ADHD Treatment in Adults
ADHD can cause problems at school, work, and in relationships. It's crucial to get a complete medical evaluation to rule out any medical conditions that could be a cause of ADHD symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that can help manage symptoms. It focuses on changing the negative thinking patterns into more positive ones.
Medication
Medications are the most common treatment for ADHD in adults. Usually stimulants are prescribed to help reduce symptoms and improve functioning. NIMH suggests that you speak with your physician to determine if the medication is suitable for you. If you decide to try medication, be sure to consult your physician about how it affects your life and any side effects that may occur.
People with ADHD often have comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression. These comorbidities can make it more difficult to be able to respond to therapy on its own. Psychosocial treatment and medication is the most effective strategy to treat adult ADHD (Rostain and colleagues, 2006).
Psychoeducation assists adults with ADHD to understand the condition and its impact in their lives. It also helps them develop strategies to handle any issues that may occur. This will help them improve their self-esteem, which may be negatively affected by the constant negative feedback received from family and friends. Cognitive behavioral therapies can be utilized to help with psychoeducation.
A thorough medical history is important, as certain medical conditions can have similar symptoms as ADHD. This includes developmental disorders, seizures (petit mal), sleep disorders, and abuse of drugs. A detailed review of the person's childhood behavior and school experiences is helpful.
In general, non-stimulant medications should be considered first for those with comorbid mental disorders. After the comorbid condition has improved, stimulant medication may be considered (Wilens 2004b). If the person is engaged in treatment for substance abuse, a trial of stimulants should only be considered when the patient is in stable remission from substance abuse.
Stimulants can cause a significant inter-individual variability in terms of responses to certain doses. Therefore, careful titration with accurate registration of the patient's response and adverse effects is vital. It is crucial to test different formulations of a medication. For instance, dextroamphetamine immediately-release has a short half-life and requires multiple dosages at least three times per day, while amphetamine salts with extended-release have a longer duration of action.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
The majority of people with ADHD are treated psychosocially, which is a combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. These treatments can help adults with ADHD learn strategies to improve their organizational skills to manage time and prioritize their tasks as well as control impulsive and risky behaviors. Some adults may also benefit from obtaining support from a life coach or ADHD coach who can help them master a variety of different skills to improve daily functioning.
Children and adults alike are affected by many psychiatric conditions that mimic the symptoms with ADHD. These include mood disorders and anxiety problems, as also learning and language issues, adjustment disorders, and some psychotic conditions. Before starting treatment for ADHD it is essential to rule out these disorders.
About 75% of adults with ADHD have comorbid conditions which include anxiety and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance is a great option for treating the comorbidity of 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 in conjunction with mixed salts of amphetamine improved both the primary symptoms of ADHD and symptoms of anxiety and depression disorders. It is important to be aware that stimulants can cause a small increase of blood pressure and pulse in some patients.
Psychotherapy can help families with ADHD and couples better communicate and understand one another. This could result in a decrease in tension and conflict within the home, specifically between spouses. CBT can help people with ADHD understand their condition, and help them identify and deal with negative slanted beliefs and thoughts.
Certain people with ADHD might also opt to use complementary health approaches like natural products and diet. These strategies haven't been proven scientifically to improve ADHD symptoms or impairments, but they may be useful in managing the disorder. Before you begin any new therapy, consult your therapist and doctor about these alternatives.
Counseling
It's never too late for adults suffering from ADHD to get treatment. Treatment can help you live a better life and be successful at school, work and in relationships. Medication is an important component of your ADHD treatment strategy, but it's recommended to get therapy. It can help you improve your ability to manage stress and combat the comorbidities of depression and anxiety.
Counseling can be a useful tool for people who suffer from ADHD as well as their families. It can aid them in understanding how ADHD affects them and learn how to spot the trouble areas that could lead to problems in their lives. It can also teach them how to cope with the challenges that come with having ADHD like being disorganized or forgetful. Counseling can also be beneficial for spouses of adults suffering from ADHD because they often feel they are overburdened by their partner's inattention and impulsiveness.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, like major depressive disorder and other substance use disorders. These comorbid conditions could hinder the effectiveness of ADHD medications and should be addressed prior to the start of treatment. However, identifying and treating these disorders can be challenging because many of the symptoms of these disorders are similar to those seen in ADHD.
The most popular treatment for ADHD is stimulant medications. It aids in improving attention and impulse control, but it has its limitations. Some adults experience unpleasant effects, like dry mouth and fatigue. In these instances, it may be necessary to switch to a non-stimulant or a different stimulant. Other effects of stimulants include visual hallucinations, mood instability and heart palpitations. Certain people aren't able to take stimulants due to medical conditions like asthma or severe cardiovascular disease, and should be referred to a doctor for an evaluation.
Adults with ADHD may also benefit from non-stimulants. Clonidine is an a2-adrenergic receptor agonist, has been found to be effective in reducing impulsivity and hyperactivity in adults with ADHD. This medication is sometimes used in combination with stimulants and may be especially effective in patients suffering from comorbid Tourette's syndrome and other tics (Robertson 2006; Wilens 2006).
When seeking treatment for ADHD It is crucial to inform your doctor about any other health conditions you may have. Certain medical conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure can interact with certain medications that are used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from family therapy. This kind of therapy can help them improve their work and home lives and improve communication with their families. It also helps them combat comorbid illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used in family therapy to change the way that a person thinks and behaves. It may also involve family therapy and marital counseling to improve communication. In some instances therapy, the therapist could recommend medication.
When treating adult ADHD, the best approach is to combine psychotherapy and medication. Therapy can aid in social interaction, organizational skills and problem-solving. Medication can treat symptoms such as inattention and an impulsive nature. In addition, medications can be used to treat coexisting disorders such as depression and anxiety.
The first step in treating for adults with ADHD is to recognize the signs. You can accomplish this by filling in a symptom list or behavioral assessment. A doctor can also look into the person's past, including their childhood behavior and schooling experiences.
The most common medication used to treat ADHD in adults is stimulants. These medications are usually highly effective, but they do come with adverse effects that must be monitored by a health care professional. There are evidence based treatment for adhd in adults that are not stimulant that are as effective as stimulants. They do not have the same negative side effects.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies are particularly effective for patients with co-occurring ADHD, depression and other mental health issues. It can be helpful for patients with comorbid conditions like addiction and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people modify their thoughts and actions, and improve their relationships.
Families need to understand the way ADHD affects their loved ones. This can help reduce the tension and blame between spouses. It also assists them to be aware of the negative effects of the disorder on their relationship. It can also help find new ways to support a loved one.
A therapist will go over with the family members the goals and objectives they've set. The therapist will also motivate the family to keep following the new habits they have developed throughout therapy.