ADHD Treatment For Adults - Stimulant Medication
Adult ADHD is treated by stimulant medications like methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine. These medications balance and increase levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters.
source website as atomoxetine or antidepressants can be prescribed when stimulants aren't suitable for the patient due to other health issues or adverse effects. These drugs work slower than stimulants and reduce impulsivity and inattention.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost brain neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine. This improves concentration and reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity. These are the most popular treatment for ADHD in children and adults. There are several kinds of stimulant medications available each with their own benefits and side effects. Most people respond best to long-acting medications that build up in the body over time. This helps reduce the "ups and downs" caused by fluctuating levels of medication that can cause symptoms to become 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).
Non-stimulants
There are also non-stimulant medicines that can be used to treat adult adhd, although they may take longer to start working. These drugs are called norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, also known as alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. Typically, they are prescribed for high blood pressure, but they have been used "off-label" to treat ADHD in children and adults for many years. Since they don't affect the epinephrine system the same way as stimulants do, they are less likely to cause serious side effects or addiction. These medications can be used regularly and can last up to 24 hours to reduce impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention.
Some people with ADHD are not able to tolerate stimulants due to their adverse effects. In these instances doctors often prescribe antidepressants together with a stimulant to reduce the risk of side effects. These include tricyclic antidepressants, as well as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like imipramine, Tofranil and nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor). Antidepressants can cause more complicated side effects than stimulants, and are only used when other medications aren't working.
Diet and exercise may also aid in treating ADHD. Everyone should consume a balanced diet, but those with ADHD are especially in need of it. A healthy diet can help increase concentration and reduce impulse-driven behaviors and cravings for food. Before making any changes to a person's diet or eliminating certain foods, people suffering from ADHD should consult with their physician.
Counseling
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from psychological counseling or therapy. This type of therapy can help them understand how to manage their problems, and can teach skills to improve their lives. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one kind of therapy that has been shown to be effective for adults with ADHD. CBT is a method of changing negative thinking patterns into more positive ones. Marital and family therapy can also be beneficial for people with ADHD.
Self-help techniques like improving sleep patterns and limiting the consumption of caffeine can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. adhd symptoms and treatment in adults with ADHD should talk to their primary care physician regarding a referral to an ADHD specialist. A psychiatrist or therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD could be able help patients find the ideal combination of treatments. They can provide assistance and guidance for managing ADHD at the home, in school or at work. They can also help parents or spouses learn to better communicate with their child or partner who suffers from ADHD and how to cope with the challenges associated with living with ADHD.