Treatment For Adults ADHD
Treatment for adults with adhd includes counseling (psychotherapy) and medication. The medications used include stimulants and nonstimulants, as well with certain antidepressants. It may take time to determine the appropriate medication and dose. It is crucial to monitor your clinical condition regularly.
People with ADHD tend to forget appointments and responsibilities. They also tend to make impulsive choices and have difficulty maintaining relationships. Communication classes and therapy can be helpful.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medication for treating ADHD in adults. They boost levels of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters that influence the ability to focus and impulsivity.
Around 70% of people with ADHD respond to stimulant medications. They can help reduce the amount of fidgeting and hyperactivity. They can also improve efficiency and help people finish tasks. They can also improve relationships. treating add can also cause serious adverse effects. Some of these side effects are headaches, a loss of appetite and sleeplessness. These side effects usually subside with time. It is essential to use stimulant medications in a controlled manner. This means taking it three or four times per day and not ignoring doses. It's also essential to take the same dose each time and not overdose. If you don't use their medication in a proper manner can develop a resistance to it.
The majority of stimulants are classified into two classes of drugs amphetamines and methylphenidates. Methylphenidates are the most common and have fewer side effects than amphetamines. They work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine a chemical that helps people concentrate and control their impulses. Amphetamines may be more powerful than methylphenidates and may cause more side effects. They may cause weight loss, dryness of mouth, elevated blood pressure, and a rapid heart rate.
Long-acting stimulant drugs are the most common treatment of ADHD in adults. These work for up to 24 hours. Regular users can manage their attention, focus and impulsivity better. They also help them feel more relaxed and calm. They are preferred by a majority of patients over drugs that work in a short time that can be taken only as required and last for up to four hours. These medications are a good choice for people who forget to take their medication regularly throughout the day, or worry about forgetting it at work or school.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes longer to take effect than stimulants. They can be helpful as a start to finding the right medicine for you, or they can be used in conjunction with stimulants. They don't carry the same risk of addiction and abuse as stimulants, but they could still cause issues such as insomnia or irritability. Examples of these drugs include atomoxetine (Strateva) and bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD in adulthood is a kind of talk therapy that can improve self-esteem, relationships and organizational abilities. It focuses on changing the negative thoughts that cause poor behaviors and learning strategies for coping. This type of CBT is generally performed in a group environment.
A study showed that people with ADHD who participated in a CBT program had improved their ability to organize and manage their professional and social life. It also reduced symptoms such as impulsivity and depression.
Counseling in the family and marriage can help spouses or partners who have ADHD learn to support them without blaming their loved one for the issues caused by ADHD. It can help them learn how to minimize conflict by being more honest about expectations and needs.