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Treatment of ADHD in Adults

Adults who suffer from adhd are treated by therapy, medication and support from the family. Clinical trials are being conducted to test new treatments for ADHD.

Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to benefit from stimulant medications. However, they must be constantly monitored. This includes regular clinical appointments as well as frequent reviews of symptoms and side effects.

Medicines

A variety of medications can be utilized to alleviate symptoms of ADHD among adults. These are referred to as psychostimulants. They function by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain that transmit messages between nerve cell. Your doctor will determine the right medication for you and will decide on the most appropriate dosage and timetable. It could take a while to determine the proper dosage and medication to control your symptoms.

Stimulants are usually the first prescribed medication by doctors for adults with ADHD. They increase the amount of dopamine that is present in your brain and norepinephrine which helps you to control your thoughts and focus. They are available in short-, intermediate- and long-acting forms. Short-acting stimulants last around 6 hours, intermediate-acting drugs last between 8 and 10 hours, while long-acting medications last for up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely to cause adverse reactions than shorter- or intermediate-acting medications. However, they can still cause sleepiness and change in appetite.

Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) are used to treat adult ADHD when stimulants don't work or cause unwanted adverse effects. These medications don't alter your norepinephrine or dopamine levels however they do increase the amount of norepinephrine that's available to your brain and improve your ability to concentrate. These capsules are taken once or twice daily.

Some people with ADHD have co-occurring disorders, such as depression or anxiety. These conditions are referred to as comorbidities and may influence how you respond to ADHD treatment. Before beginning treatment for ADHD it is important to address any comorbid issues. People with a history substance abuse disorders are more likely to abuse psychostimulants. This is why it is generally recommended to wait until the person has stopped using substances before considering treatment with stimulants to treat ADHD.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is an interactive process of discussing and talking about issues that may be disturbing or troubling to someone. The therapist listens and provides advice based on his or her training, education, experience, professional credentials and therapeutic theories. Psychotherapy may be short-term (a couple of weeks or months), addressing more immediate issues, or more long-term. The duration and frequency of therapy is decided by the therapist and the patient together.

Psychotherapy and medication are an extremely effective way to treat adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy can assist people improve their time management, organizational skills, and prioritizing. It can also teach strategies to manage emotions such as anger and frustration. Treatment can ease symptoms, increase focus and lead to better work and academic performance.

Adults with ADHD are more likely of co-existing illnesses. This is particularly true for mood disorders like depression and anxiety. It is essential that any co-existing condition be treated prior to starting treatment for ADHD. Treatment of co-existing disorders could require different forms and dosages of medication than those used to treat ADHD.

A person suffering from ADHD can also have hypertension. To pick a medication that can treat the ADHD symptoms without causing instability to the patient's hypertension, it is important to know how to treat depression and adhd different medications affect people in the course of time, as well as the interactions between medications.

It's important to find a therapist with whom you have good relations, and who has experience treating adults with ADHD. It is important to schedule your initial sessions at times when you won't be distracted by family or work obligations.

Counseling

Adults with ADHD often have many problems in their lives, such as relationships and work issues. People with ADHD can also experience anger, frustration and guilt that has developed over time. Several psychosocial treatments have been proven to aid them and their families develop new attitudes, skills and ways of connecting.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps people alter their behavior and thinking. It includes goal-setting, skills training and practice, as well as methods of teaching to increase self-esteem and organizational skills. It may be done in individual or group sessions. Metacognitive therapy has been proven to significantly reduce symptoms in adults with ADHD and improve their functioning (Stevenson and colleagues., 2002).

Some people with ADHD may also require counseling to help them overcome certain life challenges. This could include family conflict, impulsive and aggressive behaviors, or difficulty managing failures and disappointments. Counseling can help develop skills to help manage these situations and improve communication and problem-solving skills. It can also help improve interpersonal relationships, particularly in marriages and other long-term relationships.

Other forms of psychotherapy for ADHD are family therapy and supportive group therapy. These can help families deal with the stress of having a child suffering from ADHD, as well as teach skills to improve communication and reduce conflicts. It can aid parents understand the condition and develop parenting methods that encourage positive results in their children.

Adults with ADHD should discuss their medications regularly with their doctors and also disclose any other medications, including over the drug products. Certain medications can cause side effects or interact with other medications.

Medication Monitoring

After a thorough evaluation and diagnosis, it is essential to monitor the patient's progress to ensure that he/she receives the benefits of the medication and does not experience side negative effects. It is recommended that a patient be examined for initial clinical monitoring within 30 days of initiating treatment and monthly afterward. This permits a thorough adjustment of psychostimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidate to a well-tolerated and effective dose. This allows for accurate registration of the patient's response. It also assists in avoiding the patient from being kept taking insufficient doses (slow metabolizers) or forcing those who require higher doses to unnecessarily high levels (rapid metabolizers).

Adults who aren't responding well to stimulant medication or who have side effects that are intolerable might benefit from non-stimulant drugs. This usually involves the use atomoxetine or other methylphenidate-related alternatives.

Adults with ADHD are usually affected by comorbid conditions, like depression or drug abuse. Additionally, they may suffer from chronic sleep disorders or medical issues such as vision and hearing disorders. It is essential to identify and analyze these conditions in the initial assessment for ADHD because they could have a significant effects on functional impairment in adults.

Marital therapy is also useful in the treatment of ADHD. Couples complain of being overwhelmed by the caretaking responsibilities of their spouses with ADHD and can become angry or resentful in response. Increasing the patient's awareness of the signs of their condition and helping them realize that these aren't willful actions or a lack of love can help reduce marital conflict and resentment. Couples who go through this kind of therapy typically experience better family functioning.

Behavioral Therapy

For adults with ADHD Psychotherapy is generally recommended and should incorporate an element of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy helps patients improve their focus, organization skills, and control impulsive behaviors. It helps patients manage their work, home, and social situations more effectively. Psychotherapy helps patients understand how their disorder impacts different aspects of their lives and relationships. This helps reduce the stigma and feelings of shame that are often felt by people suffering from ADHD. They might be viewed by others as being lazy or less intelligent.

Many psychiatric disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms. For instance anxiety disorders are found at a higher rate in adult ADHD patients and depression is observed at higher levels in those suffering from the disorder. If needed the presence of any other psychiatric disorders must be assessed to determine if ADHD symptoms are caused by them.

Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with an amalgamation of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been proven that when a combination of medications and psychotherapy is employed the results are superior than the results of either treatment alone. Future controlled medication studies should aim to measure and track functional improvements such as improved functioning at school, workplace and interpersonal relationships.