ADHD Treatment in Adults
ADHD can cause issues at work, school and in relationships. It's crucial to obtain an accurate medical assessment and to rule out other conditions that can mimic ADHD symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy which can help manage symptoms. It focuses on changing the negative thinking patterns to more positive ones.
Medication
Medications are the most common treatment for ADHD in adults. Usually stimulants are prescribed to reduce symptoms and improve performance. NIMH recommends talking with your healthcare provider to determine if you should consider taking medication. If you decide to try medication, make sure you discuss with your doctor how it impacts your life and the side effects that may occur.
ADHD is often associated with depression and anxiety. These comorbidities can make it more difficult to respond to therapy. A combination of psychosocial therapy and medication is the most effective approach to treat adult ADHD (Rostain and co., 2006).
Psychoeducation assists adults with ADHD learn about the effects of ADHD in their lives. It also teaches them strategies to handle any problems that might arise. This helps improve their self-esteem, which could be negatively affected by constant negative feedback from family and friends. Cognitive behavioral therapies can be used to provide psychoeducation.
A thorough medical history is essential because certain medical conditions can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include seizures, developmental disorders (petit mal), sleep apnea, and some drug abuses. A detailed review of the child's behavior and school experiences is helpful.
Generally, nonstimulant medications should be first considered in those with comorbid psychiatric disorders. If improvement is observed in the comorbid disorder consideration can be given to trying stimulant medication (Wilens 2004b). If the patient is currently in active substance abuse treatment the possibility of a trial with stimulants should only be considered if the person is in stable substance abuse remission.
Stimulants can cause a significant individual variation in responses to certain doses. It is essential to carefully titrate the dose and accurately document the patient's reaction and adverse reactions. It is important to try different formulations of the medication. Dextroamphetamine instant-release, for example has a brief half-life, and requires multiple doses twice or even three times a day. The extended-release mix amphetamines salts, on the other hand are more long-lasting.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Most people with ADHD are treated psychosocially which consists of medication along with cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies can help people with ADHD how to improve their organizational abilities and manage their time, prioritize tasks, and control reckless and impulsive behaviors. 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 their daily functioning.
Many psychiatric disorders can mimic the symptoms of ADHD in both children and adults. These include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, language and learning issues, and some psychotic conditions. Before beginning treatment for ADHD it is essential to rule out the presence of these disorders.
Around 75% of adults with ADHD also suffer from depression or anxiety. Psychosocial treatments such as cognitive therapy for behavior can be beneficial to treat comorbid illnesses in particular when paired with effective medications. These treatments can help adults who have ADHD manage their impulsive behavior and focus on the troublesome areas of their lives.
Adult ADHD is best treated using the combination of pharmacotherapy psychosocial therapy and medication. A study by Rostain and colleagues (2006) discovered that CBT combined with mixed salts of amphetamine reduced 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 small increase in blood pressure and pulse rate in some patients.
Psychotherapy can also assist couples and families with ADHD learn how to better communicate and get to know each other better. This can lessen tension and conflicts at home, especially between spouses. CBT can also assist adults with ADHD gain a greater understanding of their condition, and learn to recognize and deal with negative thoughts and beliefs about themselves.
Some people suffering from ADHD are also inclined to utilize complementary health methods, such as diet and natural remedies. These approaches are not scientifically proven to improve ADHD impairments or symptoms however, they could help in managing the disorder. Before starting any new therapy, talk to your therapist and doctor about these options.
Counseling
It's never too late for people with ADHD to get treatment. Effective treatment can make your life easier and assist you in achieving success at work, school, and relationships. Medication is an important component of your ADHD treatment plan, but it's a good idea to receive therapy. It will help you to manage stress and combat disorders that are comorbid, such as depression and anxiety.
Counseling can be a useful instrument for adults with ADHD and their families. It can help them understand how ADHD affects their lives, and how to identify issues that could be arising. It can teach them how they can cope with the challenges associated with ADHD such as being unorganized or forgotten. doctors who treat adhd in adults can be beneficial for spouses of people with ADHD since they frequently feel overwhelmed by their partner's inattention and the impulsiveness.
Adults suffering from ADHD might have comorbid conditions like major depression and addiction disorders. These comorbid disorders could affect the effectiveness of ADHD medication. They must be treated prior to starting treatment. However it can be difficult to identify and treat these disorders can be a challenge because many of the symptoms of these disorders are similar to those of ADHD.
Stimulant medications are the most popular method of ADHD treatment. It helps to improve the ability to control impulses and attention, but it has its limitations. Certain adults experience uncomfortable adverse effects, such as dry mouth, sedation and sleepiness. In these cases it could be necessary to switch to a less stimulant or a different stimulant. Other effects of stimulants include mood lability visual hallucinations, as well as heart palpitations. Some people are not able to take stimulants due to medical issues such as severe asthma or cardiovascular disease. It is important to evaluate the effects of stimulants.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from non-stimulants. Clonidine is an a2-adrenergic agonist which has been proven to reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity in adults with ADHD. This medication is sometimes used in conjunction with stimulants. It can be especially effective in those with comorbid Tourette's disorder and other tics (Robertson 2006; Wilens 2006).
It is important to mention any other health issues you are suffering from to your doctor when seeking treatment for ADHD. Certain health issues, like diabetes and high blood pressure, may interact with certain medications that are used to treat ADHD.
Family therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from family therapy. This type of treatment can aid them in improving their work and home lives and improve communication with their families. It can also aid in managing comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. Family therapy could include the use of cognitive behavioral therapy that is designed to alter a person's thoughts and behaviors. It can also include family therapy and marriage counseling in order to improve communication. In some instances, a therapist will also suggest medication.
When it comes to treating adult ADHD, the best approach is a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Talk therapy can aid in 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 co-existing disorders like anxiety and depression.
The first step in treating for adult ADHD is to determine the symptoms. You can complete this by filling out an symptom list or a an assessment of your behavior. A doctor may also assess the person's past, including their childhood behavior and schooling experiences.
Stimulants are the most commonly used drugs used to treat adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs are typically highly effective, but they do come with side effects that need to be closely monitored by a health professional. There are medications that are not stimulant that can be as effective as stimulants. They do not have any of the same side-effects.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies can be especially beneficial for patients suffering from co-occurring ADHD depression, ADHD, and other mental health issues. It can be helpful for patients with comorbid conditions, such as depression and substance abuse. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people alter their thoughts and actions, and improve their relationships.
It is essential for families to be aware of how ADHD affects the patient. This can reduce the conflict and blame-shifting between spouses. It also helps them understand the negative impact of the disorder on their relationship. It can also assist in finding new ways to help the loved ones.
A therapist will go over with the family members the goals and objectives they have set. The therapist will also urge the family to continue the new patterns that they have cultivated during therapy.