habits. A regular bedtime, and a good night's sleep can make a massive impact on their ability to focus, behave and concentrate.
Other treatments for ADHD include cognitive behavioral therapy, a talking therapy that assists people in changing their thinking and behavior patterns. Lifestyle changes like diet modification can also be effective. Some people can reduce ADHD symptoms by changing their diet, but you should consult with your doctor before making any changes. Certain foods and supplements may worsen symptoms, or cause them to disappear.
Other Treatments
Treatment for adults with ADHD requires a combination of psychosocial treatment and medication. These medications help people to focus and organize and make it easier to stay on top of tasks and maintain relationships. Psychosocial treatments help people learn strategies that can lessen their symptoms and improve how they function in daily life, such as managing time and organizing strategies. These treatments are beneficial for those who aren't responding well to medications.
Behavioral coaching is a type of therapy that teaches adults with ADHD practical life skills, such as managing their time and finances prioritizing their tasks and improving their organizational abilities. In contrast to traditional talk therapy, which focuses on emotional issues the coaches focus solely on helping people manage their behavior. Most often, these coaches are remote and don't meet with their clients in person.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from mental disorders, including major depression or bipolar disease and issues with substance abuse. These disorders can cause significant stress and interfere with everyday activities, which is why treating them is typically the first priority prior to beginning any ADHD treatments. Certain medications used to treat other disorders, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), and atomoxetine, (Prozac), can also help with ADHD.
Meditation and yoga are non-medicinal treatments that can reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing attention and focus and decreasing the tendency to be impulsive. These techniques can be taught to individuals or groups. Other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a form of talking therapy that attempts to alter how someone feels about an event is possible with a therapist either in person or on the internet.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically have sleep issues and a lack of rest can cause more symptoms. Establishing a regular sleep schedule and avoiding caffeine at night can help reduce this.
The best treatment for adult ADHD is an amalgamation of psychosocial therapy and medication. Some people notice a dramatic improvement after taking medication, while others might not. Finding the right dosage and regimen may take some time, so it's vital to work with your doctor to ensure that you get the most benefit from this treatment.