Treatment For Adults ADHD
Treatment for adults with adhd includes counseling (psychotherapy) and medication. The medications used include stimulants and nonstimulants, as well in certain antidepressants. It can take some time to determine the appropriate dosage and medication. It is important to have regular monitoring of your clinical condition.
People suffering from ADHD often forget the time and obligations, make impulsive decisions and have difficulty maintaining relationships. Therapy and classes that teach communication skills can help.
Stimulants
adult adhd treatments used to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain that affect attention and impulsivity.
About 70% of those who suffer from ADHD respond to stimulant medication. They can reduce hyperactivity and fidgeting, improve organization, and help people complete tasks. They can also improve relationships. They can have severe side effects. Some of them include loss of appetite headaches, nausea, and trouble sleeping. These effects usually go away with time. It is important to use stimulant medications in a controlled manner. That means taking it three or four times a day and not ignoring doses. It's also essential to take the same amount every time and not overdose. Patients who don't take their medication correctly may develop resistance to it.
The majority of stimulants fall under one of two classes that include amphetamines and methylphenidates. Methylphenidates are the most commonly used stimulants, have fewer side-effects than amphetamines. They function by increasing the levels of norepinephrine which is a chemical that aids people to focus their minds and manage their impulses. Amphetamines can be stronger than methylphenidates and can cause more adverse effects. They can cause dryness of the mouth, increased blood pressure, and a high heart rate.
Long-acting stimulant medications are the norm for treatment of ADHD in adults. These work for up to 24 hours. People who regularly use them find they can get better control over their focus, attention, and impulse control. They also help them feel more relaxed and calm. These medications are preferred by most patients over drugs that work in a short time which are only taken as needed and last up to four hours. These medications are a good alternative for people who fail to take their medication regularly throughout the day, or worry about forgetting it at work or at school.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to effect their effects than stimulants. They can be used to find the right medication for you or in combination with stimulants. They don't carry the same danger of abuse and addiction as stimulants, however they can cause issues like irritability or insomnia. These medications include atomoxetine, bupropion and Strateva.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD in adulthood is a kind of talk therapy that can improve self-esteem, relationships, and organizational abilities. It concentrates on changing negative thinking that can cause poor behavior and learning how to cope. This type of CBT is typically done in a group setting.
A study showed that people with ADHD who took part in a CBT program had improved their ability to organise and their social and professional life. It also helped to reduce symptoms like depression and impulsivity.
Counseling for marital and family issues can help the spouses or the partners of those suffering from ADHD learn how to support their loved ones without blaming them for the issues caused by their ADHD. It can also help them learn how to lessen conflicts in their relationships by speaking more openly about their requirements and expectations.