Treatment For Adults ADHD
Treatment for adults with adhd includes counseling (psychotherapy) and medication. The drugs used include stimulants nonstimulants, as well as certain antidepressants. Finding the right medication can take a while. treating adult adhd is essential.
People suffering from ADHD are prone to forgetting appointments and responsibilities. They also tend to make unintentional choices and have difficulty maintaining relationships. Therapy and classes in communication can help.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most frequently used medication to treat ADHD in adults. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which affect attention and impulsivity.
Stimulant drugs are used in around 70% of people suffering from ADHD. They can reduce fidgeting and hyperactivity, improve the organization of people and help them complete tasks. They can also improve relationships. They can also cause serious adverse effects. Some of them include weight loss headaches, nausea, and difficulty sleeping. These side effects usually disappear over time. It's important to use the stimulant medication properly. This means taking the medication at least three or four time a day, and not skipping the dose. It's also important to take the same dose every time and not overdose. People who don't use their medication properly might develop resistance to it.
treating adhd in adults of stimulants fall into one of two drug classes that include amphetamines and methylphenidates. Methylphenidates, the most common stimulants, have fewer side-effects than amphetamines. They work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine. This chemical aids people to think clearly and control impulses. Amphetamines can be a bit more powerful than methylphenidates, and could cause more negative side effects, including dry mouth, weight loss and a rapid heart rate, and elevated blood pressure.
Long-acting stimulant medicines are the norm for treatment of ADHD for adults. They can be used for up to 24 hours. People who use them regularly discover they are able to gain better control of their focus, attention and the impulsivity. They can also make people feel more calm and relaxed. These medications are preferred by a majority of patients over drugs that work in a short time that can be taken as often as is required and last for up to four hours. These medications are a great option for those who forget to take their medication on a regular basis 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 are a good option as a first step to finding the right medicine for you, or they can be used alongside stimulants. They don't pose the same risk of abuse or addiction as stimulants, but they could still cause issues like irritability or insomnia. Examples of these medications include atomoxetine (Strateva) and bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD in adulthood is a type of talk therapy that can improve relationships, self-esteem and organizational skills. It focuses on changing negative thoughts that lead to poor behavior and learning ways to cope. This type of CBT is typically performed in a group environment.
A research study found people with ADHD who participated in a CBT program had improved their ability to organize and their social and professional life. It also reduced symptoms like depression and impulsivity.
Counseling in the family or marriage can help spouses and partners with ADHD learn to support them without blaming the loved one for the problems caused by ADHD. It can also teach them ways to reduce conflict in their relationship by speaking more openly about their needs and expectations.