12 Companies Leading The Way In Treatment Of ADHD In Adults
Treatment of ADHD in Adults
Adults who suffer from adhd are treated through therapy, medication and support from family members. Clinical trials are available to test the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD are the most likely to benefit from stimulant drugs. However, homeopathy for adhd must be monitored regularly. This includes monthly appointments with a doctor and regular reviews of side effects and symptoms.
Medicines
Numerous medications can be used to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD in adults. These medications are called psychostimulants. They work by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain that transmit messages between nerve cell. Your doctor will select a medication that's right for you and determine the most appropriate dosage and time to take it. It could take some time to find the right dosage and medication to control your symptoms.
The first drug that doctors prescribe to adults suffering from ADHD is stimulants. These medications increase the amount of dopamine in your brain and norepinephrine which helps you to control your impulses and focus. These medications are available in short-, medium-and long-acting forms. Short-acting stimulants last around 6 hours, intermediate-acting medications last between 8 and 10 hours, while long-acting drugs last up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely cause adverse effects than intermediate or shorter-acting medicines. However, they can still cause sleepiness and change in appetite.
Nonstimulant drugs, such as atomoxetine (Strattera), can be used to treat adults with ADHD when stimulants aren't effective or cause unpleasant adverse effects. These medicines do not affect your norepinephrine or dopamine levels however they do increase the amount of norepinephrine available to your brain and increase your ability to focus. These medicines come in capsule form and are taken either twice or three times a day.
Many people with ADHD may also suffer from other psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression. These are called comorbid conditions and they can influence how you respond to treatment for ADHD. Before beginning treatment for ADHD it is essential to address any comorbid issues. People who have a history of substance abuse disorders are more likely to misuse psychostimulants. Because of this, it is generally recommended to wait until the person has quit using substances before considering treatment with stimulants to treat ADHD.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an interactive process of discussing and talking about issues that may be disturbing or troubling to someone. The therapist listens and offers guidance based on his or her education, training and experience professional credentials and therapeutic theories. Psychotherapy can be short-term (a few weeks or months) dealing with more immediate challenges or longer-term (months or years) where a person is working to address more complicated and longstanding issues. The duration and frequency of therapy is determined by the therapist and the patient together.
Psychotherapy and medication are an extremely effective method to treat adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy helps people improve their organizational skills, time management and prioritizing; it can also teach strategies to manage emotions, such as anger and frustration. Medication can reduce symptoms and improve concentration, which results in more efficient and successful work and academic performance.
Adults suffering from ADHD have a higher likelihood of co-existing illnesses. This is especially applicable to mood disorders like depression and anxiety. It is important that any co-existing disorders be treated prior to starting treatment for ADHD. The treatment of co-existing disorders might require different kinds of medications and dosages than those that are used to treat ADHD.
A person who suffers from ADHD may also be suffering from hypertension. Choosing a medication that treats the ADHD symptoms but doesn't destabilize the patient's hypertension which is being controlled requires knowledge of how various medications affect people over time and an understanding of the interactions between different medications.
It is essential to find an professional with whom you share a an excellent relationship and who is experienced in treating adults suffering from ADHD. It's also important to schedule your first few sessions when you won't be distracted by family obligations or work obligations.
Counseling
Adults suffering from ADHD face many challenges in their lives, such as problems at work and with relationships. They also may experience anger, blame, and frustration that have built up in their lives due to their symptoms. Several psychosocial treatments have been proven to help them and their families learn new behaviors, skills, and ways of relating.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of psychotherapy that helps people alter their habits and thoughts. It involves goal-setting, training and practice of skills, and strategies for teaching that help improve organization and self-esteem. It may be done in groups or individually. Metacognitive therapy has proven to significantly reduce symptoms among adults suffering from ADHD and improve their functioning (Stevenson et al. 2002).
In addition to psychotherapy, some individuals with ADHD require counseling to address specific issues. These challenges may include family conflicts, impulsive or aggressive behavior, and difficulties in dealing with failures and disappointments. Counseling can teach the skills to manage these situations, improve communication, and improve problem-solving skills. It can also enhance interpersonal relationships, especially in marriages and other long-term relationships.
Other forms of psychotherapy for ADHD include family therapy as well as supportive group therapy. These can help families cope with the anxiety of having a child suffering from ADHD, as well as teach skills to improve communication and reduce conflicts. It can also assist parents to understand the disorder and develop parenting styles that encourage positive outcomes for their children.
Adults suffering from ADHD should discuss their medication regularly with their physicians and inform them of any other medications, including over the prescription drugs. Certain medications may interact with certain medications or trigger adverse reactions that are made worse by other medications.
Medication Monitoring
After a thorough evaluation and diagnosis is made it is crucial that the patient is monitored to ensure that they are receiving the benefits of the medication and is not experiencing side effects. It is recommended that a patient be referred for an initial medical check-up within 30 days of starting treatment and then every month afterward. This will allow for a thorough adjustment of psychostimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidate to a safe, effective dose. This allows for accurate registration of the patient's reaction and helps avoid keeping patients who are sensitive to doses that are too low.
For adults who are unable to respond adequately to stimulant medication or have intolerable side effects the use of nonstimulant medication may be indicated. Most often, this is the use of atomoxetine or other alternatives to methylphenidate.
Adults with ADHD are often affected by comorbid conditions, like depression or drug abuse. They may also have medical conditions like hearing or vision problems or chronic sleep disorders. It is crucial to identify and evaluate such conditions as part of the initial assessment for ADHD since these can have significant impact on functional impairment in adults.
ADHD can also be managed through marital therapy. Spouses often report that they are overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caring for their spouses who have ADHD and can become resentful and angry in the process. Making the patient aware of the symptoms of his/her condition and helping to understand that these aren't willful actions or lack of love can help to reduce resentment and marital difficulties. Couples who go through this type of therapy are more likely to be more functional as a family.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD is usually advised. It should include a cognitive and behavioral component. Behavioral therapy can help patients improve their organizational skills, focus and manage impulsive behavior. It helps patients manage their work, home, and social situations more effectively. Psychotherapy also helps patients understand how their condition impacts different aspects of their lives and relationships. This can reduce the feelings of shame and low self-esteem that are often felt by adults with ADHD. They may be viewed by others as lazy or unintelligent.
Many psychiatric disorders can be akin to ADHD symptoms. For instance anxiety disorders are seen at a high rate in adult ADHD patients and depression is seen in greater numbers among adults with the disorder. If necessary the presence of other psychiatric disorders should be evaluated to determine whether ADHD symptoms are caused by them.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with the combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been established that the combination of psychotherapy and medication produces better results than either treatment by itself. Future controlled studies will aim to monitor and evaluate functional improvements, such as improved functioning in school as well as in the workplace and interpersonal relations.
