ADHD Treatment For Adults - Stimulant Medication
Adult ADHD is treated with stimulant medications like methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine. These medications boost and balance neurotransmitters in the brain.
Nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine or antidepressants can be prescribed when stimulants aren't appropriate for the patient because of other health issues or adverse effects. These medications work slower than stimulants and reduce the amount of impulsivity and lack of attention.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost brain neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, which improves attention and decreases impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs are the most popular treatment for ADHD in both adults and children. There are a variety of stimulant medications are available, and each has its own benefits and negative side effects. Long-acting medicines are ideal for most people, as they accumulate in the body over time. This minimizes the "ups and downs" caused by fluctuating levels of medications that can cause symptoms to become worse as the drug wears off. The FDA has approved a variety of ADHD medications, including methylphenidates and amphetamines (including Ritalin, Concerta and Concerta).
adult adhd diagnosis and treatment -stimulants
These medications can take longer to effect their effects however, they can help treat adhd in adults. These medications are known as norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. They are typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure, but have been used for years "off-label", to treat ADHD among children and adults. They are less likely than stimulants to trigger addiction or other serious side effects because they do not impact the epinephrine receptor system. These medications can be used regularly and work for up to 24 hours in order to reduce the impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention.
Some people with ADHD are unable to tolerate stimulants due to their adverse effects. In these cases, doctors sometimes 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) which include imipramine, Tofranil and nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor). Antidepressants can cause more complicated adverse effects than stimulants and are used only when other medications fail.
Diet and exercise may help treat ADHD. adult adhd diagnosis and treatment should eat a balanced diet, but people suffering from ADHD are especially in need of it. adhd treatment for young adults can improve concentration and decrease impulse-driven behaviors and cravings for food. Before making any changes to a diet or eliminating certain foods, people suffering from ADHD should talk to their doctor.
Counseling
Psychological counseling, or therapy can be beneficial to adults suffering from ADHD. This type of therapy can help them understand how to manage their issues and also teach them skills to improve their lives. CBT is a kind of therapy that adults with ADHD have proven to be effective. CBT is designed for changing negative thinking patterns to more positive ones. Family therapy and marriage therapy can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD.
Self-help techniques like improving sleep patterns and limiting caffeine consumption can also reduce ADHD symptoms. People with ADHD should consult their primary care physician regarding a referral to an ADHD specialist. A psychiatrist or therapist with experience in treating adults with ADHD can assist patients in finding the right combination of treatment strategies that are effective for them. They can provide support and guidance on how to manage ADHD at school, work or home. They can also assist parents or spouses learn to better communicate with a child or partner with ADHD and learn how to deal with the challenges associated with living with ADHD.