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. Finding the right medication may take a while. It is crucial to monitor your clinical condition regularly.
adults adhd treatment with ADHD often forget appointments and responsibilities as well as make impulsive choices and struggle to maintain relationships. Therapy and classes in communication can be helpful.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most commonly used medication to treat ADHD in adults. They increase the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain, which affect attention and impulsivity.
Around 70% of people with ADHD respond to stimulant medication. They can help reduce hyperactivity and fidgeting, improve organization, and help people complete their tasks. They can also improve relationships. They can cause severe side effects. Some of them include loss of appetite headaches, nausea, and difficulty sleeping. These side effects usually subside over time. It is essential to use stimulant medications correctly. It means taking the medication three or four times a day, and never missing the dosage. It's also important to take the same dose each time and not overdose. If you don't take your medication correctly may develop resistance to it.
The majority of stimulants fall into one of two drug classes that include amphetamines and methylphenidates. Methylphenidates are most commonly used and have fewer adverse effects than amphetamines. They work by increasing levels of norepinephrine, a chemical that helps people think clearly and control their impulses. Amphetamines are stronger than methylphenidates, and could cause more negative side effects, including dry mouth, weight loss, a fast heart rate, and an increase in blood pressure.
Long-acting stimulant drugs are the norm for treatment of ADHD in adults. These work for up to 24 hours. People who regularly use them discover they are able to gain better control of their attention, focus and the impulsivity. They can also make them feel more calm and relaxed. Many patients who receive these medication prefer them over shorter-acting drugs that can be taken as required and can last for up to four hours. These medicines are a great choice for people who forget 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 take effect than stimulants. They can be helpful as a first step to finding the right medicine for you, or they can be used in conjunction with stimulants. They don't pose the same danger of abuse and addiction as stimulants, but they can cause issues such as insomnia or irritability. These medications include atomoxetine bupropion, and Strateva.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for ADHD in adults is a type of therapy through which you can aid in improving self-esteem, organizational skills and relationships. It focuses on changing the negative thoughts that lead to poor behaviors and learning strategies for coping. This type of CBT typically takes place in groups.
A study has found that those with ADHD who participated in a CBT program improved their ability to organize and manage their professional and social life. It also helped reduce symptoms such as impulsivity and depression.
Family and marital counseling can help the spouses or partners of people with ADHD learn how to support their loved ones without blaming them for problems that are caused by their ADHD. It can teach them how to manage conflicts by being more transparent about each other's expectations and needs.