Treating ADHD With Medications
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from mental health issues, like depression or anxiety. These conditions can affect how well ADHD medications work, and vice in reverse.
Health care providers use standardized ADHD symptom rating scales and psychological tests to evaluate an individual's symptoms. They may recommend medical or lab tests to rule out medical conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those experienced by ADHD.
Medicines
Medicines are the mainstay of treatment for ADHD and help people focus, stay on task and reduce the impulsive behavior. They can improve your work, family, and school life. They also aid in sleeping better, which makes them feel more refreshed and less likely to make bad decisions throughout the day. They can be taken on their own or in conjunction with other treatments, such as diet, therapy or lifestyle changes.
Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD help by increasing and balancing certain chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters. The two stimulants that are most commonly used to treat adult ADHD are amphetamine and methylphenidate (brand names include Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall XR and Focalin XR). Adults with ADHD can also be treated with antidepressants, such as bupropion and atomoxetine, which is a nonstimulant. Adults often try different types of medication and dosages to determine the most appropriate one for them.
It can take some time to find the right combination of medications for someone who is taking ADHD medication. A doctor or nurse may prescribe a lower dose, and then monitor the patient's response to it before recommending a higher dosage. They may adjust the dose to avoid side effects like drowsiness or stomach upset. They might also suggest changes to diet or vitamins to improve the effectiveness of the medication.
A patient's need for ADHD medication can change over time, especially when significant life changes take place. Talk to your doctor if experiencing difficulties at work or in school. Co-workers, supervisors and teachers are generally understanding and will make minor accommodations to help a person with ADHD accomplish their tasks. Getting on a regular sleep schedule can significantly increase the symptoms of ADHD.
A therapist can teach people new techniques to manage their symptoms and overcome difficulties they are having at work, home or in their relationships. This kind of treatment could be conducted in one-on-1 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 someone who has ADHD.
Counseling
Behavioral therapy, as well as other psychosocial treatments, can improve ADHD symptoms. In many cases, medications are combined with these methods of treatment to improve the results. The medicines used to treat adults with ADHD include stimulants as well as non-stimulants. The medications can help you focus better, feel more relaxed and be less impatient. They can also assist them to learn and practice new skills. Most people suffering from ADHD respond well to these drugs and the benefits last for a long time. The drugs aren't addictive and they don't cause dependence. However, those with a history of substance use disorders should be examined prior to taking these drugs.
Many people with ADHD struggle to focus at work and at school. This can have a negative effect on 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 improve their performance and help improve their confidence. Some therapy professionals are trained to work with individuals with ADHD.
In a small group or with family members, behavior therapy is possible. Behavioral therapy involves engineering the environment to be more conducive to concentration and focus, and teaching people to discern what triggers behavior problems and what is motivating them. It can also include training in coping strategies and exposure therapy to help people overcome their fears.
A therapist can assist 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 your money, prioritize tasks, and cope with everyday stress. They can also assist people and their families understand ADHD and help them understand strategies to support someone with the condition.
Certain people suffering from ADHD develop depression and anxiety disorders, which can be difficult to treat. These comorbidities can make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. To find out if there are underlying conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms an extensive medical history needs to be conducted. People with histories of seizures, developmental disorders or hearing or vision problems and sleep apnea require a more careful evaluation and possibly other treatment options.
Medication Tests
The most effective medications can improve the core symptoms of ADHD by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine (brain molecules that facilitate the transmission of messages from one brain cell] to another). A medication trial allows practitioners to determine which medication is the best for an individual. They cannot know which drug will be most efficient, but they can find out which medication is most efficient. The trial starts with a small dose and gradually increases over 3-7 days until the clinical benefits have been realized.
A thorough medical history is important as numerous medical conditions can mimic the symptoms of ADHD. These include developmental disorders and psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, depression and learning and communication issues as well as medical conditions like thyroid disorder, lead poisoning, hearing loss or vision loss, and other medical conditions.
Stimulant medications are the most frequently used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD, but there are other medications that can help as well. Some of these medications include antidepressants that have a direct impact on the brain chemical norepinephrine, or certain anticholinergics that can reduce symptoms by reducing the activity of the dopamine-neurotransmitter. Some of these medications are not recommended for children. A neurologist or psychiatrist with experience should be consulted before prescribing any of them to an adult.
Behavioral therapy is helpful in treating ADHD among adults. Therapists can assist individuals and families learn practical skills to assist them in managing their ADHD symptoms. This includes time management and organizing strategies. They can also offer emotional assistance and teach coping skills. Individuals with ADHD frequently have difficulty relating to others and their families, and marriage therapy can help people learn constructive ways to communicate and resolve conflicts.
The most important treatment of ADHD for adults is to improve sleep habits. A regular bedtime and a good quality sleep can make a significant difference in their ability to focus, concentrate and behave.
Other treatment options for ADHD in adults include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is a type of talk therapy that assists people in changing their thinking patterns and behaviors and lifestyle changes, such as diet modification. Changes in diet can lessen ADHD symptoms for some people however, it shouldn't be done without consulting a physician first, since certain foods and supplements can worsen symptoms or cause them to disappear completely.
Other Treatments
Treatment for adults with ADHD involves a combination of psychosocial treatment and medication. Medications help people stay focused and organized, which can make it easier to keep up with tasks and maintain relationships. Psychosocial treatments help people develop skills that can reduce symptoms and enhance their ability to function in everyday life, like time management and organizing strategies. People who aren't responding to medication can benefit from these treatments too.
Behavioral coaching is an effective form of therapy for adults with ADHD. It provides them with practical life skills like managing their time, money, prioritizing their tasks, and enhancing their organization abilities. In contrast to traditional talk therapy, that focuses on emotional issues, these coaches focus exclusively on helping people manage their behavior. They often are remote and don't meet their clients in person.
Many people suffering from ADHD have other mental health disorders, including bipolar disorder or major website depression and addiction issues. These conditions can cause significant anxiety and affect everyday functioning, so addressing these conditions is usually prior to beginning any ADHD treatment. Some medications used to treat other disorders, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and Atomoxetine (Prozac), may also aid with ADHD.
Yoga and meditation are non-medication treatments that can reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing focus and attention and decreasing impulsivity. These calming techniques can be taught to individuals or groups. Other therapies, like cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) is a kind of talking therapy that aims to alter the way that people feel about a specific situation and can be conducted with a therapist in person or on the internet.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have sleep problems, and a poor quality of sleep can worsen symptoms. Setting a regular schedule for sleep and avoiding caffeine at night can help improve this.
The best treatment for adults with ADHD is an amalgamation of medication and psychosocial treatment. Some people notice a dramatic improvement after taking medication, but others might not. It may take a while to find the right dosage and regimen. Work with your doctor to get the most benefit.