What to take for adhd

Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis

Signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults can be hard to spot. However, core symptoms start early in life — before age 12 — and continue into adulthood, creating major problems.

No single test can confirm the diagnosis. Making the diagnosis will likely include:

Physical exam, to help rule out other possible causes for your symptoms
Information gathering, such as asking you questions about any current medical issues, personal and family medical history, and the history of your symptoms
ADHD rating scales or psychological tests to help collect and evaluate information about your symptoms

Other conditions that resemble

ADHD

Some medical conditions or treatments may cause signs and symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Examples include:

Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, conduct disorders, learning and language deficits, or other psychiatric disorders
Medical problems that can affect thinking or behavior, such as a developmental disorder, seizure disorder, thyroid problems, sleep disorders, brain injury or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Drugs and medications, such as alcohol or other substance misuse and certain medications

Treatment

Standard treatments for ADHD in adults typically involve medication, education, skills training and psychological counseling. A combination of these is often the most effective treatment. These treatments can help manage many symptoms of ADHD, but they don't cure it. It may take some time to determine what works best for you.

Medications

Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of any medications.

Stimulants, such as products that include methylphenidate or amphetamine, are typically the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD, but other medications may be prescribed. Stimulants appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Other medications used to treat ADHD include the nonstimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants such as bupropion. Atomoxetine and antidepressants work slower than stimulants do, but these may be good options if you can't take stimulants because of health problems or if stimulants cause severe side effects.

The right medication and the right dose vary among individuals, so it may take time to find out what's right for you. Tell your doctor about any side effects.

Psychological counseling

Counseling for adult ADHD generally includes psychological counseling (psychotherapy), education about the disorder and learning skills to help you be successful.

Psychotherapy may help you:

Improve your time management and organizational skills
Learn how to reduce your impulsive behavior
Develop better problem-solving skills
Cope with past academic, work or social failures
Improve your self-esteem
Learn ways to improve relationships with your family, co-workers and friends
Develop strategies for controlling your temper

Common types of psychotherapy for ADHD include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy. This structured type of counseling teaches specific skills to manage your behavior and change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. It can help you deal with life challenges, such as school, work or relationship problems, and help address other mental health conditions, such as depression or substance misuse.
Marital counseling and family therapy. This type of therapy can help loved ones cope with the stress of living with someone who has ADHD and learn what they can do to help. Such counseling can improve communication and problem-solving skills.

Working on relationships

If you're like many adults with ADHD, you may be unpredictable and forget appointments, miss deadlines, and make impulsive or irrational decisions. These behaviors can strain the patience of the most forgiving co-worker, friend or partner.

Therapy that focuses on these issues and ways to better monitor your behavior can be very helpful. So can classes to improve communication and develop conflict resolution and problem-solving skills. Couples therapy and classes in which family members learn more about ADHD may significantly improve your relationships.

More Information

Cognitive behavioral therapy
Family therapy

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Lifestyle and home remedies

Because ADHD is a complex disorder and each person is unique, it's hard to make recommendations for all adults who have ADHD. But some of these suggestions may help:

Make a list of tasks to accomplish each day. Prioritize the items. Make sure you're not trying to do too much.
Break down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Consider using checklists.
Use sticky pads to write notes to yourself. Put them on the fridge, on the bathroom mirror, in the car or in other places where you'll see the reminders.
Keep an appointment book or electronic calendar to track appointments and deadlines.
Carry a notebook or electronic device with you so that you can note ideas or things you'll need to remember.
Take time to set up systems to file and organize information, both on your electronic devices and for paper documents. Get in the habit of using these systems consistently.
Follow a routine that's consistent from day to day and keep items, such as your keys and your wallet, in the same place.
Ask for help from family members or other loved ones.

Alternative medicine

There's little research to indicate that alternative medicine treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms. However, studies indicate that mindfulness meditation may help improve mood and attention in adults who have ADHD, as well as those who don't have ADHD.

Before using alternative interventions for ADHD, talk with your doctor about risks and possible benefits.

Coping and support

While treatment can make a big difference with ADHD, taking other steps can help you understand ADHD and learn to manage it. Some resources that may help you are listed below. Ask your health care team for more advice on resources.

Support groups. Support groups allow you to meet other people with ADHD so that you can share experiences, information and coping strategies. These groups are available in person in many communities and also online.
Social support. Involve your spouse, close relatives and friends in your ADHD treatment. You may feel reluctant to let people know you have ADHD, but letting others know what's going on can help them understand you better and improve your relationships.
Co-workers, supervisors and teachers. ADHD can make work and school a challenge. You may feel embarrassed telling your boss or professor that you have ADHD, but most likely he or she will be willing to make small accommodations to help you succeed. Ask for what you need to improve your performance, such as more in-depth explanations or more time on certain tasks.

Preparing for your appointment

You're likely to start by first talking to your primary care provider. Depending on the results of the initial evaluation, he or she may refer you to a specialist, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or other mental health professional.

What you can do

To prepare for your appointment, make a list of:

Any symptoms you've had and problems they've caused, such as trouble at work, at school or in relationships.
Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes you've had.
All medications you take, including any vitamins, herbs or supplements, and the dosages. Also include the amount of caffeine and alcohol you use, and whether you use recreational drugs.
Questions to ask your doctor.

Bring any past evaluations and results of formal testing with you, if you have them.

Basic questions to ask your doctor include:

What are the possible causes of my symptoms?
What kinds of tests do I need?
What treatments are available and which do you recommend?
What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?
I have these other health problems. How can I best manage these conditions together?
Should I see a specialist such as a psychiatrist or psychologist?
Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
What types of side effects can I expect from the medication?
Are there any printed materials that I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask questions anytime you don't understand something.

What to expect from your doctor

Be ready to answer questions your doctor may ask, such as:

When do you first remember having problems focusing, paying attention or sitting still?
Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
Which symptoms bother you most, and what problems do they seem to cause?
How severe are your symptoms?
In what settings have you noticed the symptoms: at home, at work or in other situations?
What was your childhood like? Did you have social problems or trouble in school?
How is your current and past academic and work performance?
What are your sleep hours and patterns?
What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
What medications do you take?
Do you consume caffeine?
Do you drink alcohol or use recreational drugs?

Your doctor or mental health professional will ask additional questions based on your responses, symptoms and needs. Preparing and anticipating questions will help you make the most of your time with the doctor.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Associated Procedures

Products & Services

Compare ADHD Drug Treatments & Side Effects

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Stimulants. This group of drugs has treated ADHD for several decades. These medicines might help you focus your thoughts and ignore distractions. Stimulant meds work for 70% to 80% of people. They’re used to treat moderate and severe ADHD. They may be helpful for children, teens, and adults who have a hard time at school, work, or home. Some stimulants are approved for use in children over age 3. Others are approved for children over age 6.
Non-stimulants. In cases where stimulants don’t work or cause unpleasant side effects, non-stimulants might help. These medications can improve symptoms like concentration and impulse control.
Antidepressants. People with ADHD often have depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder too. They may take an antidepressant to control mental health issues or other conditions along with a stimulant for ADHD.

Types of Short-Acting Stimulants and Side Effects

Side effects of short-acting stimulants include loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep problems, crankiness, and tics. You have to take them often.

The FDA has issued a warning about the risk of drug abuse with amphetamine stimulants. FDA safety advisers are also concerned that all amphetamine and methylphenidate stimulants used for ADHD may make heart and psychiatric problems more likely.

Types of Intermediate and Long-Acting Stimulants and Side Effects

Side effects of these medications include loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep problems, crankiness, and tics. Long-acting medicines may have greater effects on appetite and sleep. The FDA warns about the risk of drug abuse with amphetamine stimulants. FDA safety advisers are also concerned that all amphetamine and methylphenidate stimulants used for ADHD may make heart and psychiatric problems more likely.

Types of Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications and Side Effects

Non-stimulant medications usually take a while to start working. It could be several weeks before you feel the full effects. Also, they may not work as well as stimulants. Some non-stimulant medications may raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and death by suicide in teens. The FDA warns that anyone taking atomoxetine (Strattera) should be monitored for suicidal thoughts, especially during the first few weeks. Common side effects of these drugs include fatigue, upset stomach, dry mouth, and nausea. Your blood pressure often rises when you stop taking them.

Drug Name	Brand Name	Duration	Notes
Atomoxetine	Strattera	24 hours	Sleep problems, anxiety, fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, dry mouth. Although rare, can cause liver damage. Higher risk of suicide in adults ages 18-24.
Clonidine	Catapres	4-6 hours	Fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, crankiness, behavior problems, low blood pressure. Stopping this medicine suddenly can result in high blood pressure.
Clonidine	Catapres-TTS patch	Up to 7 days	Fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, crankiness, behavior problems, low blood pressure. Stopping this medicine suddenly can result in high blood pressure.
Clonidine	Kapvay	12 hours	Fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, crankiness, behavior problems, low blood pressure. Stopping this medicine suddenly can result in high blood pressure.
Guanfacine	Intuniv	24 hours	Fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, crankiness, behavior problems, low blood pressure. Stopping this medicine suddenly can result in high blood pressure.
Guanfacine	Tenex	6-8 hours	Fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, crankiness, behavior problems, low blood pressure. Stopping this medicine suddenly can result in high blood pressure.
Viloxazine	Qelbree	12 Hours	Tiredness, sleepiness, cnausea, vomiting, sleeplessness, irritability, decreased appetite

Types of Antidepressant ADHD Medications and Side Effects

These medications can be used off-label to treat ADHD symptoms. That means doctors can prescribe them even though they haven’t been approved by the FDA for use with ADHD, Side effects often include trouble sleeping, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, sweating, and changes in sex drive. The FDA has also warned about a connection between antidepressants and a higher risk of suicide in adults ages 18-24, especially in the first 1 or 2 months.

Drug Name	Brand Name	Duration	Notes
Bupropion	Wellbutrin	4-5 hours	Headaches. Although rare, may make you more likely to have seizures.
Bupropion	Wellbutrin SR	12 hours	Headaches. Although rare, may make you more likely to have seizures.
Bupropion	Wellbutrin XL	24 hours	Headaches. Although rare, may make you more likely to have seizures.
Desipramine	Norpramin	8-24 hours	Not recommended for children. Associated with rare cases of fatal heart problems.
Imipramine	Tofranil	8-24 hours	Anxiety, fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, dry mouth, higher heart rate, risk of heart arrhythmias.
Nortriptyline	Aventyl, Pamelor	8-24 hours	Anxiety, fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, dry mouth, higher heart rate, risk of heart arrhythmias.

ADHD Medicines and Safety

Experts generally consider these medicines safe when they are monitored properly by a professional. Serious problems are rare. Discuss the risks and benefits of these drugs with your doctor.

Treatment for ADHD and Other Conditions

Up to 80% of people with ADHD also have another mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and substance use disorders. These issues and their treatment can affect ADHD, and vice versa. For example, some stimulant medications can make anxiety symptoms worse. But your doctor can often safely combine treatments for depression and ADHD. Your treatment plan will depend on your overall mental health.

ADHD in adults - treatment, symptoms, diagnosis

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Treatment of ADHD in adults

Rehabilitation clinic "A NEW DAY" specializes in the treatment of adults with ADHD. We have developed and effectively applied a set of rehabilitation measures for ADHD.

Individual approach

Each patient has his own doctor - a neurologist. He knows everything about the patient and his disease, if necessary, he can make adjustments to the course of treatment at any stage. The main thing is the result. At the end of the course of treatment, individually developed recommendations are issued.

Treatment is always a complex

Taking into account the variant of the course, the age of the patient, the severity of manifestations, the most appropriate methods and their combinations are selected: (BOS).

In everyday life, ADHD patients are not recommended to engage in those sports that involve a competitive nature and have a pronounced emotional component, for example, martial arts, team games. Useful jogging, swimming (non-competitive), cycling, skiing.

To improve the psychological and emotional state, reduce anxiety, overcome depression, sleep disorders, various methods of psychotherapy are used. The choice of a technique suitable for a particular patient is carried out by a psychologist or psychotherapist.

Relaxation techniques: special relaxation massages, relaxation sessions, medical treatment.
Cognitive training is used for attention deficit. Acupuncture (IRT) is traditionally used to restore the regulation of many organs, including the brain.

Innovative techniques

Translingual neurostimulation (TLNS) is an effect on the brain through the stimulation of tongue receptors. This is an advanced innovative technique, most effectively used in the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system, and as we know, ADHD belongs to such diseases. The use of TLNS allows you to restore the regulation of excitation-inhibition processes in a short time, which ultimately leads to an improvement in the course of ADHD, the best psychological and motor correction. In addition, TLNS has a positive effect on cognitive functions, such as concentration and memory, improves sleep, allowing the body to restore its neurotransmitter stores and have a good rest.

Continuity and recurrence

ADHD has a favorable course when properly treated. It is important to maintain the results achieved. To do this, at discharge, we give detailed individually developed recommendations. As long as there is any residual symptomatology, courses of treatment should be repeated, as a rule, 2-3 times a year.

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Attention deficit disorder in adults

ADHD is a childhood-onset neurological behavioral disorder characterized by difficulty concentrating and maintaining attention, excessive motor activity (hyperactivity) and incontinence (impulsivity).

In recent years, the frequency of ADHD has increased, including among adults. It used to be thought that by adolescence, the symptoms of ADHD would significantly lessen or go away. However, now these ideas have changed: in 30-70% of cases, ADHD persists into adulthood. Most often this is due to insufficiently effective treatment in childhood.

More about ADHD

All processes occurring in the nervous system are based on two oppositely directed mechanisms: excitation and inhibition. Normally they are balanced. However, the formation of the nervous system does not occur immediately after birth. The brain is mainly formed before the age of 8 years, but finally only by the age of 25. Therefore, in children, arousal and inhibition often get out of control, in some cases leading to ADHD. Over time, the brain matures and the symptoms of ADHD improve or go away on their own. But even in an adult, cognitive, behavioral, and motor
disorders resulting from ADHD. That is why the prevalence of ADHD in adults, although it has increased in recent years, still remains much less than in children.

In general, the manifestations in children and adults do not differ, but there are features.

First, if a child does not have ADHD, then an adult will not develop this disease. Therefore, ADHD in adults is not a separate disease, but disorders that have persisted since childhood.

Secondly, in adults, attention disorders prevail over manifestations of hyperactivity. It is difficult for such people to concentrate and maintain attention, so many activities that require concentration may not be available to them. Hyperactivity can be manifested by restlessness, so sedentary sedentary work is not suitable for them.
Impulsivity can be manifested by conflicts in the family and at work.

And thirdly, the presence of ADHD in adulthood requires careful examination to exclude other disorders, incl. mental illness.

Manifestations of ADHD depend on the course of the disease.

Types of ADHD in adults

With a predominance of attention deficit (deficit)
With a predominance of hyperactivity
Mixed version of ADHD

Symptoms of ADHD in adults

Symptoms of inattention (at least 5 symptoms for at least 6 months):

Inability to concentrate on details, error
Inability to hold attention for a long time
Often one gets the impression that he does not listen to spoken speech
Inability to follow instructions, algorithms, for example, to fulfill conditions tasks
Resistance to getting involved in tasks, avoiding or active resistance
Frequent loss of things, especially those necessary to complete tasks
Easy distractibility to extraneous stimuli or thoughts (“hovering” in thoughts)
Routine forgetfulness (errands, chores, being late)

Symptoms of hyperactivity (in adults, at least 5 symptoms for at least 6 months):

Constant movements in the hands, feet, fidgeting in a chair
Getting up from a place
Inability to sit still
Inability to pass time calmly
Constantly in motion, as if “wound9”, as if “attached a motor” 908088
Answers a question without listening to the question itself
Difficulty waiting in line
permissions.

These symptoms must reach a degree of severity that interferes with learning, communication, work. They should be observed both at home and in other places (at work, at a party, etc.). They should be noticed not only by relatives, but also by those around them.

An additional examination may be required to clarify the diagnosis and exclude other diseases that have similar symptoms:

EEG (electroencephalography)
Doppler ultrasonography0088
Evoked potential (EP) method
Psychotherapist's consultation
Brain MRI
Psychiatrist's consultation (if indicated)

)
– ADHD CR (expanded complex)
– Cognition CS (standard complex)
– Cognition CR (expanded complex)

– Psychotherapy ind. COP (complex standard)
– Psychotherapy ind. CR (advanced complex)

Comparative table of all programs

Bupropion for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults

Survey question

We reviewed the evidence regarding the effects of bupropion in adults with ADHD. We also looked at adverse effects (side effects resulting from taking this medication).

Relevance

ADHD is a brain disorder characterized by inattention, impulsivity and/or overactivity that interferes with normal functioning or development. Some people with ADHD have problems with only one aspect of their behavior, while others have problems in combination. Bupropion is a medication used to treat depression and quit smoking, but it is also used to treat ADHD. People with ADHD are commonly prescribed stimulant medications such as methylphenidate and amphetamines. However, not everyone responds well to these medications. Some people cannot tolerate stimulants due to side effects. Others may have medical reasons for taking stimulants, such as psychiatric or tic disorders. Other people may not want to use stimulants because they are controlled substances. Therefore, non-stimulant agents such as bupropion are sometimes used instead. Its efficacy in the treatment of ADHD remains unclear.

Search date

Evidence is current to February 2017.

Study profile

We included six randomized controlled trials (RCTs), studies in which participants are randomly assigned to one of two or more treatment groups. Five studies were conducted in the US and the sixth in Iran. The studies involved 438 people with ADHD. All studies evaluated long-acting bupropion, a slow-absorbing formulation that can be taken as little as once a day. This simple dosage is suitable for people with ADHD, as the illness can cause them to forget to take their medications.

The duration of the studies varied from six to 10 weeks. The participants were all diagnosed with ADHD and often had other mental health issues. In one study, all participants had ADHD and were dependent on opioids (pain relievers).

Research funding sources

Four studies were funded by industry and the other two by public funds. In one of the publicly funded studies, the lead author was paid by the industry (not by the buproprion manufacturers) for research activities.