ADHD Treatment in Adults
ADHD can cause problems at school, at work and in relationships. It's crucial to get a complete medical evaluation to rule out any other conditions that may be similar to ADHD symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that helps people manage their symptoms. It concentrates on changing negative thinking patterns to more positive ones.
Medication
The most common treatment of ADHD in adults is medication. Usually, stimulants are prescribed to reduce symptoms and improve performance. NIMH recommends talking with your health care provider to see if you should take a medication. If you decide to try medication, make sure to discuss with your doctor how it affects your life and the possible side effects.
People who suffer from ADHD frequently have comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety. These comorbid conditions can make it more difficult to respond to therapy. A combination of psychosocial therapy and medication is the most effective strategy for treating adult ADHD (Rostain et al 2006).
Psychoeducation helps adults suffering from ADHD understand their condition and its impact on their lives. It also helps them develop strategies to handle any problems that may arise. This helps boost their self-esteem that may have been affected by negative feedback from family and friends. Individual and group cognitive behavioral therapies can be utilized to offer psychoeducation.
A thorough medical history is essential, as certain medical conditions may have similar symptoms as ADHD. These include seizures, developmental disorders (petit mal) sleep apnea and a few other drugs. It is also helpful to review the person's school and childhood experiences.
Generally, nonstimulant medication should be first considered in those suffering from psychiatric disorders that are comorbid. If improvement is observed in the comorbid disorder, it is possible to consider trying stimulant medication (Wilens 2004b). If the person is engaged in treatment for substance abuse, a trial of stimulants is only recommended only if the individual is in stable substance abuse remission.
Stimulants can be highly variable in their responses to different doses. It is important to carefully titrate the dose and accurately note the patient's reaction as well as adverse effects. It is essential to test different formulations of the medication. For instance, dextroamphetamine instant-release has a short half-life and requires multiple doses at least three times per day, whereas amphetamine salts with extended-release are long-lasting in their action.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
The majority of people with ADHD receive psychosocial treatment, which consists of a combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies can teach adults with ADHD how to improve their organizational abilities, manage their time, prioritize tasks and control reckless and impulsive behaviors. A few adults could benefit from the assistance of a life coach or ADHD coach who can help them learn a variety of different skills to improve daily functioning.
Many psychiatric disorders are able to mimic the symptoms of ADHD in both adults and children. These include mood disorders, anxiety disorders adjustment disorders, learning and language difficulties as well as some psychotic conditions. Before starting treatment for ADHD it is essential to rule out the presence of these disorders.
Around 75% of people who suffer from ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example is a great option for treating comorbid disorders. These treatments can assist adults suffering from ADHD manage their impulsive behavior and concentrate on the problematic areas of their lives.
Adult ADHD is best treated with a combination of pharmacotherapy, psychosocial therapy and medication. A study by Rostain et al (2006) found that CBT combined with mixed salts of amphetamine reduced both the main symptoms of ADHD and the symptoms of anxiety and depression disorders. However it is important to know that stimulants can cause a minor increase in blood pressure and pulse rate in certain patients.
Psychotherapy can also help families and couples with ADHD develop the ability to communicate and get to know each other better. This can lead to a reduction in tension and conflict within the home, specifically between spouses. CBT can also assist adults with ADHD gain a better awareness of their condition and learn to recognize and cope with negative thoughts and self-talk.
Certain people with ADHD may also choose to utilize complementary health strategies like natural products and diet. These methods haven't been scientifically proven to improve ADHD symptoms or impairments, but they may be useful in managing the disorder. If you are considering these alternatives talk about them with your doctor and therapist before starting any new treatment.
Counseling
If you are an adult with ADHD It's never too to find treatment. Effective treatment can make life easier and help you achieve success in work, school, and relationships. It's important to include medication into your ADHD treatment plan. But, it's also beneficial to seek out therapy. It can improve your ability to manage stress and cope with disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety and depression.
Counseling can be a useful tool for people who suffer from ADHD as well as their family members. It can help them be aware of how ADHD affects their lives and how to detect problems that could occur. It can teach them how they can cope with the challenges of ADHD such as being unorganized or unable to remember things. Counseling can also be beneficial for spouses of adults with ADHD. They are often overwhelmed by their spouse's impulsiveness as well as inattention.
Adults with ADHD might have comorbid conditions such as major depression and substance abuse disorders. These comorbid conditions can hinder the effectiveness of ADHD medication and should be addressed prior to the start of medication. However, identifying and treating these disorders can be difficult because many of the symptoms of these conditions are similar to those of ADHD.
Stimulant medication is the most commonly used form of ADHD treatment. It helps to improve concentration and control of impulses however, it does have its limitations. Certain adults experience uncomfortable adverse effects, such as dry mouth, sedation, and drowsiness. In these cases it is possible to switch to a nonstimulant or an alternative stimulant. Other adverse effects of stimulants include mood lability visual hallucinations, as well as heart palpitations. Some people are not able to take stimulants due to medical conditions such as severe asthma or cardiovascular disease. They should be assessed.
Adults with ADHD are also able to benefit from nonstimulants. 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 in conjunction with stimulants, and is especially beneficial for people suffering from Tourette's Syndrome as well as other symptoms of tics.
It is important to disclose any other health conditions that you are suffering from to your doctor when seeking treatment for ADHD. Certain health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure may interact with certain medications used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
Family therapy can be beneficial to adults with ADHD. This type of therapy could help improve their home and work lives and improve communication between them and their families. It can also help manage comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy is commonly employed in family therapy to alter the way a person thinks and behaves. It may also involve family therapy and marital counseling to improve communication. In some cases, a therapist will also suggest medication.
When treating adhd symptoms and treatment in adults is to combine psychotherapy and medication. Talk therapy can help with social interaction, organizational skills and problem-solving. The use of medication can help treat symptoms such as inattention and an impulsive nature. In addition, medication can be used to treat disorders that are comorbid, like depression and anxiety.
The first step in treating adult ADHD is identifying the symptoms. You can do this by filling out the symptom list or conducting a behavioral assessment. A doctor can also look into a person's history, including their childhood behavior and schooling experiences.
Stimulants are among the most popular treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. They are extremely effective but can have side effects which need to be monitored. Nonstimulant medications are available and may be as effective as stimulants. They don't have any of the same negative side effects.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies can be especially beneficial for patients suffering from co-occurring ADHD depression, ADHD, and other mental health issues. It is also beneficial for patients suffering from comorbid disorders, such as substance abuse and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people modify their thinking and behavior and improve their relationships.
It is crucial for families to understand how ADHD affects the patient. This can reduce the tension between spouses and blame-shifting. It can help them understand the negative impact that the disorder can have on their relationship. It can also help find new ways to help a loved one.
At the conclusion of therapy for families the therapist will go over the goals and objectives that were established with the family. The therapist will also motivate families to follow the new patterns they have cultivated throughout therapy.