Treatment Options for Adults?
- 19 September, 22
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD/ADD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It causes unusual levels of impulsive behavior and hyperactivity in children and adults.
There are numerous ways to treat ADHD. Medication, psychoeducation, psychiatric counseling, and family support may all be used to help a person.
Medicational-based treatment is quick and effective in managing ADHD symptoms, but it is rarely the only plan of action. To treat ADHD, non-drug therapy is frequently used in conjunction with pharmacological treatment.
Get into the details of this article to know the best ADHD treatment options for adult patients.
If you or your family member need help with ADHD, don’t hesitate to get medical assistance.
ADHD Medications
When it comes to treating ADHD, medications are frequently a vital component of treatment. Making a decision can be challenging, though. The doctor will consider all options before deciding whether medicine is the best course of action.
What types of ADHD medications could be most appropriate will also be decided by your doctor. The two primary pharmacological classes of ADHD meds are stimulants and non-stimulants.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Stimulants
The central nervous system stimulants are a category of ADHD medications that are most commonly prescribed. Norepinephrine and dopamine, two brain neurotransmitters, are increased by these medications.
Stimulants have a paradoxical soothing effect on ADHD patients. Many people see a decrease in hyperactivity and an increase in focus and attention span due to their effect.
Among the most commonly used CNS stimulants used to treat ADHD are:
| Amphetamine-based stimulants | Dextromethamphetamine | Dexmethylphenidate | Methylphenidate |
| Dexedrine, Adderall, DextroStat | Desoxyn | Focalin | Concerta, Ritalin, Daytrana, Metadate |
Non-stimulants
In the case that stimulant medications have failed to treat your ADHD or have difficult-to-manage side effects, your doctor may recommend non-stimulant medications.
Some non-stimulant drugs function by raising the brain’s norepinephrine levels. Norepinephrine is claimed to improve memory and focus.
Examples of commonly prescribed non-stimulants include:
| Atomoxetine | Antidepressants | Other non-stimulants |
| Strattera | Nortriptyline (Pamelor) | Clonidine (Kapvay), Guanfacine (Intuniv) |
Talk Therapy and Behavioral Therapy for ADHD Adults
For adults with ADHD, talk therapy and other behavioral therapies are frequently utilized either alone or in combination with drugs. The difficulties ADHD people encounter at home, at work, and in relationships can be helped by these therapies. They can help you feel better and improve your quality of life, whether you use medication or not.
Commonly used therapies include:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT teaches you how to alter your behaviors and beliefs in a way that increases your sense of control over your life. It can assist with difficulties at work, at home, and in relationships. And it’s used to address other conditions like depression and anxiety along with ADHD.
What you want to work on will be discussed with your therapist. These are typically issues that you deal with on a daily basis. For instance, you might want to develop your planning, time management, or project completion skills. To achieve your objectives, you will decide on an action plan. Between appointments, your therapist could assign some homework. You can use it to exercise your new abilities in real situations.
Make an appointment with a licensed mental health expert to receive therapy.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Marsha Linehan, Ph.D., ABPP, a psychology professor at the University of Washington, developed DBT. The original purpose of DBT was to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD). It is currently among the most effective treatments and is also used as ADHD therapy for enhancing emotional control. In weekly group sessions, DBT is taught in a series of skill-based modules, each of which is centered on a different skill.
Social Skills Training
If a person reports having trouble in social settings, social skills training may occasionally be helpful. Like CBT, social skills training aims to instill new, more acceptable habits. This aids someone with ADHD in their career and interpersonal interactions.
ADHD Coaching
ADHD coaches assist clients with planning and taking control of their life. The coaching is based on a holistic approach rather than focusing on specific areas. For example, coaches can support their clients’ development in the areas of social skills, career and business exploration, emotional/intellectual growth, and careful financial planning.
An ADHD coach who has received professional training can effectively help clients with ADHD develop skills including management, motivation, healthy communication, and living a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
You can receive an online diagnosis for ADHD through MEDvidi’s services. Don’t miss the opportunity to speak with a qualified specialist.
Support Groups
Attending support groups can be a good way to interact with others who may have had similar experiences or have similar concerns. In order to foster the development of relationships and support networks, support groups frequently gather. It might be a big comfort to realize you’re not alone in dealing with ADHD.
If you or a loved one has just received an ADHD diagnosis, support groups can be a useful source for tips for dealing with the condition. How to locate support groups in your area might be found by asking your doctor.
Treating ADHD and Comorbidities
More than half of those diagnosed with ADHD also have one or more additional comorbid conditions, for instance:
- Disruptive behavior disorders
- Conduct disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Trauma-related disorders
- Depression
- Substance use disorders
Furthermore, a significant proportion of people suffering from ADHD also fit the diagnostic parameters for learning disorders or autism spectrum disorders.
When a patient has gotten a dual diagnosis, a doctor may create a comprehensive treatment plan to address all of the patient’s conditions. These treatment regimens may combine medication and therapy or contain one or the other.
Diet and Supplements
A balanced diet should be followed by those with ADHD. However, don’t stop eating anything before consulting a doctor. While there is no strong evidence for this, several studies have shown that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid supplements may help patients with ADHD. A doctor should be consulted before taking any supplements since some may interact with medications in unpredictable ways or reduce their effectiveness.
To Sum Up
ADHD treatment plan varies as per each individual nature and intensity of symptoms. Identifying the aspects of one’s life that are most negatively impacted by ADHD and then seeking treatment for those issues might be beneficial for adults with ADHD.
For a professional evaluation of your symptoms, a reliable diagnosis, and a customized treatment strategy that will work for you, contact the MEDvidi online clinic.
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