ADHD Treatment in Adults
ADHD can cause problems at work, school and in relationships. It's important to get a thorough medical evaluation and rule out any conditions that can mimic ADHD symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of psychotherapy that can help to manage symptoms. It concentrates on changing negative thinking patterns to more positive ones.
Medication
The most popular treatment for ADHD in adults is medication. They are usually prescribed as stimulants, which have been shown to be effective in decreasing symptoms and enhancing functioning. NIMH recommends talking with your healthcare provider to determine if you should consider taking medication. If you decide to use medication, make sure you talk to your doctor about how it impacts your life and the adverse effects that could occur.
ADHD is often associated with depression and anxiety. These comorbid conditions can make it more difficult to receive therapy on its own. Adult ADHD is best treated using a a combination of psychosocial therapy and medications (Rostain and colleagues. 2006).
Psychoeducation helps adults who have ADHD to understand the effects of ADHD on their lives. It also helps them develop strategies to handle any problems that could arise. This helps improve their self-esteem, which may have been negatively impacted by persistent negative feedback from family and friends. Individual and group cognitive behavioral therapies can be used to offer psychoeducation.
A thorough medical history is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This includes developmental disorders, seizures (petit mal), sleep disorders, and abuse of drugs. A detailed review of the person's childhood behaviors and school experiences is also beneficial.
In general, nonstimulant medications should be tried first for patients with comorbid mental disorders. Once the comorbidity has improved, stimulant medications may be considered (Wilens 2004,b). If the patient is currently in active substance abuse treatment and is in active treatment for substance abuse, a trial of stimulants should only be considered when the patient is in stable remission from substance abuse.
Stimulants can be highly variable in their response to different doses. Therefore, careful titration that includes precise registration of the patient's response and adverse effects is vital. It is important to try different formulations of the medication. For example, dextroamphetamine immediate-release has a short half-life, and requires multiple doses every two or three times per day, whereas amphetamine salts with extended-release have a long duration of action.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Most people with ADHD receive psychosocial treatment which includes a combination of medication and cognitive behavior therapy. These therapies can help adults with ADHD develop strategies to improve their organizational skills manage time and prioritize their tasks as well as control impulsive and risky behaviors. Adults may also get help from a life coach or ADHD coach who can help them master various techniques to enhance their daily functioning.
Adults and children alike are susceptible to many psychiatric conditions that mimic the symptoms with ADHD. These include mood disorders and anxiety problems, as well as learning and language problems, adjustment disorders and some psychotic disorders. Before beginning treatment for ADHD it is crucial to rule these disorders out.
Around 75% of people with ADHD also suffer from depression or anxiety. Psychosocial treatments such as cognitive therapy for behavior can be beneficial in treating comorbid disorders, especially when combined with effective medication. These treatments can help adults with ADHD control their unpredictable behavior and focus on the troublesome areas of their lives.
A combination of pharmacotherapy and psychosocial treatment is the most effective method for adult ADHD. Rostain et. al (2006) discovered CBT combined with mixed salts amphetamine in order to improve the core symptoms of ADHD and also the symptoms of comorbid anxiety and depression disorders. However it is important to know that stimulants can cause a slight increase in blood pressure and pulse rate in some patients.
Psychotherapy can help families suffering from ADHD and couples improve their communication and understand one another. This can reduce tension and conflict at home, especially between spouses. CBT can help adults with ADHD to understand their condition and help them recognize and manage negative thoughts and beliefs.
Some people suffering from ADHD also choose to use alternative health practices, such as diet and natural products. These methods aren't scientifically proven to reduce ADHD impairments or symptoms however, they could be helpful in managing the disorder. If you are considering these strategies talk about them with your doctor or your therapist prior to beginning any new treatment.
Counseling
If you are an adult with ADHD, it's never too to get help. Treatment can aid you in living a healthier life and achieve success at work, school and in relationships. Treatment is a vital component of your ADHD treatment plan, but it's an excellent idea to seek therapy. It can help you manage stress and treat other comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety.
adhd in adults characterization diagnosis and treatment can be a useful tool for adults with ADHD, as well as their family members. It can aid them in understanding how ADHD affects them and learn how to recognize trouble areas that could lead to difficulties in their lives. It can also help them learn how to deal with the difficulties that come with having ADHD like being impulsive or irritable. Counseling can also be helpful for spouses of adults with ADHD, as they often feel they are overburdened by their partner's lack of attention and indecisiveness.
Adults suffering from ADHD might have comorbid conditions such as major depression and addiction disorders. These comorbid conditions can interfere with the efficacy of ADHD medication. They should be treated prior to beginning treatment. However it can be difficult to identify and treat these disorders can be challenging because many of the symptoms of these conditions are similar to symptoms of ADHD.
Stimulant medications are the most popular method of ADHD treatment. It can improve control of impulses and attention, but has limitations. Certain adults experience uncomfortable adverse effects, such as dry mouth, sedation and the feeling of drowsiness. In these cases it could be necessary to switch to a less stimulant or an alternative stimulant. Other adverse effects of stimulants are mood lability, visual hallucinations, and heart palpitations. Some people are unable to tolerate stimulants due to medical issues like severe asthma or cardiovascular disease. They should be assessed.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from non-stimulants. Clonidine is an a2-adrenergic receptor agonist that has been proven to reduce the level of impulsivity and hyperactivity among people suffering from ADHD. This medication is sometimes used in conjunction with stimulants and can be especially effective in those with comorbid Tourette's disorder and other tics (Robertson 2006; Wilens 2006).
It is important to disclose any other health issues you may have to your physician when seeking treatment for ADHD. Some medical conditions, like high blood pressure and diabetes, may interfere with certain medications used to treat ADHD.
Family therapy
Family therapy can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. This type of therapy could help improve their home and work lives, and improve communication between them and their families. It also helps them deal with comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression. Family therapy may include the use of cognitive therapy, which is designed to change a person's thoughts and behaviors. It can also involve marriage counseling and family therapy to improve communication. In some instances the therapist might recommend medication.
The best way to treat adult ADHD is through the combination of psychotherapy with medication. Talk therapy can aid in organizational skills, social interaction, and problem-solving. The use of medication can help treat symptoms such as inattention and an impulsive nature. In addition, medications can be used to treat coexisting disorders such as depression and anxiety.
The first step in treating adult ADHD is identifying the signs. This can be done by completing a symptom checklist or behavioral assessment. A doctor may also evaluate the person's past, which includes their school and childhood experiences.
Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat people suffering from ADHD. These medications are usually highly effective, but they do come with adverse effects that must be closely monitored by a health professional. There are medications that are not stimulant that are as effective as stimulants. They do not have any of the same adverse effects.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be particularly effective for patients with compulsive ADHD depression, ADHD and other mental health issues. It can also be beneficial for those suffering from comorbid conditions such as depression and substance abuse. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people modify their thinking and behavior and improve their relationships.
Families should understand the way ADHD affects their loved ones. This can reduce the conflict and blame-shifting between spouses. It can help them understand the negative impact that the disorder can have on their relationship. It also helps to find new ways to support the loved ones.
At the conclusion of family therapy, a therapist will review the goals and objectives set by the family. The therapist will encourage the family to adhere to the new habits they've established in therapy.