Treating ADHD With Medications
Many adults with ADHD have other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression. These conditions can impact how ADHD medications work and vice versa.
Health care providers use standardized ADHD symptoms rating scales and psychological tests to assess the individual's symptoms. They may recommend medical or lab tests to rule out medical conditions which may cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
Medicines
The cornerstone of ADHD treatment is medication. It helps people focus, decrease impulse-driven behaviors, and eliminate distractions. They can help improve your work, family, and school life. They also aid in getting to sleep better, so they feel more refreshed in the morning and are less likely to make poor choices throughout the day. Medications can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments such as therapy, diet or lifestyle modifications.
Stimulants, the most popular treatment for ADHD, work by increasing and balancing certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. 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 can be utilized by adults suffering from ADHD include the nonstimulant atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants, such as bupropion. Adults often experiment with different types of medications and dosages in order to find the best fit for them.
It may take a while to find the best combination of medications for someone who is taking ADHD medication. A doctor or nurse typically begin with the lowest dose and observe the person's response before prescribing more. They might alter the dosage to avoid side effects like drowsiness or stomach upset. They may suggest a change to the diet and vitamin intake to boost the effectiveness of the medication.
The needs of a patient on ADHD medication can change over time, especially if significant life changes occur. If a person has difficulty at school or at work it is recommended to speak with their doctor. Teachers, supervisors, and coworkers are usually understanding and willing to make small accommodations to help a person with ADHD do their job. Getting on a regular sleep schedule can dramatically enhance the symptoms of ADHD.
A therapist can help people develop new skills to cope and overcome their symptoms, whether they are at work, at home, or in their relationships. This type of treatment can be done in one-on-one sessions or in group therapy. It focuses on changing negative behaviors and replacing them with positive ones. Counseling can also assist family members understand how to support someone who has ADHD.
Counseling
Behavioral therapy, along with other psychosocial treatments can help improve ADHD symptoms. In many cases, medications are combined with these methods of treatment to enhance the outcomes. Adult ADHD medications include stimulants as well as non-stimulants. These medications can help people concentrate more effectively and be less impulsive. They also help people feel calmer. They can also assist them to develop and master new skills. Most people with ADHD respond well to these drugs and the benefits can last for many years. The medications do not trigger addiction or the formation of habit. However, those who have a history of drug use disorders should be carefully evaluated before starting these medicines.
Many adults with ADHD struggle to concentrate at work and at school. This can have a negative effect on their career and relationships. Counseling can help them improve their ability to listen, concentrate, and follow instructions in the workplace or at school. This can help to improve their performance and develop confidence in themselves. Some therapy professionals specialize in working with people with ADHD.
Behavior therapy can be done individually, in groups or with family members. Behavioral therapy is the process of changing the environment to create a more conducive environment to focus, concentration and learning. It is also about teaching people to recognize what triggers and motivates problem behaviors. It may also include training in coping techniques as well as exposure therapy to help people overcome their fears.
A therapist can help with the emotional issues that are related to ADHD. They can also teach you strategies to improve your marriage and family life. They can help you manage money, organize your tasks, and cope with everyday stress. They can also assist people and their families understand ADHD and help them understand ways to help the person who suffers from it.
Certain people with ADHD also develop anxiety or depression disorders. These disorders can be difficult to manage. These comorbidities can make it harder to manage ADHD symptoms. To determine if there are any existing conditions contributing to the symptoms, a thorough medical history must be taken. People with histories of developmental disorder, seizures or hearing problems and sleep apnea need an additional evaluation, and perhaps other treatment.
Medication Trials
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. A trial of medications allows physicians to determine the most effective medication for an individual. They cannot know which medicine will be the most efficient, but they can determine which one is most effective. The trial starts with a low dose, and gradually increases over 3-7 days until the clinical benefits have been realized.
A thorough medical history is essential because numerous medical conditions can mimic the symptoms of ADHD. These include developmental disorders and psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety learning and communication problems, as well as medical problems like thyroid disorder and lead poisoning, hearing or vision loss and various medical conditions.
There are a variety of drugs that can be used to treat adults suffering from ADHD. The most common are stimulant drugs. However there are other options too. They could include antidepressants that have a direct effect on the brain chemical norepinephrine as well as certain anticholinergic agents that decrease symptoms by decreasing the activity of the dopamine neurotransmitter. Some of these medications are not recommended for children. A neurologist or psychiatrist with expertise should be consulted prior prescribing any of them to an adult.
Behavioral therapy can be beneficial in treating ADHD in adults. Therapists can teach individuals and families practical techniques to help manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies. They can also offer emotional support and teach coping techniques. Family and marriage therapy is a great way to help people with ADHD learn how to communicate effectively and manage conflict.
The most effective method of treating ADHD for adults is to improve their sleeping habits. A regular bedtime and a good quality sleep can make a huge difference in their ability to concentrate, focus and behave.
Other treatment options for ADHD include cognitive behavioral therapy, a type of therapy that assists people in changing their thinking and behavior patterns. Lifestyle changes such as dietary modification can also be effective. Changing diet can reduce ADHD symptoms for some people however, it shouldn't be done without consulting your physician first, since certain supplements and foods can aggravate symptoms or cause them to disappear completely.
Other Treatments
Treatment for adult ADHD requires a combination of psychosocial treatment and medication. The medication helps people stay focused and organized and helps them maintain relationships and manage their work. Psychosocial treatments can teach people strategies to reduce symptoms and improve their ability to function in daily life, such as time management and methods for organizing. These treatments are beneficial for people who don't respond well to medications.
Behavioral coaching is a form of therapy that teaches adults with ADHD practical life skills, like managing their time and money, prioritizing tasks and improving their organizational skills. These coaches are not like traditional talk therapy that focuses on emotional issues. Instead, they help clients manage their behavior. Most often, these coaches are remote and don't meet their clients in person.
Many people with ADHD also have other mental disorders, such as bipolar or major depression and substance abuse issues. These conditions can cause significant distress and interfere with daily functioning, therefore addressing these issues is usually an important factor prior to starting any ADHD treatment. Certain medications used to treat other disorders such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and atomoxetine (Prozac), can also help with ADHD.
Some non-medication methods, such as yoga and meditation, can help calm the effects of ADHD by improving concentration and attention. These calming techniques are often taught in a class or individually. Other therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a kind of therapy that seeks to alter the way that people feel about a particular situation, can be done with a therapist in person or on the internet.
Sleep issues are common among adults with ADHD, and poor quality of sleep can worsen the symptoms. treating add can be improved by establishing a regular sleeping schedule and avoiding caffeine during the night.
The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD involves both psychosocial and medication treatment. Some people experience a dramatic improvement after taking medication, but others might not. Finding the appropriate dose and regimen could take a long time, so it's important to work with your doctor to ensure that you receive the most benefit from this treatment.