ADHD Treatment For Adults - Stimulant Medication
Adult ADHD is treated with stimulant medications such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. adhd in adults untreated and balance levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals.
Non-stimulant medicines like antidepressants and atomoxetine can be prescribed if stimulants aren't appropriate for the patient due to other health issues or side effects. These drugs are slower-acting than stimulants, and they reduce the impulsivity and lack of focus.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the levels of brain neurotransmitters dopamine, and norepinephrine. They improve concentration and decrease impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. These drugs are the most popular treatment for ADHD for both adults and children. There are a variety of stimulant medications are available, and each medication has its own benefits and negative side consequences. Long-acting medications are best for most people because they accumulate in the body over time. This minimizes the "ups and downs" caused by fluctuating medication levels which can make symptoms worse as the drug wears off. The FDA has approved a number of ADHD medication options that include methylphenidates (including Ritalin and Concerta) and amphetamines.
Non-stimulants
These drugs may take longer to effect their effects however, they can help treat adhd in adults. These drugs are called norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. They are typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure, however they have been used for years "off-label", to treat ADHD in adults and children. Because they don't impact the epinephrine system the same way that stimulants do, they are less likely to cause severe side effects or addiction. These medications can be taken on a regular basis and work for up to 24 hours to decrease the intensity of hyperactivity, impulsivity and impulsivity.
Some patients with ADHD are unable to tolerate stimulants due to their side effects. In these instances, doctors sometimes prescribe antidepressants to be taken in conjunction with stimulants to lessen the effects of. These include tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as imipramine, Tofranil and nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor). Antidepressants have more complex side effects than stimulants, and are only used when other medications don't work.
Exercise and diet may also help treat ADHD. Everyone should consume healthy and balanced meals, but those with ADHD are in particular need of it. A healthy diet can improve concentration, reduce the impulsive behavior, and decrease food cravings. Before making any changes to a person's diet or removing certain foods, people with ADHD should talk to their doctor.
Counseling
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from psychological counseling or therapy. This kind of therapy can help them learn how to manage their issues, and can teach skills to improve their lives. CBT is a form of therapy that adults with ADHD have shown to be successful at. adhd in adults untreated is designed to change negative thinking patterns and replace them with positive ones. Adults suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from family and marital therapy.
adhd treatment for adults medication -help strategies such as improving sleep patterns and limiting the consumption of caffeine can also reduce ADHD symptoms. People suffering from ADHD should consult their primary care provider about referral to an ADHD specialist. A psychiatrist or therapist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD can assist patients in finding the right combination of treatment strategies that work for them. They can provide support and guidance on how to manage ADHD at work, school or at home. They can assist parents and spouses understand how to communicate with children who suffers from ADHD or how to deal with the challenges that come with living with ADHD.