ADHD Treatment For Adults - Stimulant Medication

Adult ADHD is treated by stimulant medications such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters.

Antidepressants and nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine are often prescribed when stimulants aren't suitable for the patient due to health issues or adverse reactions. These medications are slower than stimulants and reduce the impulsivity and inattention.

Stimulants

Stimulants boost brain neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine. This improves attention and decreases impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications are used to treat ADHD in both children and adults. There are many kinds of stimulant medications available each with their own side effects and benefits. The majority of people respond well to long-acting drugs that accumulate in the body over time. This reduces the "ups-and-downs" that are caused by fluctuating levels of medication, which could worsen symptoms as the medication gets older. The FDA has approved a variety of ADHD medications, including methylphenidates and amphetamines (including Ritalin, Concerta and Concerta).

Non-stimulants

These medications can take longer to take effect, but they can also aid in treating adhd and depression in adults adult adhd. These medications are referred to as alpha-2 adrenergic or norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. They are typically 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 other serious negative side effects due to the fact that they do not affect the epinephrine receptor. These drugs work for up to 24 hours and can be taken daily to decrease the risk of impulsivity.

Certain patients suffering from ADHD have difficulty to tolerate stimulants due to their adverse effects. In these instances doctors that treat adhd in adults often prescribe antidepressants to be taken in combination with a stimulant to help reduce side effects. These medications include tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include imipramine, Tofranil and nortriptyline, Adhd treatment For adults Medication (Aventyl and Pamelor). Antidepressants usually have more complicated side effects than stimulants, and are usually only prescribed when other medications aren't effective.

Diet and exercise can help treat untreated adhd in adults relationships. All adults should eat an appropriate diet, Adhd Treatment For Adults Medication however people with ADHD are especially in need of it. A healthy diet can help improve concentration and decrease the impulsive behavior and cravings for food. Before making any changes to a diet or removing certain foods, people with ADHD should consult their doctor.

Counseling

Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from psychological counseling or therapy. This type of therapy can help them learn how to manage their problems and also teach them skills to improve their lives. CBT is a kind of therapy that adults suffering from adhd treatment for adults medication have been proven to be effective. CBT is designed to change negative thinking patterns and replace them with positive ones. Adults suffering from ADHD can also benefit from marital and family therapy.

Self-help strategies like improving sleep patterns and limiting caffeine consumption can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. People suffering from ADHD should speak with their primary care physicians about getting a referral to an expert. A therapist or psychiatrist with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD can help people find the right combination of treatment strategies that works for them. They can offer support and guidance on how to manage ADHD at school, work or at home. They can help parents and spouses know how to communicate with children with ADHD or how to deal with the challenges of living with ADHD.