ADHD Treatment in Adults
ADHD can cause problems at school, at work and in relationships. It is essential to have an extensive medical examination and to rule out other conditions that can mimic ADHD symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that can help manage symptoms. It focuses on changing negative thought patterns to more positive ones.
Medication
The most commonly used medication is treatment for ADHD in adults. Usually stimulants are prescribed to ease symptoms and improve functioning. NIMH suggests that you consult with your doctor to determine if medication is right for you. If you decide to take medication, make sure to consult your physician about how it impacts your life and the adverse effects that could occur.
People with ADHD typically have comorbid conditions, such as depression and anxiety. These comorbid disorders can make it more difficult to respond to therapy alone. Adult ADHD is best treated by a combination of psychosocial therapy and medication (Rostain, et al. 2006).
Psychoeducation assists adults suffering from ADHD recognize their condition and its effects on their lives. adult adhd diagnosis and treatment teaches strategies to handle any problems that may arise. This can improve their self-esteem that may have been affected by negative feedback from family and friends. Cognitive behavioral therapies can be utilized to help with psychoeducation.
A thorough medical history is important because certain medical conditions can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include developmental disorders, seizure disorders (petit mal) sleep apnea and some substance abuse. It can also be helpful to look back at the person's school and childhood experiences.
Generally, nonstimulant medications should be tried first in those with comorbid psychiatric disorders. Once the comorbidity has improved, stimulant medication may be considered (Wilens 2004, b). If the patient who is in active treatment for substance abuse is in stable remission, stimulant medications should be considered.
Stimulants can be highly variable in their responses to different doses. It is essential to carefully titrate the dose and accurately record the patient's reaction and side effects. It is also important to try different dosages of the same medication. Dextroamphetamine instant release, for instance has a short-term half-life and requires multiple doses, sometimes three times a day. The extended-release mix amphetamines salts, on the other hand have a longer-lasting effect.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
The majority of people with ADHD are treated psychosocially which consists of medication along with cognitive behavioral therapy. These treatments can teach people with ADHD how to improve their organizational skills manage their time, prioritize their tasks and manage the risky and impulsive behavior. Some adults may also benefit from the assistance of a life coach or ADHD coach, who can teach them various skills to enhance their daily functioning.
Many psychiatric disorders are able to mimic the symptoms of ADHD in both children and adults. These include anxiety disorders, mood disorders and adjustment disorders, as well as learning and language difficulties and a few psychotic disorders. Before beginning treatment for ADHD, it is important to rule out these disorders.
Around 75% of adults with ADHD also suffer from anxiety or depression. Psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy can be helpful for treating comorbid conditions, especially when combined with effective medications. These treatments can assist adults suffering from ADHD manage their impulsive behavior and focus on the problem areas of their lives.
A combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy treatment is the most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. A study by Rostain and co (2006) discovered that CBT in conjunction with mixed salts of amphetamine reduced both the main 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 certain patients.
Psychotherapy can also assist families and couples with ADHD improve their ability to communicate and be able to understand each other. This could result in a decrease in tension and conflict within the home, especially between spouses. CBT can also assist adults with ADHD get a better awareness of their condition and learn to recognize and deal with negative thoughts and beliefs about themselves.
Some people suffering from ADHD may also decide to use complementary health approaches including natural remedies and diet. These methods haven't been proven scientifically to improve ADHD symptoms or impairments, however they could be beneficial in managing the disorder. If you are considering these alternatives, discuss them with your doctor and therapy therapist prior to starting any new therapies.
Counseling
If you're an adult with ADHD, it's never too late to seek treatment. Treatment can help you live a better life and achieve success at school, work and in relationships. It is essential to include medication into your ADHD treatment plan. However, it's also beneficial to receive therapy. It can aid in managing stress and treat comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression.
Counseling is an effective tool for adults with ADHD and their families. It can assist them in understanding how ADHD affects them, and also learn how to spot the trouble areas that could lead to issues in their lives. It can also teach them how to cope with the challenges that arise from having ADHD like being impulsive or irritable. Counseling can also be beneficial for the spouses of adults with ADHD. They often feel overwhelmed by their spouse's impulsiveness and inattention.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from comorbid disorders such as major depression disorder and substance abuse disorders. These comorbid conditions could hinder the effectiveness of ADHD medication and should be treated prior to beginning medication. However, identifying and treating these disorders can be challenging because many of the symptoms of these conditions are similar to those of ADHD.
Stimulant medication is the most commonly used type of ADHD treatment. It can help improve the ability to control impulses and attention however it has its limitations. Certain adults experience unpleasant side effects, like dry mouth and fatigue. In these instances switching to a different stimulant or nonstimulant medication may be necessary. Other side effects of stimulants include mood instability, visual hallucinations and heart palpitations. Some people cannot tolerate stimulants due to medical conditions such as severe asthma or cardiovascular disease. They should be assessed.
Adults suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from non-stimulants. Clonidine is an a2-adrenergic agonist that has been proven to decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity among adults with ADHD. This medication is often utilized in conjunction with stimulants. It can be particularly effective for those with comorbid Tourette's disorder and other tics (Robertson 2006; Wilens 2006).
When seeking treatment for ADHD, it is important to inform your doctor of any other health conditions you may have. Certain health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes could interact with certain drugs used to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from family therapy. This type of therapy could help improve their work and home lives, and improve communication between them and their families. It also helps them manage comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression. Family therapy may involve the use of cognitive behavior therapy, which is designed to alter the person's thinking and behavior. It may also include family therapy and counseling for marriage to improve communication. In certain situations, a therapist will also recommend medication.
When it comes to treating adult ADHD the best method is a combination of medication and psychotherapy. The use of medication can alleviate symptoms such as impulsivity and inattention while psychotherapy can assist with organizational skills, problem-solving, and social interaction. In addition, medications can be used to treat coexisting disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety and depression.
The first step in treating for adults suffering from ADHD is to recognize the symptoms. You can do this by filling out the symptom list or conducting a the behavioral assessment. A doctor can also assess a person's past, including their school and childhood experiences.
Stimulants are the most common medications used to treat people suffering from ADHD. They are generally efficient, however they can cause negative side effects that should be closely monitored by a health professional. Nonstimulant medications are available and can be just as effective as stimulants. They also don't cause the same adverse effects.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be particularly beneficial for patients suffering from comorbid ADHD depression, ADHD 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 to change their thoughts and behaviors and assist them in improving their relationships.
It's important for families to be aware of how ADHD affects the patient. This will help reduce conflict between spouses and blame-shifting. It also helps them to recognize the negative impact of the disorder on their relationship. It can also assist them to discover more ways to help their loved ones.
A therapist will discuss with the family the goals and objectives they've set. The therapist will also urge the family to keep following the new patterns they have developed throughout therapy.