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Treatment of ADHD in Adults Adults who suffer from adhd are treated through therapy, medication and support from the family. People can also participate in clinical trials that test new ways of treating ADHD. Stimulant medication is the most effective treatment for adults with ADHD. They need to be monitored regularly. That includes monthly clinical appointments as well as frequent reviews of symptoms and side effects. Medicines There are many drugs that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. These are known as psychostimulants. They function by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain that transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will choose the best medication for you and determine the most effective dose and time to take it. It could take some time to determine the proper dosage and medication to control your symptoms. The first medication that doctors prescribe to adults with ADHD is stimulants. They increase the amount of dopamine that is present in your brain, and also norepinephrine which helps you to control your thoughts and focus. These medications are available in short-, medium-and long-acting forms. Short-acting stimulants last for up to 6 hours. Intermediate-acting drugs last between 8 and 10 hours. Long-acting drugs can last up to 16. Long-acting stimulants have less side effects than shorter- and intermediate-acting medicines, but they still can cause sleepiness and changes in appetite. Nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine (Strattera), can be used to treat adults with ADHD when stimulants don't work or cause unpleasant side effects. These medications do not alter your dopamine or norepinephrine levels however they do increase your brain's availability of norepinephrine, which improves your focus. These medications are available in capsule form and are taken once or twice each day. Some adults with ADHD suffer from co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression. These are known as comorbid disorders and they can influence the way you respond to treatment for ADHD. It's important to treat any comorbid conditions before starting treatment for ADHD. Patients with a history of substance abuse disorders are more likely to abuse psychostimulants. It is recommended to wait until a person has stopped using drugs before taking them on with stimulants. Psychotherapy Psychotherapy is an interactive method of discussing and discussing issues that could be troubling or troubling to someone. The therapist offers guidance based upon his or her qualifications, experience, training and therapeutic philosophy. Psychotherapy can be short-term (a few weeks or months) dealing with issues that are more immediate or more long-term (months or years) where a person is attempting to resolve more complex and long-standing issues. The patient and therapist decide on the duration and frequency of treatment. The use of psychotherapy and medications together is an extremely effective treatment for adults with ADHD. Behavioral therapy helps people improve their abilities to organize their lives, manage their time and prioritizing. It can also teach strategies to manage emotions, such as anger and frustration. The use of medication can help reduce symptoms and improve concentration, which results in more effective and efficient academic and work performance. Adults with ADHD are more likely to be affected by co-existing issues, especially mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. It is important that any co-existing conditions be treated before 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 person with ADHD might also be suffering from hypertension. Finding a medication that can treat the ADHD symptoms, but does not alter the patient's tentatively controlled hypertension requires knowledge of how various medications affect people over time, as well as an understanding of the interactions between different medications. It's crucial to choose a therapist with had experience working with adults suffering from ADHD and with whom you feel at ease. It is crucial to schedule your initial sessions at a time that you aren't distracted by work or family obligations. Counseling Adults who suffer from ADHD often face many life challenges, including work and relationship problems. They also may experience anger, blame and frustration that have built up in their lives because of their symptoms. Psychosocial treatments can aid patients and their families develop new skills, attitudes and ways of relating. Psychotherapy can include cognitive behavior therapy, a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals modify their thinking and behavior. It involves goal-setting, training and practice of skills, as well as teaching strategies for improving self-esteem and organization. It may be done in group or individual sessions. Certain studies have demonstrated that metacognitive treatment can significantly reduce symptoms and improve functioning in adults with ADHD (Stevenson and colleagues 2002). Some people with ADHD might also require counseling to help them overcome specific life issues. These difficulties could include family conflicts, impulsive or aggressive behaviors, or difficulty in dealing with failures and disappointments. Counseling can help teach skills to manage these situations, improve communication and improve problem-solving skills. It can also enhance interpersonal relationships, especially in marriages or other long-term partnerships. Family therapy and supportive groups therapy are two other types of psychotherapy that could be used to treat ADHD. These can help families cope with the anxiety of having a child with ADHD and help improve communication and reduce conflicts. It can also help parents recognize the symptoms and develop parenting techniques that encourage positive outcomes for their children. It is important for adults with ADHD to discuss their medication with their health care providers regularly, and to inform them of all other medications they are taking, including over-the-counter drugs. Certain medications may interact with certain medications or trigger adverse effects that are exacerbated by other medications. Medication Monitoring After a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis is established, it is important to monitor the patient to ensure that he or she is receiving the benefits of medication and not experiencing any adverse side effects. It is recommended to visit the patient for the initial clinical monitoring within 30days after starting treatment and every month after that. For psychostimulants (methylphenidate amphetamines) this allows for a the gradual titration of an effective and well-tolerated dose. This allows for accurate registration of the patient's response and helps to avoid keeping sensitive patients taking insufficient doses (slow metabolizers) or forcing those who require higher doses on unnecessarily high levels (rapid metabolizers). For adults who are not responding adequately to stimulant medication or have intolerable side effects the use of nonstimulant medications could be recommended. This typically involves the use of atomoxetine or other methylphenidate-related alternatives. Adults with ADHD are frequently affected by comorbid disorders, like depression or substance abuse. In addition, they may experience chronic sleep disorders or medical issues like hearing and vision problems. It is crucial to identify and evaluate such conditions in the initial assessment for ADHD since these can have significant effects on functional impairment in adults. Marital therapy can be helpful in the treatment of ADHD. Couples complain of being overwhelmed by the caretaking responsibilities of their spouses with ADHD and can become resentful or angry as a consequence. Reduced resentment can be achieved by enhancing the understanding of the condition, and assisting them to realize that the symptoms are not the result of a lack in willfulness or love. Couples who go through this kind of therapy generally experience a better family functioning. Behavioral Therapy Psychotherapy for adults with ADHD is usually advised. iampsychiatry should include a behavioral and cognitive component. Behavioral therapy can help patients improve their organization skills, focus, and control impulsive behaviors. It helps patients learn to manage their social, work and home environments more effectively. Psychotherapy also helps patients understand how their condition affects various aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help reduce the shame and low self-esteem that is commonly seen in those with ADHD who are viewed as lazy or less intelligent. Many psychiatric disorders mimic ADHD symptoms. For instance anxiety disorders are seen at high rates in adults ADHD patients and depression is observed at increased levels in those suffering from the disorder. If needed the presence of other psychiatric disorders must be assessed to determine whether ADHD symptoms are a result of them. Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with the combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been shown that when a combination of medications and psychotherapy is employed results are more favorable than the results of either treatment alone. Future controlled studies must attempt to track and measure functional improvements such as improved functioning at school, workplace, and interpersonal relationships.