ADHD Treatment For Adults - Stimulant Medication
Adult ADHD is treated by stimulant drugs like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. These drugs increase and balance the levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals.
Non-stimulant medications like antidepressants and atomoxetine can be prescribed when stimulants aren't suitable for the patient because of other health problems or side effects. These drugs work slower than stimulants and reduce impulsivity and inattention.
Stimulants
Stimulants raise the levels of brain neurotransmitters dopamine, and norepinephrine. These enhance concentration and decrease impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. These medications are used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. There are several types of stimulant medications, each with its own set of side effects and advantages. Most people respond better to long-acting medications that build up in the body over time. This helps reduce the "ups and downs" caused by fluctuating medication levels, which can make symptoms worse as the drug is worn off. The FDA has approved a variety of ADHD medications including amphetamines and methylphenidates (including Ritalin, Concerta and Concerta).
Full Write-up -stimulants
There are also non-stimulant medications that can be used to treat adult adhd, but they can take longer to start working. These medications are also referred to as alpha-2 adrenergic, or norepinephrine inhibitors. Typically, they are prescribed for high blood pressure, but have been used "off-label" to treat ADHD in children and adults for many years. Because they don't impact the epinephrine system the same way as stimulants do, they are less likely to cause serious side effects or addiction. These medications can be taken on a daily basis and can last up to 24 hours to decrease the impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention.
Some patients with ADHD are unable to tolerate stimulants due to their adverse effects. In these cases doctors may prescribe antidepressants in combination with stimulants to lessen adverse effects. These include tricyclic antidepressants, as well as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include imipramine, Tofranil and nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor). Antidepressants come with more complex adverse effects than stimulants and are only used when other medications don't work.
Diet and exercise can help treat ADHD. Everyone should eat a balanced diet, but people suffering from ADHD are particularly in need of it. A healthy diet helps improve concentration, reduce the impulsive behavior, and decrease food cravings. Before making any changes to a person's diet or removing certain foods, those suffering from ADHD should talk to their doctor.
Counseling
Psychological counseling, or therapy, can be beneficial for people with ADHD. signs of untreated adhd in adults of therapy can help them learn strategies to manage their issues and help them improve their life. CBT is a form of therapy that adults with ADHD have been proven to be effective. CBT is designed to alter negative thinking patterns and replace them with positive ones. Family and marital therapy can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD.
Self-help methods like improving sleep patterns and limiting caffeine consumption can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Individuals suffering from ADHD should talk to their primary care physicians about a referral to an expert. A psychiatrist or therapist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD can assist patients in finding the right combination of treatment strategies that are effective for them. They can offer assistance and advice on managing ADHD at home, at school, or at work. They can help parents and spouses better comprehend how to communicate with a child who suffers from ADHD or how to handle the challenges of living with ADHD.