ADHD Treatment For Adults - Stimulant Medication
Adult ADHD is treated with stimulant medications like methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine. These drugs increase and balance brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Nonstimulant medications such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can be prescribed when stimulants are not appropriate for the patient due to other health issues or adverse effects. These medications are slower than stimulants and reduce the impulsivity and inattention.
Stimulants
Stimulants raise the levels of brain neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. They improve concentration and decrease impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. These medications are used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. Several different brands of stimulant medications are available, and each has its own benefits and negative side consequences. Long-acting medicines are ideal for most people because they build up in the system over time. This helps reduce the "ups-and-downs" that are caused by fluctuating levels of medication, which may worsen symptoms as the medication is used up. The FDA has approved a variety of ADHD medications, including methylphenidates (including Ritalin and Concerta) and amphetamines.
Non-stimulants
There are also non-stimulant medications that can be used to treat adult adhd, though they might take longer to begin working. These drugs are also known as alpha-2 adrenergic, or norepinephrine inhibitors. They are typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure, however they have been used for a long time "off-label" to treat ADHD among children and adults. They are less likely than stimulants to cause addiction or have serious adverse effects since they do not affect the epinephrine receptor. The effects of these medications last for up to 24 hours and can be taken regularly to decrease the impulsivity.
Some patients with ADHD are not able to tolerate stimulants because of their side effects. In these instances, doctors sometimes prescribe antidepressants to be taken in conjunction with stimulants to help reduce side effects. These medications include tricyclic antidepressants, as well as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like imipramine, Tofranil and nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor). Antidepressants typically have more complex side effects than stimulants and are usually used only when other medications aren't effective.
Exercise and diet may also aid in treating ADHD. Everyone should eat a balanced diet, but those with ADHD are in particular need of it. evidence based treatment for adhd in adults helps improve concentration, reduce impulsive behavior and reduce cravings for food. Before making any changes to a diet or removing certain foods, people suffering from ADHD should consult their doctor.
Counseling
Therapy, also known as psychotherapy can be beneficial to people with ADHD. This type of therapy can help them learn how to deal with their problems and also teach them skills to improve their lives. CBT is a kind of therapy that adults with ADHD have shown to be effective. CBT is designed to alter negative thinking patterns and replace them with more positive ones. Family and marital therapy can also be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD.
Self-help strategies, like improving sleep routines and limiting caffeine intake, can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. People with ADHD should consult their primary care physician regarding a referral to an ADHD specialist. A psychiatrist or therapist with experience in treating adults with ADHD can assist patients in finding an approach to treatment that work for them. They can provide assistance and advice on how to manage ADHD at school, work or home. They can also help parents or spouses understand how to better communicate with their child or partner with ADHD and how to deal with the challenges of living with ADHD.