Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD improve through a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications, behavior strategies and counseling. Doctors will examine the medical history of a patient and determine if other conditions like depression or anxiety disorder might be causing symptoms.
Often, stimulants are the first drugs people test. Other treatments include the nonstimulant Atomoxetine (Strattera) and certain antidepressants.
Medication
The use of stimulant medications is typically the first-line treatment for adults with ADHD. These medications regulate the levels of chemical messengers which control your focus in your brain. These are dopamine and norepinephrine. Stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine in your body, which improves your focus. They also reduce the brain's natural tendency to take dopamine, which decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Medications can improve your symptoms and allow you to perform better at work, school or in other aspects of your life. treating adult adhd won't solve all your problems. You may experience side effects like weight loss, irritability, or trouble sleeping. Consult your physician regarding possible adverse effects.
Both stimulants and nonstimulants are used to treat ADHD among adults. Your doctor will recommend the right medicine and dose for you based on your specific situation, symptoms and health history. Some people might not react to any stimulant medications and others may experience no reaction at all.
There are three kinds of ADHD medications that are immediate-release, extended-release and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications are available as required. They typically peak 30 to 60 minutes after intake and then slowly fade. Extended-release medications are taken once each day and last up to 16 hours, helping with symptom control. People who are taking extended release ADHD medications usually supplement them with an instant-release dose late in the afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine, which was the first nonstimulant medication approved to treat ADHD in adults, works by limiting the effects of certain brain chemicals that control mood and attention. It is a long-lasting and sustained release medication than other ADHD drugs, like Bupropion (Wellbutrin) which works by increasing norepinephrine, and dopamine in your brain.
Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine or clonidine or other medications that regulate the brain part that controls your attention. They can be beneficial for those with ADHD who also have anxiety or tics. These drugs, also referred to as cholinergic drugs, are only available on prescription from your physician or psychiatrist.
Therapy
Therapy is often part of the treatment of ADHD, along with medication. Therapy can help your family and you learn how ADHD affects your relationships and lifestyle. It can help you learn strategies and coping skills to manage your ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can show you strategies to stay organized and in control of your surroundings. A therapist can help you learn conflict resolution and problem-solving skills, as well techniques to improve concentration and focus. You can learn yoga, breathing exercises, meditation or other relaxation techniques in order to calm yourself down and improve your mood. This is also referred to as hypnotherapy and biofeedback.
A therapist can also assist you to build coping skills to deal with the emotional and behavioral issues that are common among adults with ADHD. For example therapy with a therapist could provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a type of therapy through which you learn you how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes affect your mood and behavior. CBT is particularly effective in treating executive functioning issues that co-travel with ADHD issues, like trouble planning, organizing and time management.
Dialectical behavior therapy is another alternative. It helps you change how you respond to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches how to observe your thoughts without judgement and regulate your emotions that helps you manage distressing emotions, and the development of interpersonal skills. It is for people with co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety disorders.
It is important to keep in mind that when you first begin taking medication, it takes some time for your body to adjust to the new medications. You may experience issues at home and work until you have developed the ability to deal with symptoms. In the meantime, consider implementing small changes in your lifestyle to help you manage.
For example, if you're impatient and forgetful, ask your boss or professor about accommodations that can assist you in achieving your goals in class. You can also ask your family and friends to allow for your ADHD. You might also consider family therapy or marriage counseling, which will help your loved ones as well as develop a better understanding of and communication each other's challenges.
Education
For adults, psychosocial treatments can reduce symptoms and improve performance. These treatments can include a variety of different therapies that can be provided in person or online. These treatments may be combined with medication to obtain the most effective results.
One of the first steps in treating ADHD is to get an assessment. A qualified mental health professional uses scales and semistructured interviews to gather information on the person's challenges. They can then make an accurate diagnosis and provide a treatment plan.
Talk therapy can assist people suffering from ADHD manage their issues and manage their symptoms. Some of these treatments include psychoeducation, which teaches patients about their condition and how it affects their school, work and relationships. Other therapies focus on managing emotions and improving the organization skills of individuals. Cognitive therapy, for instance helps people to identify and alter negative beliefs and behaviors that can hinder their progress.
Therapy for families and marriage can assist in addressing the challenges ADHD can bring in professional and personal relationships. It can help families and couples how to communicate more effectively and spot patterns that lead to conflict. It can also help explore ways to improve communication and provide optimism for the future.
Adults suffering from ADHD benefit from a treatment for behavioral issues by boosting their self-esteem as well as developing a realistic perspective of their abilities. It can also teach them to manage their time and finances more effectively, improve their organizational skills, control their impulsive behavior, and improve in managing anger and stress. These skills can be taught either in a group setting or in a private session with a therapist.
Meditation, or mindfulness training is also an effective therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. It can help people be present in the moment and become more aware of their emotions as they attain a better sense of control over their lives. It can be done in a group setting or with an therapist and combined in conjunction with other treatment methods, like CBT and mindfulness based cognitive therapy.
Other options for treating ADHD for adults include cognitive-behavioral as well as interpersonal therapy. These therapies focus on improving interpersonal skills. Certain people with ADHD use complementary health approaches to manage their symptoms, including diet changes and supplements. Although these strategies aren't scientifically proven to reduce ADHD but some people find them helpful.
Support
You may be overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. When your ADHD symptoms are in full force it can be difficult to manage relationships to paying bills and meeting deadlines can be a challenge. Your symptoms can also impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to comprehend what's happening to you. It is essential to seek out treatment to overcome your challenges and live a more productive life.
The use of medication is effective for a lot of adults with ADHD however they do not solve all the symptoms or improve your quality of life. It's important that you get a treatment plan that is a combination of both for adult adhd, which includes therapy and medication.
Therapy can help you learn to control your ADHD symptoms and develop the ability to cope. It can also help you learn how to manage your emotions and relationships. Relaxation techniques can help you reduce stress and improve your focus. It's also important to get help from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to communicate better and manage anger and impulsive behaviors.
There are a variety of talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as metacognitive therapy, and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a well-established method that helps you develop better coping skills and change negative thinking patterns. Metacognitive therapy is a way to improve your organizational skills, plan and time management. It can also help you overcome thinking distortions which lead to an unhappy mood and a feeling of a lack of choices.
A recent study of an adult cognitive rehabilitation program revealed that the program offered small-sized group therapy sessions and coaching, as well as exercises. This improved quality of life and reduced symptoms (Stevenson and al. 2002). This kind of therapy could be more affordable than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy permits you to have sessions with others who are dealing with similar issues, which can be supportive.
There are a variety of online resources that can help you locate an adult adhd therapist, or a support group. Some of these services provide virtual sessions via chat rooms or video chat, while others offer face-to-face sessions in your area. These services are growing in popularity, and research is ongoing to determine their effectiveness.