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Treatment of ADHD in Adults Treatment for adults with adhd is based on therapy, medication and family support. Individuals can also take part in clinical trials to test new approaches to treating ADHD. Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to benefit from stimulant medication. They require monitoring regularly. This includes regular appointments with a physician and frequent reviews of symptoms. Medicines There are many medications that can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults. These are referred to as psychostimulants. They function by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain that transmit messages between nerve cell. Your doctor will choose the best medication for you and will decide the best dose and schedule to take it. It may take some time to determine the proper dosage and medication that will control your symptoms. Stimulants are usually the first prescription medication doctors recommend for adults with ADHD. They increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which increase your ability to concentrate and manage impulses. They are available in short-, intermediateand long-acting versions. Short-acting stimulants last about 6 hours, intermediate-acting drugs last between 8 and 10 hours, while long-acting drugs last up to 16 hours. Long-acting stimulants have less side effects than shorterand intermediate-acting drugs, however they can still cause sleepiness and changes in appetite. Nonstimulant medications, like atomoxetine (Strattera) can be used to treat adult ADHD when stimulants aren't effective or cause unpleasant adverse side effects. These medicines do not affect your norepinephrine or dopamine however, they can increase the amount of norepinephrine and improve your ability to concentrate. These medications are available in capsules and are taken once or twice a day. Some adults with ADHD have co-occurring disorders, such as depression or anxiety. These conditions are referred to as comorbidities, and they can influence how you respond to ADHD treatment. It is essential to treat any comorbid conditions before starting treatment for ADHD. People with a history addiction to drugs are more likely to abuse psychostimulants. It is best to wait until a person has quit using drugs before using stimulants. Psychotherapy Psychotherapy is a process of talking and discussing issues that may be disturbing or troubling to a person. The therapist listens and provides guidance based on their education, training, experience professional credentials and therapeutic philosophical philosophies. Psychotherapy can be short-term, (a few weeks or even months) and can address more immediate issues, or longer-term. The patient and therapist decide on the duration and frequency of therapy. The combination of psychotherapy and medication together is an extremely effective treatment for adults with ADHD. Behavioral therapy can help people improve their abilities to organize their lives, manage their time and prioritizing; it can also teach methods for managing emotions such as anger and frustration. Medication can reduce symptoms and improve focus, which leads to more efficient and successful work and academic performance. Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have co-existing conditions, particularly mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. It is essential that any co-existing conditions be treated prior to starting treatment for ADHD. Treatment of co-existing disorders could require different forms and dosages of medication than the ones used to treat ADHD. For example, a person who suffers from ADHD could also be suffering from hypertension. To select a medication to treat the ADHD symptoms without causing instability to the patient's hypertension, it is important to understand how different medications affect people in the course of time, as well as the interactions between the medications. It is essential to locate a therapist who has experience treating adults with ADHD and with whom you are comfortable. It's important to schedule your first few sessions at a time that you aren't distracted by family or work obligations. Counseling Adults who suffer from ADHD have many difficulties in their lives, including difficulties at work and in relationships. A person with ADHD may be prone to anger, frustration and blame that has developed over time. Psychosocial therapies can aid patients and their families to develop new abilities, attitudes and ways of communicating. Psychotherapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of psychotherapy that aids individuals to change their thinking and behavior. It involves setting goals, training and the practice of skills, as well as strategies for teaching that help improve self-esteem and organization. It can be done in a private or in a group. Metacognitive therapy has proven to significantly reduce symptoms among adults suffering from ADHD and improve their performance (Stevenson et al., 2002). In addition to psychotherapy, some individuals with ADHD also require counseling to address specific issues. These issues could include family conflicts, aggressive or impulsive behaviors, or difficulty in dealing with disappointments and failures. Counseling can help develop strategies to manage these situations, improve communication, and increase problem-solving capabilities. It can also enhance relationships, especially in marriages and other long-term partnerships. Other types of psychotherapy for ADHD are family therapy and supportive group therapy. These can help families deal with the stress of having a child who has ADHD, as well as develop skills to improve communication and reduce conflicts. It can assist parents understand the condition and develop parenting methods that encourage positive outcomes in their children. Adults suffering from ADHD must discuss their medication regularly with their doctor and inform them of any other medications, including over-the drug products. Certain medications can trigger adverse effects or interact with other medications. Medication Monitoring After a thorough assessment and diagnosis, it is essential to monitor the patient's condition to ensure that he/she reaps the benefits of the medication and does not suffer from side adverse effects. It is recommended that a patient be seen for a first clinical examination within 30 days of initiating treatment and then every month afterward. In the case of psychostimulants (methylphenidate amphetamines, methylphenidate) this allows for a the gradual titration of an effective and well-tolerated dose. This allows accurate registration of the patient's reaction and helps avoid keeping sensitive patient on insufficient doses. For adults who are not responding effectively to stimulant medications or suffer from uncontrollable side effects, the use of non-stimulant drugs may be indicated. Typically adult adhd treatments involves the use of atomoxetine or other alternatives to methylphenidate. Adults suffering from ADHD are frequently affected by comorbid conditions, such as depression or substance abuse. They may also suffer from medical issues like hearing and vision problems, or chronic sleep disorders. It is important to screen and evaluate such conditions in the initial evaluation for ADHD since these can have significant impact on functional impairment in adults. Marital therapy is also useful in the management of ADHD. Couples complain of being overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caring for their spouses who suffer from ADHD, and can become angry or resentful in response. Increasing the patient's awareness of the symptoms of his/her condition and helping to understand that these are not willful actions or a lack of love can help to reduce resentment and marital difficulties. Couples who go through this type of therapy tend to have better functioning families. Behavioral Therapy Psychotherapy for adults with ADHD is typically suggested. It should include a cognitive and behavioral component. Behavioral therapy can help patients to improve their abilities to manage their time, focus and control an impulsive behaviour. It helps patients manage their home, work, and social situations more effectively. Psychotherapy can also help patients understand how their disorder impacts different aspects of their lives and relationships. This can help reduce the shame and low-esteem that are often seen among adults with ADHD. They may be perceived by others as lazy or inexperienced. ADHD symptoms can be mimicked by various psychiatric disorders. Adult ADHD patients are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. The presence of any other psychiatric problems should be evaluated in order to determine whether or not the patient's ADHD symptoms are linked to them. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated using the combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. It has been demonstrated that the combination of psychotherapy and medication yields superior results over either treatment on its own. Future controlled medication studies will attempt to measure and assess functional improvements, such as improvement in school performance, the workplace, and interpersonal relationships.