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Treatment of ADHD in Adults Treatment of adhd in adults is based on therapy, medication and family support. Clinical trials are available to test the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD. Adults with ADHD are more likely to benefit from stimulant medications. They must be monitored regularly. This means monthly appointments with a doctor and regular reviews of symptoms. Medications Many medications can be used to treat the symptoms of ADHD in adults. These medications are called psychostimulants, and they work by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain that transmit messages between nerve cells. Your doctor will recommend a medication that's right for you and determine the best dose and schedule to take it. It may take a while to find the right medication and dosage that controls your symptoms. The first drug that doctors prescribe to adults with ADHD is stimulants. These medicines increase the amounts of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain, which enhances your ability to concentrate and control impulses. They are available in short-, intermediate— and long-acting forms. Short-acting stimulants last for up to 6 hours. Intermediate-acting medicines last for 8-10 hours. Long-acting drugs can last up to 16. Long-acting stimulants are less likely cause adverse reactions than shorter- or intermediate-acting medications. However, they may induce sleepiness and a change in appetite. Nonstimulant medicines, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera) can be used to treat adult ADHD when stimulants aren't effective or cause undesirable adverse side effects. These medicines do not affect your norepinephrine or dopamine however, they can increase the brain's supply of norepinephrine and improve your ability to concentrate. The capsules are taken one or two times a day. Certain adults suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety. These are known as comorbid disorders and they can influence how you react to treatment for ADHD. It's important to treat any comorbid disorders prior to beginning treatment for ADHD. Patients with a history of addiction to drugs are more likely to use psychostimulants. It's best to wait until someone has stopped using drugs before using stimulants. Psychotherapy Psychotherapy is an interaction process of discussing and talking about issues that may be disturbing or troubling to someone. The therapist gives advice on the basis of his or her education, experience, credentials and the therapeutic philosophy. Psychotherapy may 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 complicated and longstanding issues. The duration and frequency of the treatment is determined by the therapist and the patient together. Psychotherapy and medication together are an extremely effective method to treat adults suffering from ADHD. Behavioral therapy can help people improve their organizational skills, time management and prioritizing. It can also teach techniques for managing emotions like anger and frustration. The use of medication can help reduce symptoms, improve focus and lead to better academic and work performance. Adults with ADHD have a higher risk of co-existing illnesses. This is particularly true for mood disorders like anxiety and depression. Before beginning treatment for ADHD it is crucial to treat any co-existing disorders. The treatment of co-existing conditions may require different types of medications and dosages compared to the ones prescribed to treat ADHD. For instance, a patient with ADHD may also have hypertension. Selecting a medication that addresses the ADHD symptoms, but does not alter the patient's hypertension that is controlled requires knowledge of how different medications affect people over time and an understanding of the interactions between medications. It's important to find an therapist with whom you have a good relationship, and who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. It's important to schedule your first few sessions at a time when you won't be distracted by work or family obligations. Counseling Adults with ADHD often have many problems in their lives, such as relationships and work issues. They may also feel anger, blame and frustration that have developed in their lives due to their symptoms. Numerous psychosocial therapies have been proven to help them and their families learn new skills, attitudes and ways of connecting. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of psychotherapy that helps people change their habits and thoughts. It includes goal-setting, skill training and practice, as well as methods of teaching to increase self-esteem and organizational skills. This can be accomplished individually or in a group setting. Some studies have shown that treatment for metacognitive disorders can reduce symptoms and improve functioning in adults with ADHD (Stevenson and co-authors 2002). In addition to psychotherapy, some individuals with ADHD require counseling to address specific challenges. These issues could include family conflicts, impulsive or aggressive behaviors, and difficulty coping with disappointments and failures. Counseling can help teach skills to manage these situations, improve communication and enhance problem-solving abilities. It can also improve relationships, particularly in marriages and other long-term relationships. Family therapy and supportive group therapy are also types of psychotherapy that could be used to treat ADHD. These can help families deal with the anxiety of having a child who has ADHD and help improve communication and reduce conflict. It can assist parents understand the condition and develop parenting methods that encourage positive results in their children. It is essential for adults with ADHD to discuss their medications with their health care providers regularly, and to disclose any other medications they're taking, including over-the-counter drugs. Certain medications can trigger adverse effects or interact with other medications. Medication Monitoring After a thorough examination and diagnosis is made, it is crucial that the patient be monitored to ensure he/she is getting the benefits of the medication and is not experiencing adverse effects. It is recommended to consult patients for initial clinical assessment within 30 days of starting treatment and then every month after that. For adhd treatment for adults (methylphenidate amphetamines) this allows for thorough titration to an effective and well-tolerated dose. This permits accurate recording of the patients' response and prevents the patient from being a patients who are sensitive to doses that are too low. Adults who are not responding well to stimulant medication or suffer from adverse effects that are unpalatable could benefit from non-stimulant medications. Typically this involves the use of atomoxetine, or other related methylphenidate alternatives. Adults suffering from ADHD are often affected by comorbid disorders, like depression or drug abuse. Moreover, they may have chronic sleep disorders or medical issues such as vision and hearing disorders. It is essential to identify and analyze these conditions as part of the initial assessment for ADHD since these can have significant effects on functional impairment in adults. Marital therapy can be helpful in the management of ADHD. Couples complain of being overwhelmed by the caretaking responsibilities of their spouses with ADHD and may become resentful or angry due to this. The way to reduce resentment is by enhancing the understanding of his/her illness, and helping them to understand that the symptoms aren't the result of a lack in affection or willfulness. Couples who undergo this kind of therapy tend to be more functional as a family. Behavioral Therapy Psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD is usually advised. It should include a behavioral and cognitive component. Behavioral therapy can help patients improve their organization skills, focus and manage impulsive behavior. It helps patients manage their work, social and home life more efficiently. Psychotherapy helps patients understand how their condition affects various aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help reduce the self-doubt and shame that are often experienced by people with ADHD who are considered lazy or insufficiently intelligent. Many psychiatric disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms. For instance anxiety disorders are seen at high rates in adult ADHD patients and depression is observed at higher levels in adults with the disorder. If it is necessary the presence of other psychiatric disorders must be assessed to determine if ADHD symptoms are a result of them. Adults with ADHD are usually treated with an amalgamation of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been established that a combination of psychotherapy and medication produces better results than either therapy on its own. Future controlled studies must attempt to measure and track the effects of functional improvements, such as better functioning at school, workplace and interpersonal relationships.