A An Instructional Guide To ADHD Treatment For Adults Medication From Start To Finish

ADHD Treatment For Adults - Stimulant Medication

Adult ADHD is treated by stimulant drugs like methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine. These drugs boost and balance the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine or antidepressants can be prescribed if stimulants aren't suitable for the patient because of other health issues or adverse effects. These drugs are slower-acting than stimulants, and they reduce the amount of impulsivity and apathy.

Stimulants

Stimulants increase brain neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which improves attention and decreases impulsivity and hyperactivity. These are the most commonly used treatment for ADHD for both adults and children. There are a variety of stimulant drugs are available, and each comes with its own advantages and adverse negative effects. Most people respond better to long-acting medicines that accumulate 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 several ADHD medications, including methylphenidates and amphetamines (including Ritalin, Concerta and Concerta).

Non-stimulants

These drugs may take longer to work however they also aid in treating adult adhd. These medications are known as norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. They are typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure, but they have been used for years "off-label" to treat ADHD among children and adults. Because they don't impact the epinephrine system in the same way as stimulants, they are less likely to cause serious adverse reactions or addiction. These medications can be taken on a daily basis and work for up to 24 hours to decrease impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention.

Certain patients suffering from ADHD have difficulty to tolerate stimulants due their adverse effects. In these cases, doctors may prescribe antidepressants along with stimulants to lessen adverse effects. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and nortriptyline (Aventyl or Pamelor). Antidepressants can cause more complicated side effects than stimulants, and are used only when other medications fail.

Exercise and diet may also aid in treating ADHD. A well-balanced diet is important for everyone however it is particularly essential for those with ADHD. A healthy diet can help improve concentration, decrease impulse-driven behavior, and reduce food cravings. Before making any changes to one's diet or eliminating certain foods, people with ADHD should talk to their doctor.

Counseling

Therapy, also known as psychotherapy, can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. This kind of therapy can help them understand how to manage their issues, and can teach skills to improve their lives.  Learn Alot more  is a kind of therapy that adults suffering from ADHD have proven to be successful at. CBT is designed to change negative thinking patterns into more positive ones. Adults suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from family and marital therapy.

Self-help techniques like improving sleep patterns and limiting the consumption of caffeine can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. People suffering from ADHD should talk to their primary care physicians about getting a referral to an expert. A psychiatrist or therapist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD can assist patients in finding a combination of treatment methods that are effective for them. They can offer support and advice for managing ADHD at home, at school or on the job. They can also assist parents or spouses learn how to better communicate with the child or partner who has ADHD and learn how to deal with the challenges associated with living with ADHD.