ADHD Treatment in Adults
ADHD can cause problems at school, at work and in relationships. It's crucial to get an extensive medical exam to rule out any other conditions that may be similar to ADHD symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps patients manage their symptoms. It focuses on changing the negative thinking patterns to more positive ones.
Medication
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD for adults is medication. They are typically prescribed as stimulants which have been proven to be effective in reducing symptoms and improving functioning. NIMH recommends that you speak with your physician to determine if medication is appropriate for you. If you decide to use medication, make sure you discuss with your doctor how it affects your life and any possible side effects.
ADHD is often associated with depression and anxiety. These comorbidities can make it more difficult to respond to treatment. Adult ADHD is best treated using a the combination of psychosocial therapy and medications (Rostain and colleagues. 2006).
Psychoeducation assists adults suffering from ADHD recognize the condition and its impact on their lives. It also teaches them strategies to handle any problems that might arise. This can help boost confidence in themselves, which could be negatively affected by the constant negative feedback received from family and friends. Individual and group cognitive behavioral therapies can be used to help with psychoeducation.
A complete medical history is vital due to the fact that certain medical conditions may have similar symptoms as ADHD. These include developmental disorders, seizure disorders (petit mal) sleep apnea and a few drug abuses. A thorough review of the person's childhood behavior and school experiences is also useful.
Generally, nonstimulant medications should be tried first in patients with comorbid psychiatric conditions. Once improvement is seen in the comorbid disorder it is possible to consider trying stimulant medication (Wilens 2004b). If the patient is taking active treatment for substance abuse and is in active treatment for substance abuse, a trial of stimulants should be only considered only if the individual is in stable remission from substance abuse.
Stimulants can cause a significant individual variation in responses to certain doses. It is essential to carefully adjust the dosage and note the patient's reaction as well as adverse reactions. It is essential to test different formulations of a medication. Dextroamphetamine instant-release, for example has a brief half-life, and requires multiple doses of the drug twice or three times daily. The extended-release mix of amphetamines salts on the other hand have a longer-lasting effect.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Most people with ADHD are treated psychosocially, which is a combination of medication along with cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies can help adults with ADHD how to improve their organization abilities and manage their time, prioritize their tasks and control reckless and impulsive behaviors. Adults can also benefit from support from a life or ADHD coach who can teach a variety different techniques to improve their daily functioning.
Many psychiatric disorders can mimic the symptoms of ADHD in both children and adults. These include mood disorders, anxiety disorders and adjustment disorders, as well as learning and language difficulties as well as some psychotic conditions. It is essential to rule out these conditions prior to starting treatment for ADHD.
About 75% of adults with ADHD also suffer from depression or anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance, can be effective in treating comorbid disorders. These treatments can help adults who have ADHD control their behaviors that are impulsive and concentrate on the problematic areas of their lives.
Adult ADHD is best treated using the combination of pharmacotherapy, psychosocial therapy and medication. A study by Rostain et al (2006) found that CBT in conjunction with mixed salts of amphetamine helped improve both the main symptoms of ADHD and the symptoms of anxiety and depression disorders. However, it is important to note that stimulants can cause a minor increase in blood pressure and pulse rate in some patients.
Psychotherapy can also help couples and families with ADHD learn how to better communicate and be able to understand each other. This can help reduce tension and conflict at home, especially between spouses. CBT can help adults with ADHD to understand their condition and help them identify and deal with negative slanted thoughts and beliefs.
Some people suffering from ADHD may also decide to utilize complementary health strategies, such as natural products and diet. These methods aren't scientifically proven to help improve ADHD symptoms or impairments however, they could help in managing the disorder. If you are thinking about these options talk about them with your doctor or your therapist prior to beginning any new therapies.
Counseling
If you're an adult who has ADHD, it's never too to find treatment. Effective treatment can make your life easier and help you achieve success in school, work and in your relationships. Medication is an important part of your ADHD treatment strategy, but it's a good idea to receive therapy. It can help you manage stress and treat comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Counseling is an effective instrument for adults with ADHD and their families. It can help them understand how ADHD affects them and learn how to spot the trouble areas that could cause problems in their lives. It can also teach them how to manage the challenges that arise from having ADHD like being unorganized or forgetful. Counseling can also be beneficial for spouses of adults suffering from ADHD. They may feel overwhelmed by their spouse's impulsiveness and inattention.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may have comorbid disorders like major depression and substance abuse disorders. These comorbid disorders can affect the effectiveness of ADHD medication. They must be treated prior to starting treatment. However it can be difficult to identify and treat these disorders can be a challenge because many of the symptoms of these conditions are similar to symptoms of ADHD.
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is stimulant medications. he has a good point helps to improve the ability to control impulses and attention However, it comes with limitations. Some adults experience unpleasant effects, including dry mouth and fatigue. In these cases, switching to a different stimulant or nonstimulant medication could be required. Other adverse effects of stimulants include mood lability visual hallucinations, and heart palpitations. Some people are not able to take stimulants due to medical issues such as severe asthma or cardiovascular disease. It is important to evaluate the effects of stimulants.
Adults with ADHD may also benefit from nonstimulants. Clonidine, an a2-adrenergic receptor antagonist, has been proven to be effective in reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity in adults with ADHD. This medication is often used in conjunction with stimulants and can be especially effective in patients with comorbid Tourette's syndrome and other symptoms (Robertson 2006; Wilens 2006).
It is important to inform your doctor about any other health conditions that you are suffering from to your doctor when seeking treatment for ADHD. Certain medical conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure can interfere with certain medications used to treat ADHD.
Family therapy
Adults with ADHD may benefit from family therapy. This kind of therapy can help them improve their lives at work and at home and improve communication with their families. It can also help manage comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy is typically used in family therapy to change the way that a person thinks and behaves. It can also include family therapy and marital counseling to improve communication. In certain situations the therapist might recommend medication.
When treating adult ADHD the best method is to combine psychotherapy and medication. Talk therapy can aid in social interaction, organizational skills and problem-solving. Medication can treat symptoms such as inattention and an impulsive nature. Additionally, medications can also be used to treat coexisting disorders such as depression and anxiety.
The first step in treating adult ADHD is identifying the symptoms. This can be done by filling out a symptom checklist or behavioral assessment. A doctor can also evaluate the person's past and behavior during childhood, which includes their behaviour and schooling experiences.
Stimulants are the most common medications used to treat people suffering from ADHD. These drugs are typically highly effective, but they do come with side effects that need to be closely monitored by a health professional. Nonstimulant drugs are available and are as effective as stimulants. They do not have the same negative side effects.
For patients with comorbid ADHD and other mental health issues Cognitive-behavioral therapy may be particularly efficient. It is beneficial for patients with comorbid conditions, such as depression and substance abuse. Cognitive behavioral therapy can teach people to change their behavior and thinking patterns and help them improve their relationships.
Families should understand the way ADHD can affect their loved ones. This can help to reduce the tension between spouses and blame-shifting. It also assists them to be aware of the negative effects of the disorder on their relationship. It can also assist in finding new ways to help the loved ones.
At the end of therapy for families the therapist will go over the goals and objectives set with the family. The therapist will assist the family to maintain the new patterns they have established in therapy.