Treating ADHD With Medications
Many adults with ADHD also suffer from mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can affect the effectiveness of ADHD medications, and vice versa.
To assess the severity of a person's symptoms health professionals employ standard ADHD rating scales and psychometric tests. They may suggest physical or lab tests to rule out medical conditions which could trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
Medications
Medicines are the mainstay of treatment for ADHD and aid in helping people focus and stay on track. They also reduce the risk of impulsive behavior. They improve school, work and family life. They also help people get to sleep more easily, meaning they feel more rested in the morning and are less likely to make poor decisions throughout the day. Medications can be used alone or in combination with other treatments such as therapy, diet or lifestyle changes.
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD and work by boosting and balancing the levels of certain neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. The two stimulants most commonly prescribed for adult ADHD include methylphenidate (brand names include Ritalin XR, Concerta, Adderall XR and Focalin XR) and amphetamine. Other medications that are used for adults with ADHD include the non-stimulant atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants like bupropion. Many adults try several different dosages and types of medications to determine what is the most effective for them.
When treating adult add starts taking ADHD medication, the drug affects everyone differently, and it can take a while to determine the best dosage for them. A nurse or doctor may prescribe a lower dose, and then observe the patient's response before recommending a higher dosage. They may adjust the dosage to avoid adverse effects, such as drowsiness or stomach upset. They may also suggest changing your the diet or supplements to improve the effectiveness of the medication.
The needs of a patient on ADHD medication may alter over time, particularly when significant life changes take place. Consult your doctor if having problems at work or in school. Co-workers, supervisors and teachers are usually accommodating and willing to make small adjustments to help someone who suffers from ADHD do their job. Regular sleep can also aid in improving ADHD symptoms.
Therapists can help people learn new techniques to manage their issues and overcome the challenges they face at home, work 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 help family members understand how to help the person with ADHD.
Counseling
Behavioral therapy and other psychosocial treatments may help alleviate symptoms of ADHD. In many cases, medications are combined with these treatment methods to improve the results. Adult ADHD medication includes stimulants and nonstimulants. These medications can help people concentrate more effectively and be less impulsive. They also help people feel more peaceful. They can also help them learn and practice new skills. Many people suffering from ADHD respond well to these medications and the benefits last for many years. They aren't habit-forming and don't lead to dependence. People with a history or addiction disorders to substances must be assessed carefully prior to taking these medications.
Many adults with ADHD struggle to concentrate at school and at work, which can cause problems for their careers and relationships. Counseling can assist them in improving their ability to listen, focus, and follow instructions in the workplace or at school. This can boost their performance and help them gain confidence. Some therapists are specially trained to work with individuals who suffer from ADHD.
Therapy for behavior can be conducted individually, in groups or with family members. Behavioral therapy is the process of changing the environment to help it be more conducive to focus, concentration and learning. It is also about teaching people to recognize what reinforces and drives problematic behaviors. It can also involve training in coping techniques and exposure therapy, which helps people overcome their anxiety and fears.
A therapist can help with the emotional challenges that come with ADHD. They can also provide strategies for improving family life and marriage as well as managing money, prioritizing tasks and coping with the stresses of daily living. They can also assist individuals and their families understand ADHD and educate them on ways to support the person who suffers from it.
Certain people suffering from ADHD suffer from anxiety and depression disorders, which can be difficult to treat. These comorbid conditions can make it more difficult to deal with the symptoms of ADHD. A thorough medical history is needed to determine if any of the underlying issues are contributing to the symptoms of ADHD. People with histories of seizures, developmental disorder, hearing or sight problems and sleep apnea need more careful evaluation, and possibly other treatment.
Medication Tests
The most effective method to treat ADHD is by increasing the brain's chemical dopamine and norepinephrine. These molecules help transmit messages from one neuron (brain cell) to another. The doctors are not able to know in advance which medication will work best for an individual, however they can determine which medication and dosage is the most effective via a trial. The trial begins with a low dose, and is gradually increased over a period of 3-7 days until the desired clinical effects have been achieved.
It is important to have a thorough medical history, as many medical conditions can be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. These include developmental disorders and psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety learning and communication problems as well as medical conditions like thyroid disorder and lead poisoning, hearing loss or vision loss and various medical conditions.
There are a myriad of medications that can be utilized to treat people suffering from ADHD. The most popular are stimulant medicines. However there are other options as well. Some of these medications include antidepressants that have a direct impact on the chemical in the brain called norepinephrine or certain anticholinergics that can reduce symptoms by reducing the activity of the dopamine-neurotransmitter. Certain of these medications are not suitable for children. A psychiatrist or neurologist with experience should be consulted before prescribing any of them to an adult.
Behavioral therapy is a great option in treating ADHD for adults. Therapists can help individuals and their families develop skills that will aid them in managing their ADHD symptoms. This includes time management and organizational strategies. They can also provide emotional support and teach coping techniques. People with ADHD often struggle with relationships and family, and therapy for marriage can help develop effective methods of communicating and resolving conflicts.
For some adults, the best treatment for their ADHD is to improve their sleep habits. A regular bedtime and enough quality sleep can make a huge impact on their ability to focus, behave and concentrate.
Other treatments for ADHD in adults include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) A type of talking therapy that helps people change their behavior patterns and thinking patterns, and lifestyle changes such as dietary modification. Changes in diet can lessen ADHD symptoms in some people, but it should not be done without consulting a physician first, since certain food items and supplements can cause symptoms or cause them to disappear completely.
Other Treatments
Adult ADHD is treated through a combination of psychosocial therapy and medication. The medication assists people in staying focused and organized, which makes it easier to maintain relationships and stay on top of their tasks. Psychosocial treatments can help people develop techniques that can help reduce their symptoms and improve the way they function in daily life like managing time and organizing strategies. People who aren't responding to medication can also benefit from these treatments.
Behavioral coaching is a kind of therapy that teaches adults suffering from ADHD practical life skills, like managing their time and finances prioritizing their tasks and improving their organizational skills. These coaches are not like traditional talk therapy which is focused on emotional issues. Instead, they help clients manage their behavior. They usually work remotely and do not meet their clients personally.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other mental health disorders, like bipolar disorder or major depression and issues with substance abuse. These conditions can cause significant stress and interfere with everyday activities, which is why treating them is often the first priority prior to beginning any ADHD treatment. Some medications used to treat other disorders, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and Atomoxetine (Prozac) could aid in treating ADHD.
Yoga and meditation are non-medicinal therapies that can help reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing attention and focus and decreasing impulsivity. These techniques can be taught to individuals or groups. Other therapies such as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) is a type of therapy aimed at helping change the way someone feels about a particular issue and can be conducted with a therapist either in person or via online.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have sleep issues and a lack of sleep can worsen symptoms. Establishing a regular sleep schedule and staying away from caffeine at night can help improve this.
The most effective treatment for adult ADHD combines medication and psychosocial treatment. Some people experience a dramatic improvement after taking medication, whereas others might not. It can take some time to find the right dosage and regimen. Work with your doctor to reap the maximum benefit.