Treating ADHD With Medications
Many people with ADHD also have other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can affect the effectiveness of ADHD medication and vice versa.
Health professionals use standardized ADHD scales for assessing symptoms and psychological tests to evaluate an individual's symptoms. They may suggest lab or medical exams to rule out medical conditions that may cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD.
Medicines
Medications are the cornerstone of treatment for ADHD and help people focus and stay focused. They also reduce the risk of impulsive behavior. They can improve school, work and family life. They also aid in getting to sleep better, so they are more refreshed in the morning and are less likely to make poor decisions throughout the day. The medications can be used by themselves or in conjunction with other treatments, such as therapy, diet or lifestyle modifications.
Stimulants, which are the most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD are effective in increasing and balancing certain chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters. The two stimulants most commonly used to treat adult ADHD are methylphenidate and amphetamine (brand names include Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall XR and Focalin XR). Adults suffering from ADHD are also treated with antidepressants such as bupropion and atomoxetine, a nonstimulant. Many adults experiment with a variety of medication types and doses to determine what is most effective for them.
It can take some time to find the best combination of medications for a person who is taking ADHD medication. A nurse or doctor may prescribe a lower dose and then observe the patient's response before recommending a higher dosage. They can alter the dosage to prevent side effects, such as stomach upset or drowsiness. They could suggest a change to diet and vitamins to improve the medication's effectiveness.
A patient's need for ADHD medication can change over time, especially when life-altering events occur. Consult your doctor if you're having problems at school or at work. Supervisors and coworkers are typically open and willing to make minor accommodations for a person with ADHD to perform their duties. Getting on a regular sleep schedule can also dramatically improve the symptoms of ADHD.
Therapists can help people develop new skills to cope and overcome their symptoms, whether they are at work, in their home or with their relationships. This type of therapy may be conducted one-on-one or in groups and focuses on changing the negative behavior to positive ones. Counseling can help family members learn how to help someone who has ADHD.
add treatment for adults and other psychosocial therapies can help improve the symptoms of ADHD. Often, medication is combined with these methods of treatment to enhance the outcomes. Adult ADHD medications include stimulants and nonstimulants. The drugs can help people concentrate better and less impulsive, as well as feel calmer. They also aid in helping them practice and learn new skills. These drugs are effective for the majority of people suffering from ADHD and their effects are long-lasting. The medications are not habit-forming and don't lead to addiction. However, those with a history of substance addiction disorders should be evaluated before starting these medicines.
Many people with ADHD struggle to focus at school and work which can lead to problems for their careers and relationships. Counseling can teach them ways to improve their ability to listen, concentrate and follow directions at work or in school. This will improve their performance and help them build confidence. Some therapists specialize in working with people with ADHD.
The practice of behavior therapy can be carried out by individuals, in groups or with family members. Behavioral therapy is the process of modifying the environment to make it more conducive to concentration and focus and assisting people to discern what triggers behavior problems and what motivates them. It may also include training in coping techniques and exposure therapy to help people overcome their fears.
Therapists can help with the emotional issues related to ADHD. They can also help you learn strategies to improve your family and marriage life. They can assist you in managing your finances, organize your tasks, and cope with stress in your daily life. They can also help people and their families understand ADHD and educate them on ways to support the person who suffers from it.
Some people suffering from ADHD develop depression and anxiety disorders that can be difficult to treat. These comorbid disorders can make it difficult to cope with the symptoms of ADHD. To find out if there are underlying conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms an extensive medical history should be taken. Patients with a history of seizures, developmental disorder hearing or sight issues and sleep apnea need an additional evaluation, and perhaps other treatment.
Medication Tests
Medicines are most effective in reducing the primary symptoms of ADHD by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine (brain molecules that help in the transmission of messages from one brain cell] to another). Practitioners cannot know ahead of time what drug will be most effective for an individual, but they can determine which drug and dosage is the most effective through a medication trial. The typical trial begins with a low dose that is slowly increased at 3-7 day intervals until clinical benefits are realized.
A thorough medical history is essential as many medical conditions mimic the symptoms of ADHD. These include developmental disorders and psychiatric disorders like anxiety and depression, learning and language deficits, and some medical problems such as thyroid disorder, lead poisoning, the loss of vision or hearing.
There are a myriad of medications that can be utilized to treat people suffering from ADHD. The most common are stimulant drugs. However there are other medications too. These may include antidepressants that have a direct effect on the brain chemical norepinephrine or certain anticholinergic agents that decrease symptoms by reducing the activity of the dopamine neurotransmitter. Some of these medications are not recommended for use in children, so an experienced psychiatrist or neurologist is recommended when prescribing them to an adult.
Behavioral therapy can be helpful in treating ADHD for adults. Therapists can help people and families learn practical techniques to assist them in managing their ADHD symptoms. This includes time management and organizational strategies. They can also provide emotional support and teach strategies for coping. Family and marriage therapy is a great option to help those with ADHD learn how to communicate effectively and resolve conflicts.
For certain adults, the most important treatment for their ADHD is to improve their sleep habits. A regular bedtime, and adequate quality sleep can make a significant difference in their ability focus and behave as well as concentrate.
Other treatment options for ADHD for adults include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a talking therapy that helps people change their patterns of thinking and behavior and lifestyle changes, such as diet modification. Some people can lessen ADHD symptoms by changing their diet, but you should consult with your doctor before making any changes. Certain food items and supplements can worsen symptoms, or cause them to disappear.
Other Treatments
Adult ADHD is treated with a combination of psychosocial therapy and medications. These medications help people focus and organize which makes it easier to manage tasks and maintain relationships. Psychosocial treatments help people learn skills that can reduce their symptoms and improve how they perform in their daily lives, such as managing time and organizing strategies. These treatments can be beneficial for those who don't respond well to medication.
Behavioral coaching is a successful method of therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. It helps them develop life skills like managing their time, money, prioritizing their tasks, and enhancing their organization skills. These coaches are not like traditional talk therapy which is focused on emotional issues. Instead, they assist clients manage their behavior. Often, these coaches work long-distance and do not meet their clients in person.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other mental health issues, such as major depression or bipolar disorder and addiction issues. These disorders can cause a lot of anxiety and affect everyday functioning, so addressing these conditions is usually prior to beginning any ADHD treatment. Certain medications used to treat other disorders such as bupropion, (Wellbutrin) and atomoxetine (Prozac) can aid in treating ADHD.
Yoga and meditation are non-medication treatments that can help to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing attention and focus and decreasing impulsivity. These techniques for calming can be taught to individuals or groups. Other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talking therapy that aims to change the way people feel about a situation and can be done by a therapist in person or on the internet.
Adults with ADHD often have sleep problems and a lack of rest can exacerbate symptoms. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and staying away from caffeine at night can help reduce this.
The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is the combination of psychosocial therapy and medication. Some people notice a dramatic improvement after taking medication, whereas others might not. It can take some time to determine the appropriate dosage and regimen. Work with your doctor to reap the maximum benefit.