One kind of neurodevelopmental illness is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD). In both children and adults, it results in abnormally high levels of hyperactivity and impulsive conduct.
ADHD may be treated in many different ways. A person may benefit from medication, psychoeducation, mental therapy, and family support.
While medication-based therapy is often the fastest and most efficient way to manage symptoms of ADHD, it is not always the only option. Non-drug therapy is often employed in addition to pharmaceutical treatment for ADHD.
Read this article in its entirety to learn about the top ADHD treatments available to adult patients.
ADHD Drugs
Medications are often an essential part of treatment plans for ADHD patients. But coming to a choice might be difficult. Before determining if medication is the best course of action, the doctor will weigh all available choices.
Your physician will also determine the kind of ADHD medicine that would be most suited for you. Stimulants and non-stimulants are the two main pharmacological classifications of ADHD medications.
Stimulants of the Central Nervous System (CNS)
The most often prescribed class of ADHD drugs are those that stimulate the central nervous system. These drugs raise two neurotransmitters in the brain: norepinephrine and dopamine.
For people with ADHD, stimulants have a paradoxically calming impact. Their influence causes many individuals to notice a reduction in hyperactivity as well as an improvement in concentration and attention span.
The following are some of the most often prescribed CNS stimulants for ADHD:
| Stimulants based on amphetamines | DextroStat, Adderall, and Dexedrine |
| Methyldextromethorphan | Desoxyn |
| Dexmethylphenidate | Focalin |
| Phenolphenidate | Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana, and Metadate |
| Lisdexamfetamine | The Vyvanse |
Absent stimulants
Your doctor could suggest non-stimulant drugs if stimulant medications have not been able to control your ADHD or if the side effects are too tough to handle.
Certain non-stimulant medications work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. It is said that norepinephrine enhances concentration and memory.
Typical non-stimulant prescriptions include, for example:
| Atomoxetine | Depression-fighting drugs | Additional non-stimulants |
| Breaking Through | Pamelornortriptyline | Guanfacine (Intuniv), and clonidine (Kapvay) |
Adults with ADHD Who Need Talk Therapy and Behavioral Therapy
Talk therapy and other behavioral treatments are often used alone or in conjunction with medication for people diagnosed with ADHD. These treatments may assist persons with ADHD who have challenges at work, home, and in relationships. Whether you take medicine or not, they may make you feel better and enhance your quality of life.
Frequently used treatments consist of:
CBT, or cognitive-behavioral therapy
With cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), you may learn to change your thoughts and actions in a manner that gives you more control over your life. It may help with issues in relationships, at work, and at home. In addition to ADHD, it’s used to treat other illnesses including anxiety and despair.
You and your therapist will talk about the things you’d want to work on. You probably deal with these problems on a daily basis. For example, you may want to improve your ability to plan, manage your time, or finish projects. In order to accomplish your goals, you will choose an action plan. Your therapist may give you homework to do in between sessions. It allows you to practice your new skills in practical settings.
Behavioral Dialectical Therapy (DBT)
DBT was created by University of Washington psychology professor Marsha Linehan, Ph.D., ABPP. DBT was first intended to treat BPD, or borderline personality disorder. It is one of the best therapies available right now and is also used as therapy for ADHD to improve emotional regulation. DBT is taught in weekly group sessions using a sequence of skill-based modules, each focused on a distinct skill.
Social Skills Education
On occasion, social skills training could be beneficial if an individual reports struggling in social situations. The goal of social skills training, like CBT, is to establish new, socially acceptable behaviors. This helps an individual with ADHD in their professional and social lives.
ADHD Guidance
ADHD coaches help people make plans and take charge of their lives. Rather than concentrating on certain areas, the coaching is focused on a comprehensive approach. Coaches, for instance, may assist their clients in developing their social skills, exploring career and business opportunities, growing emotionally and intellectually, and making thoughtful financial plans.
Professionally trained ADHD coaches may assist individuals with ADHD in developing skills such as motivation, management, good communication, and leading balanced, healthy lives.
Support Teams
A nice method to meet others who may have gone through similar things or have comparable worries is to attend to support groups. Support groups meet regularly to encourage the development of connections and networks of support. Finding support from those who share your experience with ADHD may be very reassuring.
Support groups may provide helpful hints for managing ADHD if you or a loved one has just been diagnosed with the disorder. You could ask your doctor about how to find local support groups.
Handling Comorbidities and ADHD
More than half of people with an ADHD diagnosis additionally suffer from one or more comorbid disorders, such as:
Moreover, a sizable fraction of ADHD sufferers also meet the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorders or learning disabilities.
A physician may design a thorough treatment plan to address each ailment in a patient who has received a dual diagnosis. These treatment plans may include both therapy and medicine, or just one.
Nutrition and Add-ons
People with ADHD should eat a balanced diet. But wait to see a doctor before cutting off any food. Numerous studies have shown that people with ADHD may benefit from taking supplements containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, albeit there isn’t much proof to support this. Before taking any supplements, it is best to speak with a doctor since some have the potential to diminish the efficacy of drugs or interact in unexpected ways with them.
In Conclusion
The kind and severity of each person’s symptoms determine how the ADHD treatment plan is customized. Adults with ADHD may benefit from determining which areas of their lives are most adversely affected by ADHD and then pursuing therapy for those problems.