Treatment For Adults ADHD
Treatment for adults with adhd consists of counseling (psychotherapy) and medication. Medications used include stimulants, nonstimulants, as well as certain antidepressants. Finding the right medication can take some time. It is important to have regular clinical monitoring.
People suffering from ADHD frequently forget appointments and responsibilities they make impulsive decisions and struggle to maintain relationships. Therapy and classes that help develop communication skills can help.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD in adults. They increase levels of certain chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters, which affect the way we think and react.
Stimulant medications work in about 70% of those with ADHD. adhd in adults treatment can reduce the amount of fidgeting and hyperactivity. They can also improve organization and help people complete tasks. They can also improve relationships. They can cause serious side effects. Some of them include a loss of appetite, headaches, and trouble sleeping. These side effects tend to diminish with time. It's important to use the stimulant medication properly. It means taking the medication three or four times per day, and not skipping the dosage. It's important to take the exact same dose every time, and to avoid overdose. People who do not use their medication correctly may develop a resistance.
The majority of stimulants fall under one of two classes that include amphetamines and methylphenidates. Methylphenidates are the most commonly used stimulants, have less side-effects than amphetamines. They function by increasing the levels of norepinephrine. This chemical aids people to focus and control impulses. Amphetamines are more powerful than methylphenidates and could cause more negative side effects. These include dryness of the mouth, elevated blood pressure, and a fast heart rate.
Long-acting stimulant medicines are the most common treatment of ADHD for adults. These last up to 24 hours. Regular users can manage their focus, attention and impulsivity better. They also help people feel more calm and relaxed. These medications are preferred by most patients over the short-acting medications which are taken as often as is required and last up to four hours. These medications are a great option for those 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 effect their effects than stimulants. They are a good option as a starting point for finding the right medicine for you, or be used alongside stimulants. They don't pose the same danger of addiction and abuse as stimulants, however they can still cause problems like insomnia or irritability. These medications include atomoxetine bupropion and Strateva.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD in adulthood is a type of talk therapy which can improve self-esteem, relationships, and organizational skills. It focuses on changing negative thoughts that can lead to poor behavior and acquiring strategies for coping. This type of CBT is generally conducted in a group setting.
A research study found that when those with ADHD took part in a CBT program, they improved their ability to organize and their social and work lives. It also helped to reduce symptoms like impulsivity and depression.
Family and marital counseling can help the spouses or partners of people with ADHD learn how to help their loved ones without blame for problems that are caused by their ADHD. It can help them learn how to manage conflict by being more honest about their expectations and needs.