how to treat adhd without medication in adults For Adults With Anxiety About 50% of adults with ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Treatment approaches for managing both conditions include medication as well as therapy. Stimulants can be effective in enhancing attention and focus. They work by keeping previously activated brain receptors turned on or fired up. They can cause tics and may increase your heart rate a little. Stimulants Stimulants, like amphetamines and methylphenidates are the first medication doctors typically use in treating ADHD. These drugs work quickly to enhance concentration and reduce impulsivity. They can help reduce anxiety in certain people by boosting norepinephrine levels. Most stimulant medications are controlled substances, and are prone to dependence and abuse. Some adults are tolerant of them. They can cause initial insomnia which could be due to a relapse of ADHD symptoms after the medication is taken off or an alteration in sleep patterns. This can be reduced by taking the medication only one time per day instead of taking it three or four times a week, and also by creating a regular sleeping schedule. Possible side effects of stimulants include a sudden increase in blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, and changes in vision or hearing. They can also cause weight loss or anorexia, particularly when consumed in large doses. The stimulants can also cause mood instability in some people, and cause manic or psychotic symptoms to develop. They are not recommended for people with Tourette's disorder, bipolar disorder or severe anorexia. Mood swings may occur when stimulants suddenly stopped. In these cases it is essential to slowly reduction in the dose. Medications to treat anxiety that are different than ADHD could be used to treat people suffering from the disorder. For example, antidepressants such as SSRIs like Sertraline and Fluoxetine can aid in the treatment of anxiety related to ADHD as well as depression. These drugs are typically prescribed off-label for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them for ADHD however, research in the field does not support this use. Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are slower to take effect but they can aid in reducing the tendency to be impulsive and increase attention. They don't affect the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain as significantly as stimulants do, and they are less likely to cause rapid heart rate or agitation. This class of drugs includes strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex). Combinations of strategies, such as cognitive-behavioral treatment, behavior therapy, and medications can be employed to treat ADHD and anxiety. Research has shown that the most effective treatment is using a combination of medications and behavioral therapy. For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapy aids in teaching skills that could aid in reducing anxiety, such as deep breathing, mindfulness meditation and techniques for calming. If children with ADHD have anxiety problems, it is best to treat the ADHD before prescribing an SSRI. This will enable the child to concentrate better at school and experience less ADHD-related anxiety symptoms. It is essential to attend therapy regularly to reap the maximum benefits. If needed, a doctor may recommend an additional psychiatric medication to treat the anxiety. This may be a tricyclic antidepressant like Tofranil. If anxiety is not treated it could hinder the ability of a child to benefit from therapy. This is why it is essential to establish the diagnosis and treatment correct the first time.
how to treat adhd without medication in adults
