Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD are able to improve their condition by combining medication as well as behavior strategies, lifestyle changes and counseling. Doctors will look at the medical history of the patient and determine if other conditions such as depression or an anxiety disorder may be contributing symptoms.
Most often, stimulants are the first drugs people try. Other treatments include the nonstimulant atomoxetine (Strattera) and a few antidepressants.
Medication
Stimulant medication is usually the first-line treatment for adults with ADHD. They help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers in your brain that regulate the focus. They are dopamine and norepinephrine. The stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine that is present in your brain, which increases focus. They also reduce the brain's natural tendency to take dopamine, which decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
You can take medication to ease your symptoms, and function better at work, school or in other aspects of your life. They will not solve all your issues. You might experience adverse effects such as weight loss, irritability or trouble sleeping. Discuss with your doctor the possible side effects of any medication you're prescribed.
The medications used to treat ADHD for adults include both stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. Your doctor will decide the most effective dosage and medication for you based on symptoms and health history as well as your particular situation. Some people aren't able to respond to stimulant medications in any way, while others may have no reaction at all.
There are three kinds that are available: immediate-release medication, extended release medication and Atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications can be taken whenever needed. They typically peak between 30 and 60 minutes after intake, and then slowly fade. Extended-release drugs can last up to 16 hours and are taken every day. They help with symptom management. Often, people who are taking extended-release ADHD medications also take an immediate-release dose during the late afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine is the first nonstimulant approved to treat ADHD among adults. It works by limiting certain chemical substances that control mood and attention in the brain. It is a more long-lasting drug that has a sustained release than other ADHD drugs, like Bupropion (Wellbutrin), that enhances norepinephrine and dopamine, in the brain.
Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine or clonidine or other drugs that regulate the brain part that is responsible for your attention. These drugs can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and anxiety, as well as tics. These medications, also known as cholinergic medications are only available with a prescription from your doctor or psychiatrist.
Therapy
In addition to medications, therapy is often part of an ADHD treatment plan. Talk therapy can aid you and your family members understand how your ADHD affects your life and relationships. It can also teach you strategies and coping techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For example Therapists can teach you techniques for organizing to ensure you are on top of your work and keep control of your environment. A therapist could teach you the art of problem-solving and conflict resolution as well as methods to increase focus and concentration. You may learn meditation, breathing exercises, yoga or other relaxation techniques to calm yourself and improve your mood. It is also referred to as hypnotherapy and biofeedback.
A therapist can also help you build coping skills to deal with the emotional and behavioral issues that are common in adults with ADHD. A therapist can, for example, provide cognitive behavioral therapy that is a form of talking therapy that teaches you how your beliefs and thoughts influence your feelings and behavior. CBT is particularly effective for addressing the executive functioning problems that can be a result of ADHD issues, like trouble organizing, planning and time management.
Dialectical behavior therapy is another alternative. It assists you in changing how you respond to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements like mindfulness, which helps you to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgement and emotion regulation, which is focused on managing distressing emotions and the development of interpersonal skills. It is designed for people with multiple conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
It's important to remember that, even if you begin taking medication, it takes a while for your body to adapt to the new medication. You may experience issues at home and work until you have developed the ability to deal with symptoms. In the meantime, you can try making small changes to your lifestyle to help you cope.
For instance, if impatient and forgetful, ask your professor or boss for accommodations that can assist you in achieving your goals in class. You may also request your family and friends to provide accommodations for your ADHD. You might also think about family therapy or marriage counseling, which can help you and your loved ones to communicate better and comprehend each other's challenges.
Education
For adults, psychosocial treatment can help alleviate symptoms and improve functioning. These treatments may include a variety of different therapies and can be offered in person or online. These treatments can be combined with medication to get the best results.
A diagnosis is the first step in treating ADHD. A trained mental health professional will use scales and semi-structured clinical interviews to collect information about the individual's difficulties. They can then make an accurate diagnosis and offer the treatment plan.
Talk therapy can assist people suffering from ADHD cope with their problems and manage the symptoms. Some of these therapies include psychoeducation, which helps to educate patients about their condition and how it affects their school, work and relationships. Other therapies focus on regulating emotions and enhancing the organization skills of individuals. Cognitive therapy, for instance helps people recognize and change negative beliefs and habits that could be holding them back.
Therapy for families and marriage can help address the issues ADHD can bring to personal and professional relationships. It can help couples and families to communicate more effectively and identify patterns that can lead to conflict. It can also help them discover ways to improve their communication and create a more positive outlook for the future.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from a behavioral therapy program by improving their self-esteem as well as developing a realistic perception of their capabilities. It can also teach them to manage their time and finances more effectively and improve their organizational skills, manage the impulsive behavior of their children and become better at managing stress and anger. These skills can be taught in a group or individually by the help of a therapist.
The practice of mindfulness or meditation is a potent form of therapy to treat adult ADHD. It can help people be present in the moment and become more aware of their feelings and feelings, allowing them to achieve a greater sense of control over their lives. It can be practiced in a group or by a therapist and can be utilized in conjunction alongside other treatment methods such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatments for adult ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as interpersonal therapy, which focuses on developing interpersonal skills. Some people with ADHD use complementary health approaches to manage their symptoms, such as eating habits and supplements. While these methods aren't scientifically proven to improve ADHD but some people find them helpful.
Support
You may feel overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. Everything from paying bills to meeting deadlines at work to managing relationships and keeping your house clean can be a challenge when your ADHD symptoms get worse. Your symptoms can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to understand why you are acting in the way you do. It is essential to seek out treatment to help you overcome your difficulties and live a a more productive life.
Many medications are effective for adults with ADHD, but they don't solve all the symptoms or improve your quality of life. That's why it's important to get a combination of medication and therapy as part of your adult adhd treatment plan.
Therapy can teach you how to manage your ADHD symptoms, and help you develop strategies for coping. It can teach you how to manage your emotions and also your relationships. Relaxation techniques can aid in reducing stress and improve your concentration. It is also important to seek support from family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to communicate better and deal with anger and impulsive behaviors.
There are many types of talk therapy. adult add treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), metacognitive and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a tried and tested method that helps you develop better coping skills and change negative thinking patterns. Metacognitive therapy helps you improve your organization skills as well as time management and planning. It can also help you resolve the distortions in your thinking that cause low mood and a feeling of a lack of options.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program for adults suffering from ADHD showed that the program, which comprised small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercise improved the quality of life and reduced symptoms (Stevenson and colleagues, 2002). This type of therapy is often cheaper than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy allows you to have sessions with others who are facing similar issues and can be a great source of support.
There are numerous online resources to help you locate an adult adhd therapist, or a support group. Some of these services offer virtual sessions through chat rooms or video chat, while others offer face-to-face meetings in your area. These services are growing in popularity and research is ongoing on their effectiveness.