ADHD Treatment For Adults - Stimulant Medication
Adult ADHD is treated by stimulant drugs like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. These drugs increase and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Nonstimulant medications such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can be prescribed if stimulants aren't appropriate for the patient due to other health issues or adverse effects. These drugs work more slowly than stimulants and decrease the impulsivity and inattention.
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Stimulants boost brain neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, which improves concentration and reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs are used to treat ADHD in both children and adults. There are a variety of stimulant drugs are available, and each has its own benefits and side consequences. The majority of people respond well to long-acting medications that accumulate within the body over time. This helps reduce the "ups and downs" caused by fluctuating levels of medications, which can make symptoms worse as the drug wears off. The FDA has approved a variety of ADHD medications including amphetamines and methylphenidates (including Ritalin, Concerta and Concerta).
Non-stimulants
There are also non-stimulant medicines that can help treat adult adhd, but they can take longer to kick in. These medications are referred to as alpha-2 adrenergic and norepinephrine-re inhibitors. They are typically prescribed for high blood pressure, but have been used "off-label" to treat ADHD in children and adults for a long time. Because they don't affect the epinephrine system in the same way that stimulants do, they are less likely to cause serious adverse effects or addiction. These medications can be taken on a regular basis and work for up to 24 hours to reduce the impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention.
Some people with ADHD have trouble tolerating stimulants due to their adverse effects. In these cases, doctors sometimes prescribe antidepressants together with a stimulant to reduce the risk of side effects. These medications 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 only used when other medications fail.
Diet and exercise can aid in treating ADHD. Everyone should eat a balanced diet, but people suffering from ADHD are in particular need of it. A healthy diet can help improve concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and reduce cravings for food. People with ADHD should consult with a physician before making changes to their diet or eliminating any food items.
Counseling
Therapy, also known as psychotherapy can be beneficial for people with ADHD. adhd treatment for adult women of therapy can help them learn how to deal with their problems, and can teach skills to improve their lives. CBT is a form of therapy that adults with ADHD have shown to be effective. CBT is designed to transform negative thinking patterns and replace them with more positive ones. Family and marital therapy can also be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD.
Self-help techniques, such as increasing sleep routines and limiting the intake 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 a specialist. A therapist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD could be able help people find the right combination of treatments. They can offer support and advice for managing ADHD at home, at school or on the job. adhd treatment for older adults can also help parents or spouses learn to better communicate with a child or partner who has ADHD and how to deal with the challenges of living with ADHD.