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ADHD Treatment For Adults Medication Tips That Can Change Your Life
ADHD Treatment For Adults - Stimulant Medication

Adult ADHD is treated with stimulant medications such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. These drugs increase and balance the levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.

Nonstimulant and antidepressant medications, such as atomoxetine, are often prescribed when stimulants aren't suitable for the patient due to other health issues or adverse effects. These drugs work slower than stimulants and can reduce the amount of impulsivity and lack of attention.

Stimulants

Stimulants boost brain neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, which enhances concentration and reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications are used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. There are a variety of brands of stimulant medication, each with its own benefits and side effects. Long-acting drugs are the best choice for most people because they accumulate in the body over time. This helps reduce the "ups-and-downs" that can be caused by the fluctuating dosage of medication, which can worsen symptoms as the medication gets older. The FDA has approved a variety of ADHD medications such as methylphenidates (including Ritalin and Concerta) and amphetamines.

Non-stimulants

These medications may take longer to take effect, but they can also help treat adult adhd. These medications are referred to as norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, also known as alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. Typically, they are prescribed to treat high blood pressure, but have been employed "off-label" to treat ADHD in both adults and children for many years. They are less likely than stimulants to trigger addiction or have serious adverse effects since they do not impact the epinephrine receptor. The effects of these medications last for up to 24 hours and can be taken daily to reduce the impulsivity.

Some patients with ADHD are not able to tolerate stimulants due to their adverse effects. In these cases doctors may prescribe antidepressants along with stimulants to lessen adverse effects. These include tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like imipramine, Tofranil and nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor). Antidepressants typically have more complex side effects than stimulants, and are usually used only when other medications aren't working.

Exercise and diet may also help treat ADHD. A balanced diet is crucial for everyone however it is particularly important for people with ADHD. A healthy diet can improve concentration, reduce the impulsive behavior, and decrease cravings for food. Before making any changes to one's diet or eliminating certain foods, those suffering from ADHD should talk to their doctor.

Counseling

Psychological counseling, or therapy can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. This kind of therapy can help them understand how to manage their problems and teach them how to improve their lives. CBT is a form of therapy that adults suffering from ADHD have proven to be successful at. I Am Psychiatry is designed for changing negative thinking patterns and transforming them into positive ones. Marital and family therapy can also be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD.


Self-help strategies like improving sleep patterns and limiting consumption of caffeine can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. People with ADHD should speak to their primary care physician regarding a referral to an ADHD specialist. A psychiatrist or therapist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD can assist people in finding the right combination of treatment strategies that work for them. They can provide assistance and advice on how to manage ADHD at work, school or at home. They can help parents and spouses understand how to communicate with a child with ADHD or how to handle the challenges that come with living with ADHD.

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