Five Treating ADHD In Adults Lessons Learned From Professionals
Treating ADHD With Medications
Many people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues, like depression or anxiety. These issues can affect the effectiveness of ADHD medications and vice versa.
To assess a person's symptoms health professionals employ standard ADHD rating scales and psychometric tests. They may recommend physical or lab tests to rule out medical problems that can cause symptoms like those of ADHD.
Medicines
The mainstay of ADHD treatment is medication. It helps people focus, decrease impulse-driven behaviors, and eliminate distractions. They improve working, school and family life. They also help people get to sleep better, which means they feel more refreshed in the morning and are less likely to make poor decisions throughout the day. They are usually used in conjunction with or in conjunction with other treatments such as therapies or changes to diet or lifestyle.
Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD help by increasing and balancing certain chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters. The two stimulants that are most commonly employed for adults with ADHD are methylphenidate and amphetamine (brand names include Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall XR and Focalin XR). Adults with ADHD can also be treated with antidepressants such as bupropion and atomoxetine, a nonstimulant. Many adults test a variety of dosages and types of medication to determine what is most effective for them.
If a person begins taking ADHD medication, the drug affects everyone differently and it can take a while to determine the best combination of medication for them. A doctor or nurse may prescribe a lower dose and then observe the patient's response before prescribing a higher dose. They may alter the dosage to avoid adverse effects like drowsiness or stomach upset. They may also suggest a change in the diet and vitamin intake to boost the medication's effectiveness.
The need for ADHD medication can change over time. This is particularly the case if a patient is experiencing significant life changes. If a person is having trouble at school or at work it is best to talk to their doctor. Co-workers and supervisors are often accommodating and will make small adjustments for people who suffers from ADHD to do their job. Being on a regular sleeping schedule can dramatically increase the symptoms of ADHD.
Therapists can help people learn new techniques to manage their issues and overcome the challenges they are having at work, home or in their relationships. This kind of treatment could be carried out in one-on-one sessions or in group therapy. The therapy is focused on changing negative behavior and replacing them with positive ones. Counseling can also help family members understand how to support someone who has ADHD.
Counseling
Behavioral therapy and other psychosocial treatments may improve the symptoms of ADHD. Often, medication is combined with these methods of treatment to improve outcomes. Adult ADHD medications include stimulants and nonstimulants. The drugs can help you concentrate more effectively, feel more calm and be less impulsive. They can also assist them to practice and learn new skills. Many people with ADHD respond well to these medications and the benefits can last for an extended period of time. The drugs aren't addictive and don't lead to dependence. Patients with a history of substance abuse disorders should be screened thoroughly prior to taking these medications.
Many adults suffering from ADHD struggle to concentrate at work or in school. This can have a negative impact on their careers and relationships. Counseling can teach them ways to improve their ability to concentrate, listen and follow directions at school or at work. This can improve their performance and build confidence in themselves. Some therapy specialists specialize in working with people who suffer from ADHD.
Individually, in a group or with family members, behavior therapy is possible. Behavioral therapy involves engineering the environment to be conducive to focus and concentration and helping people identify what reinforces problem behaviors and what drives them. It can also involve training in coping techniques and exposure therapy, which aids people overcome anxiety and fears.
A therapist can assist with the emotional issues that are related to ADHD. They can also teach you strategies to improve your family and marriage life. They can assist you in managing your finances, prioritize tasks, and deal with daily stress. They can help people understand ADHD and educate their families on how to help the person suffering from it.
Certain people with ADHD are also prone to depression or anxiety disorders. These disorders can be difficult to treat. These comorbidities can make it harder to manage ADHD symptoms. A thorough medical history is required to determine if any of the underlying issues are contributing to the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with a history of seizures, developmental disorders hearing or vision issues and sleep apnea need more attentive evaluation and, if necessary, other treatments.
Medication Tests
Medications most effectively improve the core symptoms of ADHD by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine (brain molecules that help in the transmission of messages from one neuron (brain cell to another). Practitioners cannot know beforehand which drug is most effective for a particular person, but they can determine which medication and the dosage that is most effective via a trial. The typical trial begins with a low dose that is slowly increased at 3-7 day intervals until the clinical benefits are evident.
A thorough medical history is important, since numerous medical conditions can mimic the symptoms of ADHD. These include developmental disorders, psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety, as well as difficulties with language and learning, and certain medical conditions such as thyroid disorder, lead poisoning and hearing or vision loss.
Stimulant medication is the most frequently used treatment for adults with ADHD however, there are other drugs that may help. adhd treatment in adults could include antidepressants that directly affect the brain chemical norepinephrine or certain anticholinergic medications that reduce symptoms by decreasing the activity of the dopamine neurotransmitter. Certain of these medications are not recommended for children. A psychiatrist or neurologist with experience should be consulted before prescribing any of them to an adult.
Behavioral therapy can be beneficial in treating ADHD for adults. Therapists can instruct families and individuals practical techniques to help manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies. They can also provide emotional support and teach coping techniques. People with ADHD often have difficulties with relationships and family, and therapy for marriage can help learn constructive methods of communicating and resolving conflicts.
The most important treatment of ADHD for adults is to improve their sleeping habits. A regular bedtime and enough quality sleep can make a significant difference in their ability focus and behave as well as concentrate.
Other treatment options for ADHD in adults include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a talking therapy that helps people change their patterns of thinking and behavior and lifestyle changes such as dietary modification. Some people can reduce ADHD symptoms by changing their diet, but it is recommended to consult with your doctor before making any changes. Certain food items and supplements can worsen symptoms, or cause them to disappear.
Other Treatments
Adult ADHD is treated through the use of psychosocial therapy and medication. The medication assists people in staying focused and organized, which makes it easier to maintain relationships and manage their tasks. Psychosocial treatments help people develop techniques that can help reduce symptoms and enhance their ability to function in everyday life, such as time management and organizing strategies. These treatments can be beneficial to people who aren't responding well to medication.
Behavioral coaching is a type of therapy that teaches adults with ADHD practical life skills, such as managing their time and money as well as prioritizing tasks and enhancing their organizational skills. In contrast to traditional talk therapy, that focuses on emotional issues the coaches focus solely on helping clients manage their behavior. They often are remote and don't meet with their clients in person.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other mental health disorders, including bipolar disorder, major depression and issues with substance abuse. These conditions can cause a lot of stress and affect daily functions, so treating them is often the first priority prior to beginning any ADHD treatment. Certain medications used to treat other disorders such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and atomoxetine (Prozac), can also aid with ADHD.
Certain non-medical methods, such as meditation and yoga can help to reduce the effects of ADHD by improving attention and focus. These techniques for calming can be taught to groups or individuals. Other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a kind of talk therapy that attempts to alter the way people feel about a situation, can be carried out by a therapist in person or on the internet.
Sleep problems are common in people with ADHD, and poor quality of sleep can worsen the symptoms. This can be alleviated by establishing a regular sleeping schedule and avoiding caffeine during the late at night.
The best treatment for adults with ADHD is the combination of medication and psychosocial treatment. Some people see dramatic improvements by taking medication, whereas others may not see any improvement in any way. It can take some time to find the right dosage and regimen. Consult with your physician to maximize the benefits.
