Treatment For Adults ADHD
Treatment for adults with adhd includes counseling (psychotherapy) and medication. The medications used include stimulants, nonstimulants, and certain antidepressants. Finding the right medication can take a while. It is crucial to maintain regular clinical monitoring.
People suffering from ADHD tend to forget appointments and responsibilities. They are also prone to making impulsive choices and have difficulty maintaining relationships. Therapy and classes that teach how to communicate can be beneficial.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most commonly used medication to treat ADHD in adults. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that affect attention and impulsivity.
About 70% of those who suffer from ADHD respond to stimulant drugs. They can reduce the amount of fidgeting and hyperactivity. They can also improve efficiency and help people finish tasks. They can also improve relationships. They can have serious side effects. Some of them include loss of appetite headaches, nausea, and trouble sleeping. These effects usually disappear with time. It is important to use stimulant medications correctly. This means taking the medication three or four time a day, and not skipping the dose. It is essential to take the exact same dose every time, and to avoid overdose. People who do not use their medication properly can develop a resistance to it.
Most stimulants are classified into two classes of drugs which are amphetamines and the methylphenidates. Methylphenidates, the most common stimulants, have less side-effects than amphetamines. They function by increasing the levels of norepinephrine. This chemical helps people to focus and control impulses. Amphetamines may be more powerful than methylphenidates, and they may cause more side effects. These include weight loss, dryness of mouth, elevated blood pressure, and a rapid heart rate.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with stimulant drugs that have a long-acting effect. These last up to 24 hour. People who use them regularly find they can get better control of their attention, focus, and impulse control. They can also make people feel more relaxed and calm. adhd treatment for adults are preferred by the majority of patients over short-acting drugs that can be taken only as needed and last up to four hours. These medications are a good option for those who forget to take their medication regularly throughout the day or worry about not taking it at work or school.
Non-stimulant medications for ADHD take longer to begin working than stimulants. They are a good option as a starting point for finding the right medication for you, or they can be used alongside stimulants. They don't have the same danger of abuse and addiction as stimulants, but they can still cause problems such as insomnia or irritability. These medications include atomoxetine bupropion, and Strateva.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD in adulthood is a type of therapy that helps improve relationships, self-esteem and organizational skills. It focuses on changing negative thoughts that contribute to bad behavior and teaches strategies for coping. This type of CBT typically is conducted in groups.
A research study found people with ADHD who participated in a CBT program improved their ability to organize as well as their professional and social life. It also helped to reduce symptoms like depression and impulsivity.
Counseling in the family and marriage can help spouses and partners who have ADHD learn to support them without blaming the loved one for the problems caused by ADHD. It can help them understand how to minimize conflicts by being more transparent about each other's expectations and requirements.