ADHD Treatment in Adults
ADHD can cause problems at work, at school and in relationships. It's essential to obtain an entire medical examination to rule out any other conditions that could be a cause of ADHD symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy which can help manage symptoms. It is focused on changing negative thought patterns to more positive ones.
Medication
The most common treatment of ADHD for adults is medication. Usually stimulants are prescribed to reduce symptoms and improve functioning. NIMH recommends talking with your health care provider to determine whether you should take a medication. Consult your doctor if you decide to take medication regarding the impact it may have on your life.
ADHD is often associated with depression and anxiety. These comorbid conditions can make it more difficult to respond to therapy alone. Adult ADHD is best treated with the combination of psychosocial therapy and medication (Rostain and others. 2006).
Psychoeducation assists adults suffering from ADHD recognize the condition and its impact on their lives. It also teaches strategies for dealing with any issues that might arise. This will help them build confidence in themselves which could have been negatively affected by constant negative feedback from friends and family. Cognitive behavioral therapies can be used to provide psychoeducation.
A complete medical history is vital due to the fact that certain medical conditions can have similar symptoms to ADHD. This includes developmental disorders, seizures (petit mal), sleep disorders, and addiction to drugs. It is also beneficial to review the person's school and childhood experiences.
Generally, nonstimulant medication 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 person who is in active treatment for substance abuse is in stable remission, stimulant medications should be considered.
Stimulants can cause a significant inter-individual variability in terms of response to particular doses. Therefore, careful titration that includes precise registration of the patient's response as well as side effects is crucial. It is also important to try different formulations of the same medication. For instance, dextroamphetamine immediately-release has a very short half-life and requires multiple dosages at least three times per day, whereas amphetamine salts with extended-release have a longer duration of action.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
The majority of people with ADHD are treated psychosocially, which is a combination of medication along with cognitive behavioral therapy. These treatments can help adults with ADHD develop strategies to improve their organization skills, manage time and prioritize tasks and manage impulsive and risky behaviors. Many adults also benefit from support from a life or ADHD coach who can teach a variety different techniques to improve their everyday functioning.
Many psychiatric disorders mimic the symptoms of ADHD in both children and adults. These include mood disorders, anxiety disorders adjustment disorders, learning and language difficulties, and some psychotic conditions. It is essential to rule out these conditions prior to starting treatment for ADHD.
Around 75% of people with ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example is a great option for treating comorbid disorders. These treatments can help adults with ADHD manage their impulsive and irritable behavior and focus on problematic areas of their lives.
A combination of pharmacotherapy and psychosocial treatment is the most effective method for adults suffering from ADHD. A study by Rostain et al (2006) discovered that CBT when combined with mixed salts of amphetamine helped improve both the primary symptoms of ADHD and symptoms of comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. However, it is important to remember that stimulants can cause a slight increase in blood pressure and pulse rate for some patients.
Psychotherapy can also assist couples and families suffering from ADHD improve their ability to communicate and understand each other. This can lessen tension and conflicts at home, particularly between spouses. CBT can help adults with ADHD understand their condition, and learn how to recognize and manage negative beliefs and thoughts.
Some people with ADHD also choose to use alternatives to traditional health treatments like diet and natural products. These strategies haven't been scientifically proven to reduce ADHD symptoms or impairments, but they may be useful in managing the disorder. Before starting any new therapy, consult your doctor and therapist about these alternatives.
Counseling
It's never too late for people with ADHD to get treatment. Treatment can aid you in living a healthier life and achieve success at school, work and in relationships. Treatment is a vital part of your ADHD treatment plan, but it's also an excellent idea to seek therapy. It can improve your ability to manage stress and deal with comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression.
Counseling can be a useful tool for adults suffering from ADHD and their families. It can assist them to comprehend how ADHD affects their lives and how to identify issues that could occur. It can also teach them how to cope with the difficulties that come with having ADHD like being disorganized or forgetful. Counseling can also be beneficial for the spouses of adults who have ADHD. They are often overwhelmed by their spouse's impulsiveness as well as inattention.
Adults with ADHD may also suffer from comorbid disorders such as major depression disorder and addiction disorders. These comorbid disorders can affect the effectiveness of ADHD medication. They must be treated before beginning medication. However, 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 commonly used treatment for ADHD is stimulant medication. It can improve the ability to control impulses and attention but it is not without its limitations. Certain adults experience uncomfortable side effects such as dry mouth, sedation, and drowsiness. In these cases switching to a different stimulant or nonstimulant medication could be required. Other side effects of stimulants include visual hallucinations, mood instability and heart palpitations. Some people are unable to tolerate stimulants because of medical conditions such as severe asthma or cardiovascular disease. They should be assessed.
Nonstimulants are also effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Clonidine is an a2-adrenergic agonist that has been proven to reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity in people suffering from ADHD. This medication is often utilized in conjunction with stimulants and can be especially effective in patients with comorbid Tourette's syndrome and other tics (Robertson 2006; Wilens 2006).
When seeking treatment for ADHD it is essential to inform your doctor about any other health conditions you may have. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, may interact with certain medications that are used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from family therapy. This type of therapy can aid in improving their lives at home and at work and improve communication between them and their families. It can also help manage comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy is commonly used in family therapy to alter the way that a person thinks and behaves. It may also include family therapy and counseling for marriage to improve communication. In some instances, a therapist will also recommend medication.
The best way to treat adult ADHD is with 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 like inattention and an impulsive nature. In addition, medications can be used to treat disorders that are comorbid, like depression and anxiety.
The first step in treating for adults suffering from ADHD is to identify the symptoms. This can be done by filling out the symptom checklist or conducting a behavioral assessment. A doctor can also evaluate a person's history and behavior during childhood, which includes their behaviour and schooling experiences.
The most common medication used to treat ADHD in adults is stimulants. adhd treatment for young adults are usually highly efficient, however they can cause adverse effects that must be monitored by a health care professional. There are medications that are not stimulant that can be as effective as stimulants. They do not have the same negative side effects.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be particularly beneficial for patients suffering from co-occurring ADHD, depression and other mental health issues. It is also beneficial for those suffering from comorbid conditions like substance abuse and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people modify their behavior and thoughts, and improve their relationships.
Families must be aware of the way ADHD affects their loved ones. This will reduce conflict and blaming between spouses. It also helps them recognize 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 the goals and objectives that they have set. The therapist will also encourage the family to continue the new habits they have cultivated throughout therapy.