ADHD Treatment in Adults
ADHD can create problems at work, at school and in relationships. It is essential to have a complete medical evaluation to rule out any conditions that may be similar to ADHD symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy which can help alleviate symptoms. It is focused on changing negative thought patterns to more positive ones.
Medication
Medications are the most common treatment for ADHD in adults. Usually stimulants are prescribed to ease symptoms and improve functioning. NIMH suggests that you speak with your physician to determine if medication is appropriate for you. Discuss with your doctor if you decide to take medication about the effects it may have on your life.
ADHD is often accompanied by anxiety and depression. These comorbid conditions can make it harder to respond to therapy alone. Adult ADHD is best treated by a combination of psychosocial therapy and medication (Rostain and colleagues. 2006).
Psychoeducation assists adults suffering from ADHD recognize their condition and its impact on their lives. It also helps them develop strategies for dealing with problems that might arise. This will help them build confidence in themselves which could have been negatively affected by constant negative feedback from family and friends. Psychoeducation can be achieved by group and individual cognitive therapy.
A complete medical history is vital because certain medical conditions may have similar symptoms as ADHD. These include seizures, developmental disorders (petit mal), sleep apnea, and a few substance abuse. A thorough analysis of the child's behavior and school experiences is also helpful.
In general, non-stimulant medications should be tried first for those suffering from multiple mental disorders. After the comorbid condition has improved, stimulant medication are a possibility (Wilens 2004b). If the person is in active substance abuse treatment the possibility of a trial with stimulants should only be considered when the patient is in stable substance abuse remission.
Stimulants have a large variation between individuals in responses to certain doses. Therefore, careful titration that includes precise registration of the patient's reaction and adverse effects is vital. untreated adhd in adults depression is also important to try different formulations of the same drug. For example, dextroamphetamine immediate-release has a very short half-life and requires multiple dosages twice or three times a day, whereas the extended-release mix amphetamine salts have a longer duration of action.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Most people with ADHD receive psychosocial treatment that includes a mix of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies can help people with ADHD how to improve their organizational abilities, manage their time, prioritize tasks and manage risky and impulsive behaviors. Adults can also benefit from support from a life or ADHD coach who can help them master a range of different skills to help them improve their daily functioning.
Many psychiatric disorders are able to mimic the symptoms of ADHD in both adults and children. These include mood disorders and anxiety issues, as along with language and learning issues, adjustment disorders, and some psychotic disorders. Before starting treatment for ADHD it is crucial to rule out the presence of these disorders.
About 75% of adults who suffer from ADHD have comorbidities which include anxiety and depression. Psychosocial treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy can be helpful for treating comorbid conditions, especially when combined with effective medications. These treatments can help people with ADHD manage their impulsive and irritable behavior and concentrate on the problematic areas of their lives.
Adult ADHD is best treated with the combination of pharmacotherapy psychosocial therapy and medication. A study by Rostain and co (2006) found that CBT combined with mixed salts of amphetamine reduced both the main symptoms of ADHD and the symptoms of anxiety and depression disorders. However, it is important to remember that stimulants can cause a small increase in blood pressure and pulse rate for some patients.
Psychotherapy can help families with ADHD and couples improve their communication and get to know one another. This could result in a decrease in tension and conflict in the home, specifically between spouses. CBT can also help adults with ADHD gain a better understanding of their condition, and learn to recognize and cope with negative thoughts and self-talk.
Some individuals with ADHD might also opt to take advantage of complementary health methods including natural remedies and diet. These strategies aren't scientifically proven to reduce ADHD symptoms or impairments however, they could be helpful in managing the disorder. Before starting any new therapy, speak with 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 succeed at work, school and in relationships. The use of medication is a crucial component of your ADHD treatment strategy, but it's a good idea to receive therapy. It can aid in managing stress and treat comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression.
Counseling is an effective tool for adults with ADHD and their families. It can aid them in understanding how ADHD affects them and learn how to spot the trouble areas that could lead to difficulties in their lives. It can also help them learn how to manage the difficulties that come with having ADHD like being unorganized or forgetful. Counseling can be beneficial for spouses of adults suffering from ADHD because they often feel that they are burdened by their partner's lack of attention and indecisiveness.
Adults suffering from ADHD are likely to have co-occurring disorders, like major depressive disorder as well as substance use disorders. These comorbid disorders could hinder the effectiveness of ADHD medication and should be treated prior to the start of treatment. It can be difficult to identify and treat these disorders since they have a lot of symptoms that are common to ADHD.
The most popular treatment for ADHD is stimulant medication. It can help improve concentration and control of impulses however, it does have limitations. Certain adults experience unpleasant side effects, like dry mouth and fatigue. In these instances switching to another stimulant or non-stimulant medication may be necessary. Other adverse effects of stimulants include mood lability visual hallucinations, as well as heart palpitations. Some people are not able to take stimulants due to medical conditions like asthma or severe cardiovascular disease and should be referred for an evaluation.
Adults with ADHD are also able to benefit from nonstimulants. Clonidine is an a2-adrenergic receptor agonist that has been shown to reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity in adults with ADHD. This medication is sometimes used in conjunction with stimulants and can be especially effective in patients with comorbid Tourette's syndrome and other disorders (Robertson 2006; Wilens 2006).
It is essential to disclose any other health issues you have to your doctor when seeking treatment for ADHD. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure could interact with certain drugs that are prescribed to treat ADHD.
Family therapy
Family therapy can be beneficial to adults suffering from ADHD. This type of therapy could help improve their work and home lives, and improve communication between them and their families. It can also aid in managing the symptoms of comorbid disorders like depression and anxiety. Family therapy could include the use of cognitive behavioral therapy that is designed to alter the person's thinking and behavior. It may also include marital counseling and family therapy to improve communication. In certain situations the therapist might also suggest medication.
When it comes to treating adult ADHD the best method is a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Talk therapy can help with organizational skills, social interaction, and problem-solving. Medication can treat symptoms like inattention and an impulsive nature. In addition, medication can be used to treat co-existing disorders such as anxiety and depression.
The first step in treating adult ADHD is to identify the signs. This is done by completing a symptom checklist or behavioral assessment. A doctor can also assess a person's past, including their childhood and schooling experiences.
The most common medication used to treat ADHD in adults is stimulants. These drugs are typically highly effective, but they can cause negative side effects that should be monitored by a medical professional. There are nonstimulant medications that are as effective as stimulants. They don't have any of the same side-effects.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies are particularly beneficial for those suffering from comorbid ADHD depression, ADHD and other mental health issues. It is also beneficial for those suffering from comorbid conditions, such as substance abuse and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy can assist people to change their thoughts and behaviors and assist them in improving their relationships.
It is essential for families to understand how ADHD affects the patient. This will reduce the conflict and blame-shifting between spouses. It helps them recognize the negative impact the disorder can have on their relationship. It can also assist them to discover more ways to help their loved one.
At the end of family therapy A therapist will review the goals and objectives that were set with the family. The therapist will encourage families to keep the new patterns they've established in therapy.