ADHD Treatment For Adults - Stimulant Medication
Adult ADHD is treated by stimulant drugs like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. These drugs regulate and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters.
Nonstimulant and antidepressant medications like atomoxetine can be prescribed if stimulants aren't suitable for the patient due to health issues or adverse reactions. These drugs are slower-acting than stimulants, and can reduce the impulsivity and lack of focus.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase brain neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which enhances concentration and decreases impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. These drugs are used to treat ADHD in both children and adults. There are many brands of stimulant medication each with its own benefits and side effects. Most people respond best to long-acting medicines that accumulate within the body over time. This reduces the "ups-and-downs" that are caused by fluctuating levels of medication, which may worsen symptoms as the medication wears out. The FDA has approved a number of ADHD treatment options that include methylphenidates (including Ritalin and Concerta) and amphetamines.
Non-stimulants
There are also non-stimulant medicines that can be used to treat adult adhd, but they can take longer to begin working. These medications are also referred to as alpha-2 adrenergic, or norepinephrine inhibitors. Typically, they are prescribed to treat high blood pressure but have been used "off-label" to treat ADHD in both adults and children for a long time. They are less likely than stimulants to cause addiction or have serious adverse effects since they do not impact the epinephrine receptor system. The effects of these medications last for up to 24 hours and are able to be taken every day to decrease the risk of impulsivity.
Some people with ADHD are unable to tolerate stimulants due to their side effects. In these instances, doctors might prescribe antidepressants in combination with stimulants to reduce adverse effects. These medications include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and nortriptyline (Aventyl or Pamelor). Antidepressants have more complex adverse effects than stimulants and are only prescribed when other medications aren't working.
Diet and exercise may aid in treating ADHD. untreated adhd in female adults should consume an appropriate diet, however those with ADHD are especially in need of it. A healthy diet can improve concentration and reduce the impulsive behavior and 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
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy or psychological counseling. This type of therapy can help them understand how to manage their problems and also teach them skills to improve their lives. CBT is a form of therapy that adults with ADHD have proven to be successful at. CBT is designed to change negative thinking patterns and replace them with more positive ones. Family and marital therapy can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD.
Self-help strategies such as improving sleep patterns and limiting consumption of caffeine can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Individuals with ADHD should talk to their primary care physicians about a referral to a specialist. A psychiatrist or therapist with experience in treating adults with ADHD can assist people in finding a combination of treatment methods that are effective for them. They can provide support and advice for managing ADHD at the home, in school or on the job. They can assist parents and spouses to understand how to communicate with a child with ADHD or how to manage the challenges of living with ADHD.