What Is ADHD Treatment For Adults Medication And Why Are We Talking About It?
ADHD Treatment For Adults - Stimulant Medication
Adult ADHD is treated by stimulant medications like methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters.
Non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants can be prescribed if stimulants aren't suitable for the patient due to other health issues or side effects. These medications are more slowly than stimulants and decrease impulsivity and inattention.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost brain neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine. This improves attention and decreases impulsivity and hyperactivity. These 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 adverse effects. Most people respond best to long-acting drugs, which build up within the body over time. This helps reduce the "ups-and-downs" that are caused by the fluctuating dosage of medication, which could cause more symptoms as the drug gets older. The FDA has approved a variety of ADHD medications, including methylphenidates and amphetamines (including Ritalin, Concerta and Concerta).
Non-stimulants
These drugs may take longer to work, but they can also help treat adhd in adults. untreated adhd in adults are referred to as alpha-2 adrenergic or norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. Typically, untreated adhd in adults are prescribed to treat high blood pressure, but they have been employed "off-label" to treat ADHD in adults and children for many years. They are less likely than stimulants to trigger addiction or have serious adverse effects since they do not affect the epinephrine receptor. These drugs work for up to 24 hours and can be taken regularly to decrease the risk of impulsivity.
Some people with ADHD have difficulty to tolerate stimulants due to their adverse effects. In these instances doctors may prescribe antidepressants in combination with a stimulant to reduce the risk of side effects. These medications include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and nortriptyline (Aventyl or Pamelor). Antidepressants come with more complex side effects than stimulants, and are used only when other medications don't work.
Diet and exercise may help treat ADHD. A well-balanced diet is important for all adults however it is particularly essential for those with ADHD. A healthy diet can help improve concentration and decrease the impulsive behavior and cravings for food. Before making any changes to one's diet or eliminating certain foods, those suffering from ADHD should talk to their doctor.
Counseling
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from psychological counseling or therapy. This type of therapy can help them understand how to manage their issues and teach them how to improve their lives. CBT is a kind of therapy that adults suffering from ADHD have proven to be successful at. CBT is designed to change negative thinking patterns to more positive ones. Marital and family therapy can be beneficial for adults with ADHD.
Self-help strategies, like improving sleep habits and limiting the intake of caffeine, can also help reduce ADHD symptoms. People with ADHD should consult their primary care physician about a referral to an ADHD specialist. A psychiatrist or therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD could be able help people find the right combination of treatments. They can offer support and advice for managing ADHD at home, at school or on the job. They can help parents and spouses to know how to communicate with a child with ADHD or how to deal with the challenges that come with living with ADHD.