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Treatment of ADHD in Adults Adults who suffer from adhd are treated with medication, therapy and support from family members. Patients can also take part in clinical trials that test new approaches to treating ADHD. Adults with ADHD are the most likely to benefit from stimulant medications. But they need to be monitored regularly. This includes monthly clinical appointments and frequent examinations of symptoms. Medicines There are a variety of medications that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. They are referred to as psychostimulants. they work by changing the levels of certain chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) which transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will choose the best medication for you and will decide the most appropriate dosage and time to take it. It could take a while to find the right dosage and medication to control your symptoms. The first drug that doctors prescribe to adults suffering from ADHD is stimulants. These medicines increase the amounts of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in your brain, which enhances your ability to focus and control impulses. They come in short-, intermediate— and long-acting forms. Short-acting stimulants can last up to up to 6 hours. Intermediate-acting medications last 8-10 hours. Long-acting drugs can last up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants have fewer side effects than shorterand intermediate-acting medicines, but they can still cause an increase in appetite and sleepiness. Nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera), are used to treat adults with ADHD if stimulants do not perform or cause undesirable side effects. These medications do not alter your norepinephrine or dopamine, but they increase the amount of norepinephrine. They also improve your ability to concentrate. These medications are in capsules and can be taken either twice or three times every day. Some adults with ADHD also suffer from other mental disorders, like anxiety and depression. These disorders are referred to as comorbidities, and they can affect how you respond to ADHD treatment. It is important to address any comorbidities prior to starting treatment for ADHD. For instance, people who have an addiction history to drugs or disorder are more likely to abuse psychostimulants. For treat adhd in adults , it's generally advised to wait until a person has quit using substances before considering treatment with stimulants for ADHD. Psychotherapy Psychotherapy is an interactive process of discussing and talking about issues that may be disturbing or troubling for a person. The therapist offers guidance on the basis of his or her training, experience, credentials and the philosophy of therapy. Psychotherapy can be short-term (a couple of weeks or months), addressing more immediate issues, or long-term. The duration and frequency of therapy are determined by the patient and therapist together. Psychotherapy and medication together are a highly effective way to treat adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy can assist people improve their time management, organizational skills, and prioritizing. It can also teach methods to manage emotions, such as anger and frustration. Medication can reduce symptoms, improve focus and lead to better academic and work performance. Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be affected by co-existing conditions, particularly mood disorders like anxiety and depression. Before starting treatment for ADHD it is crucial to treat any co-existing disorders. The treatment of co-existing disorders might require different kinds of medication and doses than those that are used to treat ADHD. A person suffering from ADHD may also suffer from hypertension. To choose a medication to treat the ADHD symptoms without causing destabilization of the hypertension of the patient it is crucial to understand how different medications affect individuals in the course of time, as well as the interactions between medications. It's important that you find a therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD and with whom you are at ease. It's also important to schedule your initial sessions in a time when you're not distracted by family obligations or work obligations. Counseling Adults suffering from ADHD often have many problems in their lives, such as relationships and work issues. A person with ADHD may also experience anger, frustration and blame that have been accumulated over time. Several psychosocial treatments have been proven to aid them and their families develop new behaviors, skills, and ways of relating. Psychotherapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of psychotherapy that aids individuals to modify their thinking and behavior. It includes goal-setting, skill training and practice, and methods of teaching to improve organization and self-esteem. It can be carried out in group or individual sessions. Some studies have shown that metacognitive treatment can significantly reduce symptoms and improve functioning for adults suffering from ADHD (Stevenson et al, 2002). In addition to psychotherapy, some people with ADHD require counseling to address specific difficulties. These may include family conflict, impulsive or aggressive behavior, or difficulties coping with disappointments and failures. Counseling can help develop strategies to help deal with these situations and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. It can also help improve relationships, particularly in marriages and other long-term relationships. Family therapy and supportive group therapy are other forms of psychotherapy that can be utilized to treat ADHD. These therapies can help families cope and develop skills to lessen conflict and improve communication when dealing with children who have ADHD. It can help parents understand the condition and develop parenting strategies that promote positive outcomes for their children. It is essential for adults with ADHD to discuss their medication with their health care providers regularly, and to inform them of all other medications they're taking, including over-the-counter drugs. Certain medications can cause adverse reactions or interact with other medications. Medication Monitoring After a thorough evaluation and diagnosis is made it is essential that the patient is monitored to ensure he/she is getting the benefits of medication and not experiencing any adverse side effects. It is recommended to see a patient for the initial clinical assessment within 30 days after starting treatment, and then every month thereafter. For psychostimulants (methylphenidate, amphetamines) this allows for thorough titration to an effective and well-tolerated dose. This permits accurate recording of the patient's response and assists in avoiding having sensitive patients remain taking insufficient doses (slow metabolizers) or forcing those who require higher doses onto unnecessarily high levels (rapid metabolizers). 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 related alternatives to methylphenidate. 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 chronic sleep disorders or medical issues such as hearing and vision disorders. It is essential to identify and assess these conditions as part of the initial assessment for ADHD since these can have significant effects on functional impairment in adults. Marital therapy can also be beneficial in managing ADHD. Spouses often report that they are overwhelmed by the responsibilities to care for their spouses who have ADHD and can become resentful and angry in the process. Increasing the patient's awareness of the symptoms of his/her illness and helping them understand that these are not willful actions or a lack of affection can reduce resentment and marital difficulties. Couples who undergo this type of therapy are more likely to have better family functioning. Behavioral Therapy Psychotherapy for adults with ADHD is usually suggested. It should include a cognitive and behavioral component. Behavioral therapy helps patients improve their organizational skills, focus and manage impulsive behavior. It teaches patients to manage their home, work, and social situations more effectively. Psychotherapy 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 often seen in people with ADHD, who may be thought of as inept or unintelligent. ADHD symptoms can be mimicked by a variety of mental disorders. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to be suffering from depression and anxiety. If necessary the presence of any other psychiatric disorders must be analyzed to determine if ADHD symptoms are caused by them. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with a combination of pharmacotherapy, and psychotherapy. It has been established that the combination of psychotherapy and medication can produce superior results over either treatment on its own. Future controlled medication studies should attempt to track and measure the effects of functional improvements, such as better performance at work, school, and interpersonal relationships.