goess14@rx6.sarahconner.co.uk – https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adhd-treatment-for-adults/

Treatment of ADHD in AdultsTreatment of adhd in adults focuses on medication, therapy and family support. People can also participate in clinical trials to try new approaches to treating ADHD.Adults suffering from ADHD are most likely to benefit from stimulant medication. They require monitoring regularly. This means monthly appointments with a doctor and regular review of symptoms.MedicinesThere are many drugs that can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. These medications are called psychostimulants, and they work by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain that transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate medication for your needs and will determine the most effective dosage and timetable. It could take a while to determine the proper dosage and medication that control your symptoms.Stimulants are often the first prescription medication doctors recommend to adults suffering from ADHD. These medications increase the amount of dopamine found in your brain and norepinephrine, which allows you to manage your thoughts and keep your focus. These medicines are available in short-, medium– and long-acting versions. Short-acting stimulants last for about 6 hours, intermediate-acting medications last 8-10 hours, and long-acting medications last for up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants have less side effects than shorter- or intermediate-acting drugs, however they still can cause insomnia and changes in appetite.Nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera), are used to treat adult ADHD when stimulants don’t perform or cause unwanted side effects. These medications don’t affect your dopamine or norepinephrine levels however, they can increase the amount of norepinephrine, which improves your focus. These medicines come in capsule form and are taken either twice or three times every day.Many people with ADHD also have other psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression. These are known as comorbid disorders and can affect how you react to treatment for ADHD. It is important to address any comorbid conditions before starting treatment for ADHD. For instance, those who have an addiction history to drugs or disorder are more likely to abuse psychostimulants. Because of this, it’s often advisable to wait until the person has stopped using substances before considering treatment with stimulants for ADHD.PsychotherapyPsychotherapy involves discussing and talking about topics that cause distress or anxiety for a person. The therapist gives advice on the basis of his or her qualifications, experience, training and the philosophy of therapy. Psychotherapy can be short-term (a few weeks or months) and can address more immediate issues, or long-term. The duration and frequency of therapy is determined by the therapist and the patient together.adhd treatment for adults of psychotherapy and drugs together is an extremely effective treatment option for adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy can help individuals improve their time management, organizational skills, and prioritizing. It can also teach techniques to manage emotions like anger and frustration. The use of medication can help reduce symptoms, increase focus and lead to better work and academic performance.Adults with ADHD are more likely to be affected by co-existing disorders, including mood disorders like anxiety and depression. It is important that any co-existing disorders be addressed prior to beginning treatment for ADHD. Treatment of co-existing disorders may require different forms and dosages of medication than the ones used to treat ADHD.For instance, a patient who suffers from ADHD may also have hypertension. To choose a medication to treat the ADHD symptoms without destabilizing the patient’s hypertension it is essential to understand how different medications affect people over time and the interactions between the medications.It’s crucial to find a therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD and with whom you are comfortable. It is also crucial to schedule your first few sessions when you’re not distracted by family responsibilities or work obligations.CounselingAdults who suffer from ADHD often have many life challenges, including relationships and work problems. They also may experience frustration, blame and anger that have built up in their lives due to their symptoms. Several psychosocial treatments have been proven effective in helping their families and patients learn 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 includes goal-setting, skills training and practice, and methods to help improve self-esteem and organization. This can be done individually or in a group setting. Metacognitive therapy has been proven to significantly reduce symptoms in adults with ADHD and improve their performance (Stevenson and colleagues. 2002).Some people suffering from ADHD may also require therapy to help them overcome certain issues in their lives. These may include family conflict, impulsive and aggressive behaviors, or difficulty managing failures and disappointments. Counseling can teach the how to handle these situations, improve communication, and increase problem-solving capabilities. It can also enhance interpersonal relationships, especially in marriages and other long-term partnerships.Other forms of psychotherapy for ADHD include family therapy as well as supportive group therapy. These therapies can help families cope and develop skills to lessen conflict and improve communication when dealing with a child suffering from ADHD. It can assist parents understand the condition and develop parenting methods that promote positive outcomes for their children.It is crucial for people with ADHD to discuss their medications with their health care professionals regularly, and to inform them of any other medications they’re taking, including any over-the-counter medications. Some medications can interact with specific medications or cause adverse reactions that are made worse by other medications.Medication MonitoringAfter a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis is made, it is crucial that the patient be monitored to ensure that they are receiving the benefits of medication and not experiencing any adverse side effects. It is recommended that patients be referred for a first clinical examination within 30 days of beginning treatment, and every month afterward. This permits the proper titration of psychostimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamines to a safe, effective dose. This allows for accurate registration of the patient’s response and helps to avoid having sensitive patients remain on insufficient doses (slow metabolizers) or forcing those who require higher doses on excessively high levels (rapid metabolizers).Adults who do not respond well to stimulant medications or suffer from adverse effects that are unpalatable could benefit from non-stimulant medications. This typically involves the use of atomoxetine or other methylphenidate-related alternatives.Adults who suffer from ADHD often have comorbid disorders like mood or anxiety disorder, substance abuse issues or depression. Moreover, they may have chronic sleep disorders or medical problems such as hearing and vision disorders. As part of the initial evaluation for ADHD it is crucial to screen these conditions and assess them. These conditions can have a significant effect on functional impairments in adults.ADHD can also be treated through marital therapy. Couples often say that they feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caring for their spouses with ADHD and can become resentful and angry in the process. Making the patient aware of the symptoms of his/her illness and helping to understand that these aren’t willful actions or lack of affection can reduce marital conflict and resentment. Couples who go through this kind of therapy generally experience a better family functioning.Behavioral TherapyPsychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD is generally recommended. It should include a cognitive and behavioral component. Behavioral therapy helps patients improve their focus, organization skills, and control impulsive behaviors. It helps patients manage their work, social and home environments more efficiently. Psychotherapy helps patients understand how their condition affects various aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help decrease the feelings of shame and low self-esteem that are often experienced by people with ADHD who are thought of as lazy or insufficiently intelligent.ADHD symptoms can be mimicked by a variety of psychiatric disorders. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to be suffering from anxiety disorders and depression. The presence of other mental health problems should be evaluated according to the need, to determine if the patient’s ADHD symptoms are linked to them.A combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy is generally recommended for treatment of ADHD in adults. It has been established that the combination of psychotherapy with medication can produce better results than either therapy alone. Future controlled studies must attempt to measure and track the effects of functional improvements, such as better functioning at school, workplace, and interpersonal relationships.