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Treatment of ADHD in AdultsAdults who suffer from adhd are treated with therapy, medication, and family support. People can also participate in clinical trials to try new ways of treating ADHD.Adults suffering from ADHD are the most likely to benefit from stimulant drugs. But adhd counseling need to be closely monitored. This includes monthly clinical appointments and regular examinations of symptoms.MedicinesThere are many medications 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 select the right medication for you and will decide on the most appropriate dosage and schedule. It could take some time to determine the proper dosage and medication to control your symptoms.Stimulants are often the first prescription medication doctors recommend for adults with ADHD. They increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which increase your ability to focus and control impulses. These medications are available in short-, medium-and long-acting forms. Short-acting stimulants last for about 6 hours, intermediate-acting medicines last between 8 and 10 hours, and long-acting drugs last up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants are less likely cause adverse effects than intermediate- or shorter-acting medicines. However, they can induce sleepiness and a change in appetite.Nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine (Strattera) are used to treat adults with ADHD if stimulants do not perform or cause unwanted adverse effects. These medicines do not affect the levels of norepinephrine or dopamine however they do increase the amount of norepinephrine available to your brain and improve your ability to focus. These capsules are consumed once or twice daily.Some adults with ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression. These are known as comorbid disorders and they can influence how you react to treatment for ADHD. Before starting treatment for ADHD it is important to address any comorbidities. For instance, people who have an history of using substances disorder may be more likely to misuse psychostimulants. Because of this, it’s generally advised to wait until the patient has quit using substances before considering treatment with stimulants to treat ADHD.PsychotherapyPsychotherapy is an interaction process of discussing and talking about issues that may be disturbing or troubling to someone. The therapist listens to the person and provides guidance based on her education, training and experience, professional credentials and therapeutic philosophies. Psychotherapy can be short-term (a few weeks or even months), addressing more immediate issues, or longer-term. The duration and frequency of the treatment is decided by the patient and therapist together.Psychotherapy and medication together are an extremely effective method to treat adults with ADHD. Behavioral therapy can assist people improve their time management, organizational skills, and prioritizing. It can also teach techniques to manage emotions, such as anger and frustration. The use of medication can help reduce symptoms, increase focus and lead to better work and academic performance.Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-existing issues, especially mood disorders like depression and anxiety. Before beginning treatment for ADHD, it is important to treat any co-existing conditions. Treatment of co-existing disorders could require different types and dosages of medication than the ones used to treat ADHD.A person suffering from ADHD may also suffer from hypertension. Selecting a medication that addresses the ADHD symptoms but does not alter the patient’s tentatively controlled hypertension requires understanding how different medications affect people over time and an understanding of the interactions between various medications.It’s important that you find a therapist who has had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD and with whom you feel comfortable. It’s also important to schedule your initial sessions in a time when you’re not distracted by family responsibilities or work obligations.CounselingAdults with ADHD face many challenges in their lives, including difficulties in their relationships and at work. They also may experience anger, blame, and frustration that have built up in their lives due to their symptoms. Psychosocial treatments can aid patients and their families develop new abilities, attitudes and ways of communicating.Psychotherapy can also include cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals change their thinking and behavior. It includes goal-setting, skill training and practice, as well as methods to help improve organization and self-esteem. It can be conducted in group or individual sessions. Metacognitive therapy has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and improve their functioning (Stevenson, et al. 2002).In addition to psychotherapy, some people with ADHD require counseling to deal with specific life issues. This could include family conflict, impulsive and aggressive behaviors, or difficulty managing failures and disappointments. Counseling can teach techniques to deal with these situations and enhance communication and problem-solving abilities. It can also enhance relationships, particularly in marriages and other long-term partnerships.Other forms of psychotherapy for ADHD are family therapy and supportive group therapy. These can help families deal with the anxiety of having a child suffering from ADHD and develop skills to improve communication and reduce conflict. It can help parents to understand the disorder, and develop parenting techniques that encourage positive results in their children.Adults suffering from ADHD should discuss their medication regularly with their doctor and disclose any other medications, including over the drug products. Some medications can cause adverse reactions or interact with other medications.Medication MonitoringAfter a thorough examination and diagnosis, it is important to monitor the patient’s condition to ensure that he/she reaps the benefits of the medication and does not experience any adverse side effects. It is recommended to see patients for initial medical monitoring within 30 days after starting treatment and every month after that. This will allow for a thorough adjustment of psychostimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamines to a well-tolerated and effective dose. This allows for accurate registration of the patients’ response and prevents the patient from being a the patient with a sensitive response on doses that are not sufficient.For adults who are not responding effectively to stimulant medications or have intolerable side effects the use of non-stimulant drugs may be indicated. This is usually the case with the methylphenidate based atomoxetine alternatives.Adults suffering from ADHD typically suffer from comorbid disorders like mood disorder or anxiety disorder, substance abuse problems or depression. They may also suffer from medical problems like hearing and vision problems or chronic sleep disorders. It is important to screen and assess these conditions as part of the initial assessment for ADHD because they could have a significant impact on functional impairment in adults.Marital therapy can also be beneficial in the treatment of ADHD. Spouses often report that they are overwhelmed by the caretaking responsibilities of their spouses who have ADHD and can become angry and angry due to this. The way to reduce resentment is by increasing the patient’s awareness of their condition, and helping them to understand that the symptoms are not the result of a lack in willfulness or love. Couples who undergo this type of therapy typically experience better family functioning.Behavioral TherapyFor adults with ADHD Psychotherapy is generally recommended and should incorporate the cognitive-behavioral aspect. Behavioral therapy helps patients improve their focus, organization skills, and control impulsive behaviors. It helps patients manage their work, home and social settings in more productive ways. 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 adults with ADHD, who may be thought of as lazy or less intelligent.ADHD symptoms can be mirrored by various mental disorders. For example anxiety disorders are seen at a higher rate in adult ADHD patients, and depression is found at higher levels in people suffering from the disorder. If it is necessary the presence of other psychiatric disorders should be evaluated to determine if 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 produces better results than either therapy by itself. Future controlled medication studies should attempt to track and measure the improvement in functional aspects such as improved performance at work, school, and interpersonal relationships.