ADHD Treatment in Adults
ADHD can cause issues at school, at work and in relationships. It's crucial to obtain an accurate medical assessment and to rule out other conditions that could be a cause of ADHD symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that can help alleviate symptoms. It focuses on changing negative thoughts to more positive ones.
Medication
The most commonly used medication is treatment for ADHD in adults. Usually, stimulants are prescribed to help reduce symptoms and improve performance. NIMH suggests speaking with your health care provider to see if you should consider taking medication. If you decide to use medication, make sure you consult your physician about how it impacts your life and the possible side effects.
People with ADHD often have comorbid conditions, such as depression and anxiety. These comorbid conditions can make it harder to respond to therapy alone. Adult ADHD is best treated by a combination of psychosocial therapy and medications (Rostain, et al. 2006).
Psychoeducation helps adults who have ADHD learn about the effects of ADHD on their lives. It also teaches strategies to handle any issues that might occur. This can help boost their self-esteem, which could have been negatively impacted by constant negative feedback from family and friends. Psychoeducation can be achieved by group and individual cognitive behavioral therapy.
It is crucial to have a an accurate medical history since some medical conditions could present with similar symptoms as ADHD. These include developmental disorders, seizure disorders (petit mal) sleep apnea and a few drugs. It is also beneficial to look back at the person's school and childhood experiences.
In general, non-stimulant medications should be considered first for those with co-occurring mental disorders. After the comorbid condition has improved, stimulant medications can be considered (Wilens 2004b). If the person is taking active treatment for substance abuse the possibility of a trial with stimulants should be only considered when the patient is in stable remission from substance abuse.
Stimulants can be highly variable in their responses to different doses. Therefore, careful titration and precise registration of the patient's reaction and adverse effects is vital. It is also crucial to try different formulations of the same drug. For instance, dextroamphetamine instant-release has a shorter half-life, and requires multiple doses at least three times per day, whereas amphetamine salts that are extended-release have a long duration of action.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Most people with ADHD are treated psychosocially that is a mix of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies can teach people with ADHD how to improve their organization skills and manage their time, prioritize their tasks and control reckless and impulsive behaviors. A few adults could benefit from obtaining support from a life coach or ADHD coach, who can teach them various skills to enhance their daily functioning.
Many psychiatric disorders are able to mimic the symptoms of ADHD in both children and adults. These include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, problems, as along with language and learning problems, adjustment disorders and some psychotic conditions. It is essential to rule out these conditions before beginning treatment for ADHD.
Around 75% of people with ADHD also suffer from depression or anxiety. Psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy can be helpful to treat comorbid illnesses particularly when they are combined with effective medication. These treatments can help adults with ADHD manage their impulsive behavior and concentrate on the problematic areas of their lives.
Adult ADHD is best treated by the combination of pharmacotherapy psychosocial therapy, and medication. A study by Rostain and colleagues (2006) discovered that CBT when combined with mixed salts of amphetamine reduced both the primary symptoms of ADHD and symptoms of comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. However, it is important to note that stimulants can cause a small increase in blood pressure and pulse rate in certain patients.
Psychotherapy can help families with ADHD and couples to better communicate and be able to understand each other. This could result in a decrease in conflict and tension in the home, especially between spouses. CBT can help adults with ADHD understand their condition, and learn how to recognize and cope negatively slanted thoughts and beliefs.
Certain people with ADHD may also decide to utilize complementary health strategies like natural products and diet. These approaches have not been proven scientifically to improve ADHD symptoms or impairments, but they can be helpful in managing the disorder. If you are considering these alternatives, discuss these options with your doctor and your therapist prior to beginning any new treatment.
Counseling
If you are an adult with ADHD, it's never too to find treatment. Effective treatment can make your life easier and assist you in achieving success in work, school, and relationships. Treatment is a vital component of your ADHD treatment plan, but it's an excellent idea to seek therapy. It will help you to manage stress and deal with disorders that are comorbid, such as depression and anxiety.
Counseling is a valuable tool for adults with ADHD and their family members. It can aid them in understanding how ADHD affects them, and also learn how to spot trouble spots that can lead to issues in their lives. untreated adhd in adults depression can help them understand how to manage the challenges of ADHD such as being unorganized or unable to remember things. Counseling can also be beneficial for spouses of adults suffering from ADHD, as they often feel that they are burdened by their partner's lack of attention and impulsiveness.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, like major depressive disorder as well as substance use disorders. These comorbid conditions can affect the effectiveness of ADHD medication. They must be treated prior to beginning medication. It is difficult to identify and treat these conditions since they have many symptoms in common with ADHD.
Stimulant medications are the most common form of ADHD treatment. It can help improve control of impulses and attention but it is not without its limitations. Certain adults experience unpleasant side effects, including dry mouth and fatigue. In these instances switching to an alternative stimulant or a nonstimulant medication may be necessary. Other adverse effects of stimulants include mood lability visual hallucinations, as well as heart palpitations. Certain people aren't able to take stimulants due to medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease or severe asthma, and should be referred for an evaluation.
Nonstimulants are also effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Clonidine is an a2-adrenergic receptor antagonist, has been proven to be effective in reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity in adults suffering from ADHD. This medication can be used alongside stimulants and is especially beneficial for people suffering from Tourette's syndrome and other tics.
It is important to mention any other health conditions that you have to your doctor when seeking treatment for ADHD. Certain health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure can interact with certain medications used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
Family therapy can be beneficial to adults suffering from ADHD. This type of therapy could aid in improving their home and work lives and improve communication between them and their families. It also helps them deal with comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety. Family therapy may involve the use of cognitive behavior therapy, which is designed to change a person's thoughts and behaviors. It can also include marriage counseling and family therapy to improve communication. In some instances, a therapist will also suggest medication.
When dealing with adult ADHD, the best approach is to combine medication and psychotherapy. Medication can help with symptoms such as impulsivity and inattention and talk therapy can help with problem-solving, organizational skills, and social interaction. Additionally, medications can also be used to treat co-existing disorders such as depression and anxiety.
The first step to treat for adult ADHD is to identify the symptoms. You can do this by filling out an symptom list or a an assessment of your behavior. A doctor can also look into the person's past, which includes their childhood and school experiences.
The most common medication used to treat ADHD in adults is stimulants. They are generally effective, but they do come with adverse effects that must be monitored by a health care professional. Nonstimulant medicines are available and are as effective as stimulants. They don't have any of the same negative side effects.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be particularly effective for patients with co-occurring ADHD depression, ADHD and other mental health issues. It can be beneficial for patients with comorbid conditions, such as addiction and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help individuals to change their thoughts and behaviors and help them improve their relationships.
It is crucial for families to be aware of how ADHD affects the patient. This will reduce conflict and blaming between spouses. It can help them see the negative impact the disorder can have on their relationship. It also helps to find new ways to help the loved ones.
A therapist will discuss with the family members the goals and objectives they have set. The therapist will also urge the family to continue the new patterns they have developed over the course of therapy.