ADHD Treatment in Adults
ADHD can cause problems at school, at work as well as in relationships. It's crucial to obtain an extensive medical examination and to rule out conditions that can mimic ADHD symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps to manage symptoms. It concentrates on changing negative thinking patterns to more positive ones.
Medication
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD in adults is medication. They are typically prescribed as stimulants, which have been shown to be effective in decreasing symptoms and enhancing functioning. NIMH suggests that you consult with your doctor to determine if medication is right for you. Consult your doctor when you decide to take medication to discuss the effects it might have on your life.
People who have ADHD often have comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety. These comorbidities can make it more difficult to receive therapy on its own. A combination of psychosocial treatment and medication is the most effective approach for treating adults with ADHD (Rostain et al 2006).
Psychoeducation assists adults suffering from ADHD recognize their condition and its effects on their lives. It also teaches them strategies to handle any problems that could arise. This will help them boost their self-esteem, which could have been negatively impacted by the constant negative feedback received from family and friends. Individual and group cognitive behavioral therapies can be used to provide psychoeducation.
A thorough medical history is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions may have similar symptoms as ADHD. This includes developmental disorders, seizures (petit mal) sleep disorders, and drug abuse. A thorough analysis of the person's childhood behavior and schooling experiences can be beneficial.
In general, non-stimulant medications should be tried first for patients with comorbid mental disorders. When the comorbidity has improved, stimulant medication may be considered (Wilens 2004, b). If the patient is in active substance abuse treatment the possibility of a trial with stimulants is only recommended only if the individual is in stable substance abuse remission.
Stimulants vary greatly in their responses to different doses. It is important to carefully adjust the dosage and note the patient's reaction as well as adverse effects. It is also important to test different dosages of the same medication. Dextroamphetamine instant release, for instance has a short-term half-life and requires multiple doses of the drug twice or three times daily. The extended-release mix of amphetamines salts however are more long-lasting.
Cognitive therapy for behavioral problems
Most people with ADHD receive psychosocial treatment, which consists of a combination of medication and cognitive therapy. These treatments can help adults with ADHD learn 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 different techniques to help them improve their daily functioning.
Adults and children alike can be affected by many psychiatric conditions that mimic the symptoms associated with ADHD. These include mood disorders, anxiety disorders adjustment disorders, learning and language difficulties as well as some psychotic conditions. Before beginning treatment for ADHD, it is important to rule out the presence of these disorders.
Approximately 75% of adults with ADHD have comorbid conditions such as 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 adults who have ADHD control their behaviors that are impulsive and focus on the problem areas of their lives.
Adult ADHD is best treated by the combination of pharmacotherapy psychosocial therapy, and medication. Rostain et. al (2006) found CBT when combined with mixed salts amphetamine to improve the symptoms of ADHD as well as symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. It is important to be aware that stimulants can cause a slight increase in pulse and blood pressure in some patients.
Psychotherapy can help families with ADHD and couples better communicate and be able to understand each other. This can lessen tension and conflicts at home, especially between spouses. CBT can also help people with ADHD gain a better awareness of their condition and be able to recognize and deal with negative thoughts and beliefs about themselves.
Some people with ADHD are also inclined to utilize alternatives to traditional health treatments like diet and natural remedies. These strategies aren't scientifically proven to improve ADHD impairments or symptoms however, they could help in managing the disorder. Before beginning any new therapy, speak with your doctor and therapist about these alternatives.
Counseling
If you're an adult who has ADHD It's never too to find treatment. Effective treatment can make your life easier and help you achieve success in work, school and in your relationships. The use of medication is a crucial 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 cope with comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety.
Counseling is a valuable tool for adults suffering from ADHD and their families. It can help them understand how ADHD affects them, and also learn how to spot trouble spots that can lead to problems in their lives. It can also teach them how to deal with the challenges associated with ADHD, like being disorganized or forgotten. Counseling is also helpful for spouses of adults with ADHD. They often feel overwhelmed by their spouse's impulsiveness and inattention.
Adults with ADHD may have comorbid disorders such as major depression disorder and substance abuse disorders. These comorbid disorders could hinder the effectiveness of ADHD medications and should be addressed prior to beginning treatment. However the process of identifying and treating these disorders can be a challenge because many of the symptoms of these disorders are similar to symptoms of ADHD.
Stimulant medication is the most common form of ADHD treatment. dig this aids in improving concentration and control of impulses, but it has limitations. Some adults experience unpleasant side effects like dry mouth, sedation and sleepiness. In these instances, switching to an alternative stimulant or a nonstimulant medication could be required. Other adverse effects of stimulants include mood lability visual hallucinations, and heart palpitations. Some people are not able to tolerate stimulants due to medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease or severe asthma, and should be referred for evaluation.
Adults suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from non-stimulants. Clonidine is an a2-adrenergic antagonist, has been proven to be helpful in reducing impulsivity and hyperactivity in adults suffering from ADHD. This medication is sometimes used in conjunction with stimulants. It can be particularly effective in those with comorbid Tourette's disorder and other symptoms (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. Some health issues, like high blood pressure and diabetes can interfere with certain medications used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
Family therapy can be beneficial to adults suffering from ADHD. 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 other disorders that are comorbid, such as depression and anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy is commonly used in family therapy to alter the way a person thinks and behaves. It can also include family therapy and counseling for marriage to improve communication. In some instances, the therapist may also suggest medication.
When treating adult ADHD, the best approach is to combine psychotherapy and medication. The use of medication can ease symptoms like impulsivity and inattention and talk therapy can help with problem-solving, organizational skills and social interaction. In addition, medication can be used to treat disorders that are comorbid, like anxiety and depression.
The first step in treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is to recognize the symptoms. You can do this by filling out an symptom list or a the behavioral assessment. A doctor can also look into a person's history, including their childhood behavior and schooling experiences.
The most frequently used medication to treat ADHD in adults is stimulants. They are extremely efficient, but they can also cause side effects that need to be monitored. There are medications that are not stimulant that can be as effective as stimulants. They don't cause any of the same negative side effects.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be particularly effective for patients with co-occurring ADHD depression, ADHD, and other mental health issues. It can also be beneficial for patients with comorbid disorders, such as depression and addiction to substances. Cognitive behavioral therapy can assist people to change their behavior and thinking patterns and assist them in improving their relationships.
Families should understand the way ADHD affects their loved ones. This can reduce the tension and blame between spouses. It also helps them to be aware of the negative effects of the disorder on their relationship. It also helps them find more ways to support the person they love dearly.
At the conclusion of therapy with the family, a therapist will review the goals and objectives that were established with the family. The therapist will also urge the family to continue the new patterns they have developed over the course of therapy.