ADHD Treatment For Adults - Stimulant Medication
Adult ADHD is treated with stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. These drugs increase and balance neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals.
Nonstimulant and antidepressant medications, such as atomoxetine, are often prescribed when stimulants aren't appropriate for the patient due to health issues or adverse reactions. These medications are slower than stimulants and reduce impulsivity and inattention.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase brain neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and dopamine. This improves attention and decreases impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications are used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. There are many kinds of stimulant medications available, each with its own side effects and benefits. The majority of people respond well to long-acting medications that build up within the body over time. This reduces the "ups-and-downs" that are caused by the fluctuating levels of medication, which may cause more symptoms as the drug is used up. The FDA has approved several ADHD medications, including methylphenidates and amphetamines (including Ritalin, Concerta and Concerta).
Non-stimulants
There are also non-stimulant medicines that can help treat adult adhd, but they can take longer to begin working. These medications are referred to as alpha-2 adrenergic or norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. They are typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure, but have been used for a long time "off-label", to treat ADHD among children and adults. Because they don't affect the epinephrine system the same way that stimulants do, they are less likely to trigger serious adverse reactions or addiction. These medications work for up 24 hours and are able to be taken every day to decrease the risk of impulsivity.
Certain patients with ADHD are unable to tolerate stimulants due to their side effects. In these cases doctors may prescribe antidepressants to be taken in conjunction with stimulants to help reduce side effects. These include tricyclic antidepressants as well as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as imipramine, Tofranil and nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor). Antidepressants usually have more complicated adverse effects than stimulants and are usually only prescribed when other medications aren't working.
Diet and exercise may help treat ADHD. A balanced diet is essential for everyone, but it's especially crucial for those suffering from ADHD. A healthy diet can help improve concentration and reduce the impulsive behavior and food cravings. Before making any changes to one's diet or eliminating certain foods, those suffering from ADHD should consult their doctor.
Counseling
Psychological counseling, also known as therapy can be beneficial to adults suffering from ADHD. This type of therapy helps them learn strategies to manage their issues and can teach them how to improve their lives. CBT is a type of therapy that adults suffering from ADHD have shown to be successful at. CBT is designed to alter negative thinking patterns and replace them with more positive ones. Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from marital and family therapy.
evidence based treatment for adhd in adults -help methods such as improving sleep patterns and limiting consumption of caffeine can also reduce ADHD symptoms. People suffering from ADHD should speak to their primary care doctor about a referral to an ADHD specialist. A therapist or psychiatrist with experience in treating adults with ADHD can assist people in finding a combination of treatment methods that work for them. They can offer assistance and advice on managing ADHD at home, at school, or at work. They can assist parents and spouses to comprehend how to communicate with children who suffers from ADHD or how to manage the challenges that come with living with ADHD.