ADHD Treatment in Adults
ADHD can cause problems at work, at school and in relationships. It is essential to have an extensive medical examination and rule out any conditions that may resemble ADHD symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that can help people manage their symptoms. It is focused on changing negative thought patterns to more positive ones.
Medication
Medications are the most common treatment for ADHD in adults. Usually, stimulants are prescribed to help reduce symptoms and improve performance. NIMH recommends talking with your doctor to determine whether you should consider taking medication. If you decide to take medication, make sure you consult your physician about how it impacts your life and the adverse effects that could occur.
ADHD is often associated with depression and anxiety. These comorbidities can make it difficult to respond to therapy. Adult ADHD is best treated by the combination of psychosocial therapy and medication (Rostain, et al. 2006).
Psychoeducation assists adults suffering from ADHD to understand their condition and its effects on their lives. It also teaches them strategies for dealing with problems that could arise. This will help them build confidence in themselves which could have been negatively affected by the constant negative feedback received from family and friends. Individual and group cognitive behavioral therapies can be utilized to help with psychoeducation.
It is crucial to have a an accurate medical history because some medical conditions may have similar symptoms to ADHD. This includes developmental disorders, seizures (petit mal) sleep disorders, and abuse of drugs. A thorough analysis of the person's childhood behaviors and schooling experiences can be helpful.
In general, nonstimulant drugs should be first considered in those with comorbid psychiatric disorders. After the comorbid condition has improved, stimulant medications can be considered (Wilens 2004b). If the person who is in active treatment for substance abuse is in stable remission, stimulant medication should only be considered.
Stimulants exhibit a wide variation between individuals in response to particular doses. It is important to carefully adjust the dosage and document the patient's reaction and adverse effects. It is crucial to test different formulations of the medication. For instance, dextroamphetamine immediately-release has a shorter half-life and requires multiple dosages twice or three times a day, while the extended-release mix amphetamine salts are long-lasting in their action.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Most people with ADHD are treated psychosocially, which is a combination of medication along with cognitive behavioral therapy. These treatments can teach adults with ADHD how to improve their organizational abilities, manage their time, prioritize their work and control risky and impulsive behaviors. A few adults could benefit from obtaining support from a life coach or ADHD coach, who can teach them various techniques to improve their daily functioning.
Adults and children alike can be affected by a variety of psychiatric disorders that mimic the symptoms with ADHD. These include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, language and learning difficulties, and some psychotic conditions. Before starting treatment for ADHD, it is important to rule these disorders out.
Around 75% of people with ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders which include anxiety and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance, can be effective in treating comorbid disorders. These treatments can help people with ADHD manage their impulsive and irritable behavior and concentrate on the problematic areas of their lives.
A combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy treatment is the most effective method for adults with ADHD. Rostain and. al (2006) found CBT combined with mixed salts amphetamine in order to improve the core symptoms of ADHD and also the symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. It is important to be aware that stimulants can cause a small increase of blood pressure and pulse in certain patients.
Psychotherapy can help families suffering from ADHD and couples to better communicate and be able to understand each other. adult adhd diagnosis and treatment can lessen tension and conflict at home, especially between spouses. CBT can also help adults with ADHD gain a greater understanding of their condition, and learn to recognize and cope with negative thoughts and beliefs about themselves.
Some people with ADHD may also opt to employ alternatives to traditional health treatments, such as diet and natural products. These approaches have not been proven scientifically to improve ADHD symptoms or impairments, however they can be helpful in managing the disorder. If you are considering these strategies be sure to discuss them with your doctor and your therapist prior to beginning any new treatments.
Counseling
It's never too late for people with ADHD to get treatment. Effective treatment can make life simpler and help you achieve success in school, work and in your relationships. Medication is an important component of your ADHD treatment plan, but it's recommended to get therapy. It will help you to manage stress and combat disorders that are comorbid, such as depression and anxiety.
Counseling is a valuable tool for adults suffering from ADHD and their families. It can aid them in understanding how ADHD affects them and help them learn how to spot the trouble spots that can lead to issues in their lives. It can also help them learn how to manage the challenges that come with having ADHD like being disorganized or forgetful. Counseling can be beneficial for spouses of people with ADHD, as they often feel overwhelmed by their partner's lack of attention and the impulsiveness.
Adults with ADHD may have comorbid disorders like major depression disorder and substance abuse disorders. These comorbid conditions can interfere with the efficacy of ADHD medications. They must be treated before beginning treatment. It is often difficult to recognize and treat these disorders since they have a lot of symptoms that are common to ADHD.
Stimulant medications are the most commonly used form of ADHD treatment. It can help improve the ability to control impulses and attention however, it does have its limitations. Certain adults experience uncomfortable adverse effects, such as dry mouth, sedation and sleepiness. In these cases switching to an alternative stimulant or a nonstimulant medication might be needed. Other effects of stimulants are mood lability, visual hallucinations, as well as heart palpitations. Some people are unable to tolerate stimulants due to medical conditions like asthma or cardiovascular disease, and should be referred to a doctor for an evaluation.
Nonstimulants are also effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Clonidine is an a2-adrenergic agonist, has been shown to be effective in reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity in adults suffering from ADHD. This medication is sometimes used in conjunction with stimulants. It can be particularly effective for those with comorbid Tourette's disorder and other symptoms (Robertson 2006; Wilens 2006).
It is important to mention any other health issues you have to your doctor when seeking treatment for ADHD. Some health issues, like diabetes and high blood pressure, may interact with certain medications that are used to treat ADHD.
Family therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from family therapy. This type of therapy can help improve their work and home lives and enhance communication between them and their families. It can also aid in managing other disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety and depression. Family therapy could involve the use of cognitive therapy that is designed to change the person's thinking and behavior. It may also include marital counseling and family therapy to improve communication. In some instances therapy, the therapist could recommend medication.
When dealing with adult ADHD the best method is to combine psychotherapy and medication. The use of medication can ease symptoms like inattention and impulsivity while psychotherapy can assist in problem-solving skills, organizational skills and social interaction. Additionally, medications can be used to treat coexisting disorders that are comorbid, like anxiety and depression.
The first step in treatment for adult ADHD is to identify the symptoms. You can do this by filling out a symptom list or an assessment of your behavior. A doctor can also look into the person's past, including their childhood behavior and school experiences.
Stimulants are the most commonly used medications used to treat adults with ADHD. They are generally efficient, however they do have adverse effects that must be closely monitored by a health professional. There are nonstimulant medicines that can be as effective as stimulants. They don't cause any of the same negative side effects.
For those suffering from co-occurring ADHD and other mental health problems Cognitive-behavioral therapy may be particularly efficient. It can also be useful for patients with comorbid disorders such as substance abuse and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help individuals to change their thoughts and behaviors and help them improve their relationships.
Families should understand how ADHD can affect their loved ones. This can reduce the conflict between spouses and blame shifting. It also helps them to be aware of the negative effects of the disorder on their relationship. It can also assist in finding new ways to support a loved one.
A therapist will go over with the family members the goals and objectives they have set. The therapist will encourage the family to adhere to the new patterns they have established during therapy.