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Treatment of ADHD in Adults Treatment for adults with adhd focuses on medication, therapy and support from family members. Clinical trials are available to test the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD. Adults with ADHD are most likely to benefit from stimulant medications. They need to 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 treat the symptoms of ADHD in adults. These are referred to as psychostimulants, and they work by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain that transmit messages between nerve cell. Your doctor will choose a medication that's right for you and determine the most effective dose and time to take it. It could take a while to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that control your symptoms. Stimulants are typically the first prescription medication doctors recommend for adults with ADHD. These medications increase the amount of dopamine in your brain, and also norepinephrine which allows you to manage your impulses and focus. They come in short-, intermediate-and long-acting varieties. Short-acting stimulants last about 6 hours, intermediate-acting medications last between 8 and 10 hours, while long-acting medicines last up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants have fewer side effects than shorterand intermediate-acting medicines, but they still cause sleepiness and changes in appetite. Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, (Strattera), are used to treat adults with ADHD if stimulants do not work or cause unwanted adverse effects. These medications do not alter your norepinephrine or dopamine however they do increase the brain's supply of norepinephrine and improve your concentration. These medicines come in capsules and can be taken once or twice a day. Many people with ADHD may also suffer from other psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions are known as comorbidities, and they can affect how you respond to ADHD treatment. It is essential to treat any comorbid disorders prior to beginning treatment for ADHD. People with a history addiction to drugs are more likely to use psychostimulants. This is why it's generally advised to wait until the patient has quit using substances before considering treatment with stimulants to treat ADHD. Psychotherapy Psychotherapy is a method of therapy that involves talking and discussing topics that are troubling or disturbing to a person. The therapist listens and offers advice based on her education, training and experience as well as professional qualifications and therapeutic philosophies. Psychotherapy could be short-term (a few weeks or months) dealing with immediate issues, or long-term (months or years) where a person is working to address more complex and long-standing issues. The duration and frequency of treatment is decided by the patient and therapist together. Psychotherapy and medication are an extremely effective way to treat adults with ADHD. Behavioral therapy helps people improve their organizational skills, time management and prioritizing. It can also teach methods for managing emotions like anger and frustration. treatments for adhd Iam Psychiatry of medication can help reduce symptoms and improve concentration, which results in more efficient and successful work and academic performance. Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to be affected by co-existing issues, especially mood disorders like depression and anxiety. Before starting treatment for ADHD, it is important to treat any co-existing conditions. The treatment of co-existing conditions could require different types of medication and doses than the medications prescribed to treat ADHD. A person who suffers from ADHD may also be suffering from hypertension. Finding a medication that can treat the ADHD symptoms, but does not alter the patient's hypertension that is controlled requires knowledge of how various medications affect people over time, as well as an understanding of the interactions between different medications. It's crucial to locate a therapist who has had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD and with whom you are at ease. It's also important to arrange your first few sessions when you're not distracted by your family obligations or work obligations. Counseling Adults with ADHD have many difficulties in their lives, such as issues in their relationships and at work. The person who has ADHD might also experience anger, frustration and blame that has developed over time. A variety of psychosocial treatments have been proven to aid them and their families learn new attitudes, skills and ways of communicating. Psychotherapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals modify their thinking and behavior. It involves goal-setting, training and practicing of skills, and methods of teaching to improve self-esteem and organizational skills. This can be accomplished individually or in a group setting. Metacognitive therapy has proven to significantly reduce symptoms among adults with ADHD and improve their performance (Stevenson, et al., 2002). In addition to psychotherapy, some people with ADHD also require counseling to deal with specific life difficulties. These difficulties could include family conflicts, aggressive or impulsive behaviors, or difficulty in dealing with disappointments and failures. Counseling can teach the skills to manage these situations, improve communication, and increase problem-solving capabilities. It can also enhance relationships, particularly in marriages and other long-term relationships. Family therapy and supportive groups therapy are also types of psychotherapy that could be used to treat ADHD. These can help families cope with the anxiety of having a child with ADHD and teach skills to improve communication and reduce conflicts. It also helps parents understand the disorder and develop parenting strategies that encourage positive outcomes for their children. Adults suffering from ADHD should discuss their medication regularly with their doctors and also disclose any other medications, such as over-the counter drugs. Some medications can interact with certain medications or trigger side effects that are worsened by other medications. Medication Monitoring After a thorough examination and diagnosis is made, it is important to monitor the patient to ensure that they are receiving the benefits of the medication and not experiencing side effects. It is recommended to see patients for initial clinical assessment within 30 days after starting treatment and then every month after that. For psychostimulants (methylphenidate amphetamines) this allows for a the gradual titration of an effective and well-tolerated dose. This allows accurate registration of the patient's reaction and prevents the patient from being a the patient with a sensitive response on doses that are not sufficient. Adults who aren't responding well to stimulant medication or who have unwanted side effects that are difficult to tolerate might benefit from non-stimulant drugs. This is usually the case with the methylphenidate based atomoxetine alternatives. Adults with ADHD are often affected by comorbid disorders like depression or substance abuse. Additionally, they may suffer from persistent sleep disturbances or medical problems such as hearing and vision disorders. It is important to screen and analyze these conditions as part of the initial evaluation for ADHD since these can have significant impact on functional impairment in adults. ADHD can also be treated through marital therapy. Couples complain of being overwhelmed by the caretaking duties of their spouses who suffer from ADHD and can be angry or resentful in response. The way to reduce resentment is by increasing the patient's understanding of his/her condition, and helping them to understand that the symptoms aren't due to a lack in affection or willfulness. Couples who undergo this type of therapy usually experience improved family functioning. Behavioral Therapy For those who suffer from ADHD, psychotherapy is generally recommended and should include the cognitive-behavioral aspect. Behavioral therapy helps patients learn to improve their organizational skills and focus and control their the impulsive behavior. It helps patients manage their work, social, and home situations more effectively. Psychotherapy also helps patients understand how their disorder affects different areas of their lives and relationships. This can help decrease the shame and low self-esteem that are often experienced by adults with ADHD, who may be viewed as lazy or insufficiently intelligent. Many psychiatric disorders be akin to ADHD symptoms. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders and depression. If it is necessary, the presence of other psychiatric disorders should be analyzed to determine whether ADHD symptoms are a result of them. A combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy is usually recommended for the treatment of ADHD in adults. It has been proven that when a combination of medication and psychotherapy is employed the results are superior than either treatment alone. Future controlled studies will aim to track and evaluate improvements in functional performance, for example, better functioning at school, the workplace, and interpersonal relationships.