Treatment For Adults ADHD
Counseling (psychotherapy) and medications are used to treat adults with adhd. The drugs used include stimulants non-stimulants, and antidepressants. It could take time to determine the appropriate medication and dose. Regular clinical monitoring is important.
People suffering from ADHD frequently forget obligations and appointments they make impulsive decisions and have trouble maintaining relationships. Therapy and classes in communication can be helpful.
Stimulants
The most common medication used to treat ADHD is stimulants. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which affect attention and impulsivity.
Stimulant drugs are used in around 70% of people with ADHD. They can reduce hyperactivity and fidgeting. They also aid in efficiency and help people finish tasks. They can also improve relationships. They can cause negative side effects that are serious. adult add treatments of these side effects are headaches, a loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping. These side effects typically go away with time. It's crucial to use the stimulant medication in a proper way. This means taking the medication three or four time a day, and not skipping a dose. It is essential to take the exact dose every time, and not to overdose. If you don't take your medication properly may develop resistance to it.
The majority of stimulants fall into one of two classes that include amphetamines and methylphenidates. Methylphenidates are the most popular and have less side effects than amphetamines. They work by increasing levels of norepinephrine, a chemical that helps people focus their minds and manage their impulses. Amphetamines are more powerful than methylphenidates. They could cause more negative side effects. They can cause dryness of the mouth, elevated blood pressure, and a rapid heart rate.
Long-acting stimulant medicines are the standard for treatment of ADHD for adults. These last up to 24 hours. People who use them regularly notice they have better control over their focus, attention, and impulse control. They also help people feel more relaxed and calm. These medicines are favored by the majority of patients over drugs that work in a short time that can be only taken as needed and last 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 not taking it at work or school.
Non-stimulant drugs for ADHD take longer to begin working than stimulants. They can be helpful as a starting point for finding the right medicine for you, or be used in conjunction with stimulants. These drugs don't have the same addiction and risk of abuse as stimulants, however they can cause problems like insomnia and irritability. Examples of these medications include atomoxetine (Strateva) and bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD in adulthood is a type of talk therapy which can improve relationships, self-esteem and organizational skills. It focuses on changing negative thoughts that lead to poor behaviors and learning coping techniques. This type of CBT is typically conducted in a group setting.
A study has found that those with ADHD who participated in a CBT program had improved their ability to manage and their social and professional life. It also decreased symptoms like impulsivity as well as depression.
Counseling for the family and marriage can help spouses or partners with ADHD learn to be supportive without blaming their loved one for the issues caused by ADHD. It can also teach them how to reduce conflicts in their relationships by expressing more truthfully about each other's needs and expectations.