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Treatment of ADHD in Adults Adults with adhd are treated by therapy, medication and support from the family. Individuals can also take part in clinical trials to try new ways of treating ADHD. Stimulant medications are the most effective treatment for adults with ADHD. But they need to be monitored regularly. This includes regular clinical appointments, and frequent reviews of symptoms and side effects. Medicines There are many medications that can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. These medications are called psychostimulants. They function by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain that transmit messages between nerve cell. Your doctor will choose the appropriate medication for you, and determine the best dosage and timetable. It may take some time to determine the appropriate dosage and medication that will control your symptoms. Stimulants are often the first medication doctors prescribe for adults with ADHD. They increase the amount of dopamine in your brain, and also norepinephrine which helps you to control your thoughts and keep your focus. These medications are available in short-, medium- and long-acting versions. Short-acting stimulants last around 6 hours, intermediate-acting medications last between 8 and 10 hours, while long-acting medicines last up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely cause side effects than intermediate- or shorter-acting medications. However, they may still cause sleepiness and change in appetite. Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, (Strattera) are used to treat adults with ADHD when stimulants don't perform or cause unwanted side effects. These medications don't affect your norepinephrine or dopamine, but they increase the amount of norepinephrine and improve your ability to concentrate. These medications are in capsule form and are taken either twice or three times each day. Some adults with ADHD also suffer from other mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions are referred to as comorbidities and may influence how you respond to ADHD treatment. Before starting treatment for ADHD it is important to address any comorbid issues. For instance, people who have an history of using substances disorder may be more likely to use psychostimulants. For this reason, it's generally advised to wait until a person has removed themselves from using substances before evaluating treatment with stimulants for ADHD. 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 provides advice based on their education, training and experience as well as professional qualifications and therapeutic theories. Psychotherapy can be short-term (a few weeks or even months) or addressing more immediate issues, or more long-term. The duration and frequency of the treatment are determined by the therapist and patient together. The combination of psychotherapy and medication together is a highly effective treatment for adults with ADHD. Behavioral therapy helps people improve their organizational skills, time management and prioritizing; it can also teach techniques for managing emotions such as 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 have co-existing issues, especially mood disorders like anxiety and depression. It is essential that any co-existing condition be addressed prior to beginning treatment for ADHD. Treatment of co-existing disorders may require different types and doses of medication than those used to treat ADHD. For instance, a patient with ADHD could also be suffering from hypertension. Selecting a medication that addresses the ADHD symptoms but does not affect 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 medications. It's important that you find a therapist who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD and with whom you are at ease. It's important to schedule your initial sessions at times when you aren't distracted by family or work obligations. Counseling Adults with ADHD often have many problems in their lives, such as work and relationship problems. People with ADHD can also experience anger, frustration and blame that have built up over time. Numerous psychosocial therapies have been proven to help them and their families develop new attitudes, skills and ways of relating. Psychotherapy can include cognitive behavior therapy, which is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals change their behavior and thinking. It includes goal-setting, skill training and practice, as well as methods of teaching to increase self-esteem and organizational skills. It can be conducted in groups or individually. Metacognitive therapy has proven to significantly reduce symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and improve their functioning (Stevenson, et al. 2002). In addition to psychotherapy, some individuals with ADHD require counseling to deal with specific life issues. This could include family conflict, impulsive or aggressive behavior, or difficulty dealing with failures and disappointments. Counseling can teach the strategies to manage these situations, improve communication, and improve problem-solving skills. It can also improve interpersonal relationships, particularly in long-term marriages or other relationships. Family therapy and supportive group therapy are other forms of psychotherapy that can be utilized to treat ADHD. These can help families deal with the anxiety of having a child with ADHD, as well as help improve communication and reduce conflict. It can aid parents understand the disorder and develop parenting strategies that promote positive outcomes for their children. Adults suffering from ADHD should discuss their medications regularly with their doctors and inform them of any other medications, including over-the counter drugs. Certain medications can cause side effects or interact with other medications. Medication Monitoring After a thorough evaluation and diagnosis, it is crucial to monitor the patient's condition to ensure that he/she reaps the benefits of the medication and doesn't experience side effects. It is recommended to see patients for initial clinical monitoring within 30days of starting treatment, and then every month following that. For psychostimulants (methylphenidate amphetamines, methylphenidate) this allows for a the gradual titration of an effective and well-tolerated dose. This permits accurate recording of the patient's reaction and prevents the patient from being a sensitive patient on insufficient doses. Adults who aren't responding well to stimulant medications or have side effects that are intolerable might benefit from non-stimulant drugs. Typically this involves the use of atomoxetine or other methylphenidate alternatives. Adults suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring disorders such as mood or anxiety disorder, substance abuse problems or depression. Additionally, they may suffer from persistent sleep disturbances or medical issues such as hearing and vision problems. As part of the initial assessment for ADHD, it is important to detect these conditions and assess their severity. These conditions could have a significant impact on functional impairments in adults. Marital therapy can also be beneficial in the treatment of ADHD. Spouses report feeling overburdened with the responsibilities of caring for their spouses who suffer from ADHD and may be angry or resentful as a consequence. Making the patient aware of the signs of their condition and helping to understand that these are not willful actions or lack of love can help to reduce resentment and marital difficulties. Couples who go through this type of therapy tend to have better family functioning. Behavioral Therapy For those who suffer from ADHD, psychotherapy is generally recommended and should include an element of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy assists patients in improving their focus, organization skills and control their impulsive behaviors. It teaches patients to manage their home, work and social settings in more productive ways. Psychotherapy also helps patients understand how their disorder affects various aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help reduce the feelings of shame and low self-esteem that are often felt by adults with ADHD. adhd adults treatment might be perceived by others as being lazy or less intelligent. Many psychiatric disorders may mimic ADHD symptoms. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to be suffering from depression and anxiety disorders. If needed the presence of any other psychiatric disorders must be evaluated to determine whether ADHD symptoms are caused by them. Adults with ADHD are usually treated with the combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been established that a combination of psychotherapy and medication can produce better results than either treatment by itself. Future controlled medication studies will attempt to monitor and evaluate functional improvements, such as improved functioning in school, the workplace, and interpersonal relationships.