ADHD Treatment For Adults - Stimulant Medication
Adult ADHD is treated by stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. These medications boost and balance levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals.
Non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine and antidepressants may be prescribed when stimulants aren't appropriate for the patient because of other health issues or adverse effects. These medications have a slower effect than stimulants and reduce the impulsivity and lack of focus.
Stimulants
Stimulants raise the levels of brain neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine. They improve concentration and decrease impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. These medications are used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. There are a variety of stimulant medications are available, and each comes with its own advantages and negative side effects. Long-acting drugs are the best choice for most people, as they build up in the system over time. This reduces the "ups and downs" caused by fluctuating levels of medications that can cause symptoms to become worse as the drug wears off. The FDA has approved several ADHD medications including amphetamines and methylphenidates (including Ritalin, Concerta and Concerta).
Non-stimulants
These drugs may take longer to work however they also help treat adhd in adults. These drugs are called norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, also known as alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. They are typically prescribed for high blood pressure, but they have been employed "off-label" to treat ADHD in both adults and children for many years. Since they don't affect the epinephrine system in the same way that stimulants do, they are less likely to cause severe adverse reactions or addiction. These drugs can be used regularly and last for up to 24 hours to decrease impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention.
Some people with ADHD find it difficult to take stimulants due to their adverse effects. In these cases doctors often prescribe antidepressants to be taken in conjunction with stimulants to lessen the effects of. These medications include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and nortriptyline (Aventyl or Pamelor). Antidepressants can cause more complicated adverse effects than stimulants and are only prescribed when other medications aren't working.
Exercise and diet can help in treating ADHD. A well-balanced diet is important for all adults but it's particularly essential for those with ADHD. A healthy diet can increase concentration and reduce the impulsive behavior and cravings for food. Before making adhd treatment for adult women to a person's diet or removing certain foods, those suffering from ADHD should talk to their doctor.
Counseling
Adults with ADHD can benefit from therapy or psychological counseling. This type of therapy helps people develop strategies for managing their problems and can help them improve their life. CBT is a form of therapy that people with ADHD have shown to be successful at. CBT is designed to change negative thinking patterns and replace them with more positive ones. Adults with ADHD may also benefit from family and marital therapy.
Self-help strategies, like increasing sleep routines and limiting caffeine intake, can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Individuals suffering from ADHD should speak with their primary care physicians about getting a referral to an expert. A psychiatrist or therapist who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD can help people find the right combination of treatment strategies that work for them. They can offer support and advice on how to manage ADHD at work, school or at home. They can also help parents or spouses learn to better communicate with the child or partner who suffers from ADHD and how to cope with the challenges of living with ADHD.