ADHD Treatment For Adults - Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medications like methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine are typically considered the first-line therapy for adult ADHD. These medications boost and balance the levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals.
Nonstimulant and antidepressant medications, such as atomoxetine, are often prescribed when stimulants aren't appropriate for the patient due to health problems or adverse effects. These medications have a slower effect than stimulants, and they reduce impulsivity and lack of attention.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase brain neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which improves concentration and reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity. These are the most popular treatment for ADHD in both adults and children. There are several types of stimulant medications, each with its own benefits and side effects. Long-acting drugs are the best choice for the majority of people since they accumulate in the body over time. This reduces the "ups and downs" caused by fluctuating levels of medication that can cause symptoms to become worse as the drug wears off. The FDA has approved a variety of ADHD medications such as amphetamines and methylphenidates (including Ritalin, Concerta and Concerta).
Non-stimulants
There are also non-stimulant medications that can treat adults with adhd, although they may take longer to start working. These medications are referred to as norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. They are typically prescribed for high blood pressure, but they have been employed "off-label" to treat ADHD in children and adults for many years. Because they don't impact the epinephrine receptors in the same way as stimulants, they are less likely to cause serious adverse reactions or addiction. The effects of these medications last for up to 24 hours and can be taken daily to decrease the impulsivity.
adhd symptoms adults treatment suffering from ADHD find it difficult to tolerate stimulants due to their negative side effects. In these instances doctors may prescribe antidepressants to be taken together with a stimulant to reduce the risk of side effects. adhd symptoms adults treatment include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants such as 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.
Exercise and diet may help in treating ADHD. A balanced diet is crucial for all adults however it is particularly crucial for those suffering from ADHD. A healthy diet can help increase concentration and reduce the impulsive behavior and food cravings. Before making any changes to a person's diet or eliminating certain foods, people with ADHD should talk to their doctor.
Counseling
Psychological counseling, or therapy, can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. This type of therapy helps individuals develop strategies to manage their issues and teach them skills to improve their life. CBT is a kind of therapy that adults suffering from ADHD have shown to be successful at. CBT is designed for changing negative thinking patterns to more positive ones. Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from marital and family therapy.
Self-help methods like improving sleep patterns and limiting the consumption of caffeine can help reduce ADHD symptoms. People suffering from ADHD should talk to their primary care provider about getting a referral to an expert. A therapist or psychiatrist with experience in treating adults with ADHD can assist patients in finding a combination of treatment methods that are effective for them. They can provide assistance and advice on how to manage ADHD at school, work or at home. They can also assist parents or spouses learn how to better communicate with their child or partner who has ADHD and how to deal with the challenges of living with ADHD.