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Treatment of ADHD in Adults Treatment of adhd in adults is based on therapy, medication and family support. People can also participate in clinical trials to test new methods of treating ADHD. The stimulant medications are the most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They must be monitored regularly. This includes monthly clinical appointments and frequent examinations of symptoms. Medicines There are many drugs that can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. These medications are called psychostimulants. They work by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain that transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will recommend the best medication for you and determine the most appropriate dosage and time to take it. It could take a while to determine the proper dosage and medication to control your symptoms. Stimulants are usually the first prescribed medication by doctors for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which improve your ability to concentrate and manage impulses. The medications are available in short-, medium-and long-acting forms. Short-acting stimulants last around 6 hours, intermediate-acting medicines last between 8 and 10 hours, and long-acting drugs last up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants have fewer adverse effects than shorter- or intermediate-acting medications, but they still cause an increase in appetite and sleepiness. Nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine (Strattera) are used to treat adult ADHD if stimulants do not work or cause unwanted side effects. These medications don't affect your norepinephrine or dopamine however they do increase your brain's availability of norepinephrine. They also improve your ability to concentrate. These capsules are taken once or two times a day. Some adults with ADHD suffer from co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety. These conditions are known as comorbidities and can influence how you respond to ADHD treatment. It is essential to treat any comorbid disorders prior to beginning treatment for ADHD. For instance, people who have a history of substance use disorder are more likely to abuse psychostimulants. It is recommended to wait until a person has quit using drugs before treating them with stimulants. Psychotherapy Psychotherapy is a method of therapy that involves discussing and talking about topics that cause anxiety or are disturbing to the person. The therapist listens and offers guidance based on his or her training, education as well as experience professional credentials and therapeutic theories. Psychotherapy can be short-term, (a few weeks or months) or addressing more immediate issues, or long-term. The duration and frequency of the treatment is determined by the patient and therapist together. The combination of psychotherapy and medication together is an extremely effective treatment for adults with ADHD. Behavioral therapy helps people improve their ability to manage their time, organize and prioritizing. It can also teach strategies for managing emotions like anger and frustration. Medication can reduce symptoms, improve focus, and result in better academic and work performance. Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-existing conditions, particularly mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. It is crucial that any co-existing conditions be treated before beginning treatment for ADHD. Treatment of co-existing disorders may require different types and dosages of medication than the ones used to treat ADHD. A person suffering from ADHD may also be suffering from hypertension. Choosing a medication that treats the ADHD symptoms but doesn't destabilize the patient's hypertension which is being controlled requires knowledge of how different medications affect individuals over time and an understanding of the interactions between different medications. It is important to choose a therapy provider with whom you have a good relations, and who is experienced in treating adults suffering from ADHD. It is also crucial to schedule your first few sessions during times when you won't be distracted by family responsibilities or work obligations. Counseling Adults who suffer from ADHD typically face a variety of life challenges, including relationships and work issues. A person with ADHD may be prone to anger, frustration and blame that has built up over time. Psychosocial treatments can help patients and their families develop new attitudes, skills and ways of relating. Psychotherapy can also include cognitive behavioral therapy, a form of psychotherapy that aids individuals to change their thinking and behavior. It involves goal-setting, skill training and practice, and methods of teaching to increase self-esteem and organizational skills. It may be done in group or individual sessions. A few studies have proven that treatment for metacognitive disorders can reduce symptoms and improve performance for adults suffering from ADHD (Stevenson et al, 2002). Certain people with ADHD may also require therapy to help them overcome certain issues in their lives. These difficulties could include family conflicts, impulsive or aggressive behaviors, and difficulty coping with disappointments and failures. Counseling can help develop strategies to help manage these situations and improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. It can also improve relationships, particularly in marriages and other long-term partnerships. Family therapy and supportive groups therapy are also types of psychotherapy that can be used to treat ADHD. These therapies can help families cope and improve their skills to manage conflict and improve communication when dealing with children who have ADHD. It also helps parents recognize the symptoms and develop parenting styles that promote positive outcomes for their children. Adults with ADHD should discuss their medication regularly with their doctors and also disclose any other medications, including over the prescription drugs. Certain medications can interact with certain medications or trigger adverse effects that are exacerbated by other medications. Medication Monitoring After a thorough evaluation and diagnosis is made, it is crucial to monitor the patient to ensure he/she is getting the benefits of medication and not experiencing side effects. It is recommended to visit the patient for the initial clinical assessment within 30 days of beginning treatment and every month thereafter. This will allow for an accurate titration of psychostimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, to a well-tolerated, effective dose. This allows for a precise registration of the patient's response. It also assists in avoiding keeping sensitive patients taking insufficient doses (slow metabolizers) or forcing those who require higher doses to excessively high levels (rapid metabolizers). treating adult adhd who do not respond well to stimulant medications or who have unwanted side effects that are difficult to tolerate might benefit from non-stimulant drugs. Typically this involves the use of atomoxetine, or other methylphenidate alternatives. Adults suffering from ADHD typically suffer from comorbid disorders such as mood or anxiety disorder, substance abuse issues or depression. Moreover, they may have persistent sleep disturbances or medical issues such as hearing and vision disorders. As part of the initial evaluation for ADHD it is crucial to screen these conditions and assess their severity. These conditions could have a significant impact on functional impairments for adults. ADHD can also be controlled through marital therapy. Spouses report feeling overburdened with the caretaking responsibilities of their spouses who suffer from ADHD and may be angry or resentful due to this. Reduced resentment can be achieved by enhancing the patient's awareness of their condition, and helping them understand that the symptoms aren't the result of a lack in love or willfulness. Couples who undergo this type of therapy generally experience a better family functioning. Behavioral Therapy For people who suffer from ADHD, psychotherapy is generally recommended and should incorporate an element of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy assists patients in improving their organizational skills, focus and control their impulsive behaviors. It helps patients manage their work, home and social settings in more productive ways. treating add in adults helps patients understand how their condition affects various aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help decrease the shame and low self-esteem that is commonly seen in adults with ADHD who are considered lazy or less intelligent. Many psychiatric disorders may mimic ADHD symptoms. For example, anxiety disorders occur at a high rate in adults ADHD patients and depression is observed at higher levels in adults with the disorder. The presence of other mental health issues should be analyzed in order to determine if the patient's ADHD symptoms are connected to them. Adults with ADHD are typically treated with the combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been shown that when a combination of medication and psychotherapy is employed results are more favorable than treatment on its own. Future controlled medication studies should aim to measure and track the improvement in functional aspects such as improved functioning at school, workplace and interpersonal relationships.