Adult ADHD Treatment
Most adults with ADHD get better by combining medication, lifestyle modifications, behavior strategies and counseling. Doctors will look at the medical history of the patient and determine if other conditions such as depression or an anxiety disorder might be causing symptoms.
Often, adhd treatment for adults are the first drugs people test. Other treatments include the nonstimulant atomoxetine (Strattera) and a few antidepressants.
Medication
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medications. These drugs help adjust the levels of two chemical messengers in your brain that regulate focus. They are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. The stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine that is present in your brain, which improves focus. They also lessen the brain's natural desire to absorb dopamine and reduces hyperactivity.
The use of medicines can ease your symptoms and help you function more effectively at work, school or in other areas of your life. But they can't solve all of your issues. They could cause side effects such as weight loss, irritability, or trouble sleeping. Discuss with your doctor the possible adverse effects of any medication that you are prescribed.
The medications used to treat ADHD in adults include both stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Your doctor will suggest the right medicine and dose for you based on your particular situation, symptoms and health history. Some people may not respond to stimulant medications in any way however, others might experience no reaction at all.
There are three kinds of ADHD medications including immediate-release, extended release and Atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications are available when required. They usually last between 30 and 60 minutes after intake and then quickly wear off. Extended-release medications are taken once every day and last for up to 16 hours, assisting with symptom control. People who are taking extended release ADHD medications often supplement them with a dose of instant-release late in the evening or afternoon.
Atomoxetine is the first non-stimulant approved to treat ADHD in 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) which works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain.
Your doctor might also prescribe guanfacine or clonidine, which work by regulating the brain part that controls your attention. They can be beneficial for people with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety or tics. These medications, also known as cholinergic medications are only available by prescription from your psychiatrist or doctor.
Therapy
Therapy is often incorporated into the treatment of ADHD, along with medication. Therapy can help your family and you understand how ADHD affects your relationships and lifestyle. It can help you learn strategies and techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For instance Therapists can teach you methods for organizing to keep you on top of your tasks and keep control of your surroundings. A therapist can help you learn conflict resolution and problem-solving skills and strategies to improve focus and concentration. You can learn yoga, breathing exercises meditation, or other relaxation techniques to help you calm down and improve your mood. This is also referred to as hypnotherapy and biofeedback.
A therapist can help you develop coping strategies to deal with the behavioral and emotional issues common in adults with ADHD. A therapist can, for example, provide cognitive behavioral therapy that is a form of talking therapy that teaches how your beliefs and thoughts affect your behavior and feelings. CBT is particularly effective in addressing executive functioning issues related to ADHD, including difficulty planning, organizing and managing time.
Dialectical behavior therapy is another option. It assists you in changing the way you react to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements such as mindfulness, which helps you to look at your thoughts and feelings without judgment and emotion regulation, which focuses on managing distressing emotions; and interpersonal skills training. It is a program for people with multiple conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
It's important to remember that even when you start taking medicine, it takes some time for your body to adjust to the new medication. You may experience problems at work and home until you've mastered the ability to deal with symptoms. In the meantime, make small lifestyle adjustments to help manage.
For example, if you're forgetful and impulsive, consult your professor or boss for accommodations that can assist you in achieving your goals in class. In the same way, you can request family members and friends to make allowances for your ADHD. You may also want to think about family therapy or marriage counseling, which can help your loved ones as well as you develop a better understanding of and communication each other's challenges.
Education
Psychosocial therapy for adults can ease symptoms and improve function. These treatments may comprise a range of therapies and can be offered in person or via the internet. These treatments may be paired with medication to achieve the best results.
A diagnosis is the initial step to treat ADHD. A trained mental health professional will utilize scales and semi-structured clinical interviews to discover the details of the individual's difficulties. Then, they can determine the cause of the problem and provide a treatment plan.
Talk therapy can be used to aid people suffering from ADHD cope with their problems and manage them. Some of these therapies include psychoeducation, which teaches patients about their condition and how it impacts them in the workplace, at school and in relationships. Other therapies are aimed at improving organizational skills and managing emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example helps people to identify and change negative beliefs and behaviors that can be limiting their progress.
Therapy for families and marriage can help to address the challenges ADHD can cause in professional and personal relationships. It can teach couples and families to communicate more effectively and recognize patterns that cause conflict. It can also assist them to explore ways to improve their communication and develop a more positive outlook for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help adults with ADHD boost their self-esteem and gain a more realistic perspective about their capabilities. It can also help 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 coping with stress and anger. These abilities can be taught in a group or in a private session with a psychotherapist.
Mindfulness, or meditation training is also a useful form of therapy for adults with ADHD. It can teach people to concentrate on the present moment and become more aware of their feelings, helping them attain a better sense of control over their lives. It can be practiced in a group setting or in a therapy session with a therapist and can be used in conjunction with other treatment methods, like CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatment options for adults with ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapies and interpersonal therapy, which focuses on building interpersonal skills. Certain people with ADHD utilize complementary health strategies to manage their symptoms, including diet changes and supplements. While these methods aren't scientifically proven to reduce ADHD but some people consider them beneficial.
Support
You might feel overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. Everything from paying your bills to meeting deadlines at work to managing relationships and keeping house is a challenge when ADHD symptoms flare up. Your symptoms can also impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to understand the issues you're experiencing. It's important to seek treatment to help you overcome your challenges and live an active and productive life.
The use of medication is effective for a lot of adults with ADHD, but they don't treat all of the symptoms or enhance your quality of life. It's important that you get a treatment plan that is a combination of both for adults with adhd that includes both medication and therapy.
Therapy can help you understand and manage your ADHD symptoms and develop coping skills. It will also teach you how to manage your mood and relationships. You could also benefit from learning relaxation techniques, which can ease stress and help you concentration. It is also essential to receive assistance from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to communicate better and how to deal with anger and impulsive behavior.
There are a variety of talk therapy. They include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as metacognitive and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a tried and tested method that assists you in developing better techniques for coping and to change negative thinking patterns. Metacognitive therapy helps you improve your organization skills, time management and planning. It can also help to eliminate thinking distortions which lead to a bad mood and feeling that you have a limited number of options.
A recent study of a cognitive rehabilitation program for adults with ADHD showed that the program, which comprised small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercises improved the quality of life and reduced symptom severity (Stevenson et al 2002). adhd symptoms and treatment of therapy could be less expensive than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy allows you to share sessions with others who are experiencing similar issues which can be beneficial.
There are many online resources for finding an adult adhd therapist and support groups. Some of these services offer virtual sessions using video chat or chat rooms and others provide face-to-face sessions in your area. These services are gaining popularity and research is being conducted to determine their effectiveness.