ADHD Treatment in Adults
ADHD can cause problems at work, in school, and with relationships. It's essential to obtain a complete medical evaluation to rule out any conditions that could be a cause of ADHD symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of psychotherapy which can help manage symptoms. It focuses on changing negative thought patterns to more positive ones.
Medication
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD for adults is medication. They are usually prescribed as stimulants that have been proven to be effective in decreasing symptoms and enhancing functioning. NIMH recommends that you speak with your physician to determine if the medication is suitable for you. If you decide to use medication, make sure to consult your physician about how it affects your life and the side effects that may occur.
People who have ADHD typically have comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety. These comorbid disorders can make it more difficult to be able to respond to therapy on its own. Adult ADHD is best treated with the combination of psychosocial therapy and medication (Rostain and colleagues. 2006).
Psychoeducation helps adults with ADHD understand the condition and its effects in their lives. It also helps them develop strategies to handle any issues that may arise. This can help boost confidence in themselves, which could have been negatively impacted by constant negative feedback from family and friends. Individual and group cognitive behavioral therapies can be utilized to offer psychoeducation.
A complete medical history is vital, as certain medical conditions may have similar symptoms to ADHD. This includes seizures, developmental disorders (petit mal), sleep disorders, and addiction to drugs. It is also helpful to review the person's educational and childhood experiences.
In general, nonstimulant medication should be tried first for those suffering from comorbid mental disorders. When the comorbidity is improved, stimulant medications are a possibility (Wilens 2004b). If the person in active treatment for substance abuse is in stable remission stimulant medication should only be considered.
Stimulants exhibit a wide inter-individual variability in terms of response to particular doses. It is important to carefully titrate the dose and accurately document the patient's reaction and adverse reactions. It is also essential to test different dosages of the same medication. For example, dextroamphetamine immediate-release has a shorter half-life, and requires multiple doses twice or three times a day, while amphetamine salts that are extended-release are long-lasting in their action.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Most people with ADHD receive psychosocial treatment, that includes a mix of medication and cognitive therapy. These therapies can help people with ADHD learn strategies to improve their organization skills, manage time and prioritize tasks, and control the risky and impulsive behaviors. Some adults may also benefit from obtaining support from a life coach or ADHD coach, who can teach them various techniques to improve daily functioning.
Children and adults alike are affected by a variety of psychiatric disorders that mimic the symptoms with ADHD. These include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, language and learning issues and a few psychotic disorders. It is important to rule out these disorders prior to starting treatment for ADHD.
About 75% of adults who suffer from ADHD have comorbidities, including depression and anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example is a great option for treating the comorbidity of disorders. These treatments can help people suffering from ADHD manage their impulsive and irritable behavior and focus on problem areas of their lives.
Adult ADHD is best treated by a combination of pharmacotherapy, psychosocial therapy and medication. A study conducted by Rostain et al (2006) discovered that CBT in conjunction with mixed salts of amphetamine helped improve both the core symptoms of ADHD and the symptoms of comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. However it is important to note that stimulants can cause a minor increase in blood pressure and pulse rate for some patients.
Psychotherapy can also help couples and families suffering from ADHD learn how to better communicate and understand each other. This could lead to a decrease in conflict and tension in the home, specifically between spouses. CBT can help adults with ADHD understand their condition, and learn how to recognize and cope negatively slanted beliefs and thoughts.
Some individuals with ADHD may also decide to use complementary health approaches, such as natural products and diet. These approaches have not been proven scientifically to improve ADHD symptoms or impairments, however they can be helpful in managing the disorder. Before starting any new therapy, speak with your doctor and therapist about these options.
Counseling
It's never too late for adults suffering from ADHD to seek treatment. Treatment can help you live a better life and achieve success at work, school and in relationships. The use of medication is a crucial element of your ADHD treatment plan, 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 a valuable tool for adults with ADHD, as well as their families. It can help them comprehend how ADHD affects their lives and how to identify issues that could arise. It can also teach them how to manage the challenges associated with ADHD, like being disorganized or unable to remember things. Counseling can be beneficial for spouses of adults suffering from ADHD, as they often feel overwhelmed by their partner's inattention and impulsiveness.
Adults with ADHD are likely to have co-occurring disorders, like major depressive disorder and other substance use disorders. These disorders can affect the effectiveness of ADHD medication. They must be treated before beginning treatment. However the process of identifying and treating these disorders can be a challenge because many of the symptoms of these conditions are similar to symptoms of ADHD.
The most common treatment for ADHD is stimulant medication. It can improve attention and impulse controls but it is not without its limitations. Some adults experience unpleasant side effects like dry mouth, sedation and the feeling of drowsiness. In these cases, it may be necessary to switch to a non-stimulant or an alternative stimulant. Other stimulant side effects include mood instability, visual hallucinations and heart palpitations. Some people are unable to tolerate stimulants due to medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease or severe asthma, and should be referred to a doctor for an evaluation.
Nonstimulants are also effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Clonidine is an a2-adrenergic agonist which has been shown to reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity in adults suffering from ADHD. This medication is sometimes used in combination with stimulants and may be particularly effective for those with comorbid Tourette's disorder and other disorders (Robertson 2006; Wilens 2006).
When seeking treatment for ADHD it is essential to inform your doctor about any other health conditions you might have. Certain health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure can interact with certain medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from family therapy. This type of therapy can help improve their work and home lives, and improve communication between them and their families. It also helps them combat comorbid illnesses such as anxiety and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy is typically employed in family therapy to change the way people think and behaves. It may also involve marital counseling and family therapy to improve communication. In certain situations, a therapist will also suggest medication.
When treating adult ADHD the most effective approach is to combine psychotherapy and medication. The use of medication can ease symptoms like impulsivity and inattention and talk therapy can help with organizational skills, problem-solving and social interaction. In addition, medications can be used to treat coexisting disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety and depression.
The first step to treat for adults with ADHD is to identify the signs. treatment for inattentive adhd in adults can accomplish this by filling in a symptom list or the behavioral assessment. A doctor may also evaluate the person's past, which includes their school and childhood experiences.
Stimulants are among the most popular medications used to treat adults with ADHD. These drugs are typically highly efficient, however they can cause side effects that need to be closely monitored by a health professional. There are nonstimulant medicines that are as effective as stimulants. They don't cause any of the same side-effects.
For those suffering from co-occurring ADHD and other mental health issues Cognitive-behavioral therapy may be particularly efficient. It can be beneficial for patients suffering from comorbid conditions like addiction to drugs and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people change their thinking and behavior and improve their relationships.
It's important for families to know how ADHD affects the patient. This will help reduce conflict 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 help find new ways to support the loved ones.
At the conclusion of therapy for families, a therapist will review the goals and objectives that were set by the family. The therapist will assist families to keep the new patterns they have created during therapy.