Adult ADHD Treatment
Most adults with ADHD get better by combining medication as well as lifestyle modifications, behavior strategies and counseling. Doctors will review the medical history of the patient and determine if any other disorders, like depression or anxiety disorder could be contributing to symptoms.
Stimulants are often the first medications to be tried. treating add in adults include the nonstimulant atomoxetine (Strattera) and a few antidepressants.
Medication
Stimulant medication is usually the first line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications regulate the levels of chemical messengers that regulate your focus in your brain. They are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. Stimulants work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine present in your brain, which improves concentration. They also reduce the brain's natural tendency to take dopamine, which decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
You can use medication to ease your symptoms, and function better at school, at work or in other areas of your life. But they can't solve all of your issues. They may cause adverse effects, such as weight loss, irritability or trouble sleeping. Talk to your doctor regarding possible side effects.
The drugs used to treat ADHD for adults include both stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. Your doctor will determine the best dosage and medicine for you based on symptoms and health history as well as your particular situation. Certain people do not react to stimulant medications, while others might not experience any reaction at any time.
There are three kinds of ADHD medications including immediate-release, extended release and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medication can be taken when needed. They typically peak between 30 and 60 minutes after intake and then quickly wear off. Extended-release medicines are taken one time each day and last up to 16 hours, assisting in the control of symptoms. Patients who take extended-release ADHD medications often supplement them with a dose of instant-release late in the evening or afternoon.
Atomoxetine is the first nonstimulant approved to treat ADHD in adults. It works by limiting certain chemical substances that control mood and attention in the brain. It is a longer-lasting, sustained-release medication than other ADHD medicines, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in your brain.
Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine or clonidine or other drugs that regulate the part of the brain that is responsible for your attention. These may be helpful for those suffering from ADHD who also have anxiety or tics. These medications, also known as cholinergic drugs are only available by prescription from your physician or psychiatrist.
Therapy
In addition to medications therapy is often a part of an ADHD treatment plan. Therapy can aid your family and you learn how ADHD affects your relationships and lifestyle. It can teach you strategies and coping techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For instance therapy can teach you organizational techniques to ensure you are on top of your work and keep control of your environment. A therapist may also teach you problem-solving and conflict resolution skills and techniques to improve your concentration and focus. You may learn meditation, breathing exercises yoga, or other relaxation techniques to help you relax and improve your mood. This is sometimes referred to as biofeedback or hypnotherapy.
A therapist can assist you to create strategies for coping with the behavioral and emotional issues that are common among adults with ADHD. A therapist can, for example, provide cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of talk therapy that teaches how your beliefs and thoughts affect your feelings and behavior. CBT is particularly effective in addressing executive functioning issues that are related to ADHD which include difficulty in organizing, planning and managing time.
Another alternative is dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), which helps you to change the way you react to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements like mindfulness, which helps you to look at your thoughts and feelings without judgment; emotion regulation, which focuses on managing difficult emotions; and interpersonal skills training. It is designed for those with comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
It's important to remember that when you first begin taking medication, it can take a while for your body to adjust to the new medications. You may continue to experience issues at work and home until you've mastered the skills to deal with your symptoms. In the meantime, consider implementing small changes to your lifestyle to help you deal with.
Ask your professor or boss for accommodations if you're indecisive and forgetful. This will allow you to achieve success in class. You can also request family members and friends to make allowances for your ADHD. You might also think about family therapy or marriage counseling that can assist you and your loved ones to communicate more effectively and appreciate each other's challenges.
Education
For adults, psychosocial treatments can help reduce symptoms and improve performance. The treatments may include a variety of therapies and may be provided in person or online. These treatments can be combined with medication to get the best results.
One of the first steps in treating ADHD is to get an assessment. A trained mental health professional will use scales and semi-structured clinical interviews to collect information about the individual's challenges. They will then be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and provide the treatment plan.
Talk therapy can assist people suffering from ADHD manage their issues and manage the symptoms. Some of these treatments include psychoeducation, which teaches patients about their condition and how it impacts their the workplace, at school and in relationships. Other therapies aim at improving the ability to manage emotions and organizational skills. Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues, for instance helps people to identify and alter negative beliefs and behaviors that may be limiting their progress.
Family therapy and marriage can help to address the challenges ADHD can cause in personal and professional relationships. It can help families and couples develop a better communication and recognize patterns that cause to conflict. It can also help explore ways to improve interactions and provide positive expectations for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help adults suffering from ADHD increase their self-esteem and develop a more realistic attitude about their abilities. It can teach them how to better manage their finances, time and self-organization and also control their impulsive behaviors and learn how to manage anger and stress. These skills can be taught in a group setting or in a private session with the therapy.
Meditation, or mindfulness training, can also be an effective form of therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. It can help people gain control over their lives by educating them to pay attention to the moment and be more aware. It can be conducted in a group or with a therapist and can be used with other treatment methods such as CBT and mindfulness based cognitive therapy.
Other treatments for ADHD in adults include cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapy. These treatments are focused on improving interpersonal skills. Certain people with ADHD employ complementary health methods to combat their symptoms, which includes diet changes and supplements. These methods haven't been proven scientifically to help improve ADHD but certain people find them beneficial.
Support
As an adult with ADHD you may feel overwhelmed by your challenges. Everything from paying bills to meeting deadlines at work to managing relationships and keeping your house clean can be challenging when your ADHD symptoms get worse. Your symptoms can also impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to understand the issues you're experiencing. It's crucial to seek treatment to overcome your difficulties and live a an active and productive life.
Many adults suffering from ADHD find that medications are effective however they don't solve all the symptoms or improve your quality-of-life. That's why it's important to take a mix of medication and therapy as part of your adult treatment plan for adhd.
Therapy can teach you how to manage your ADHD symptoms, and also help you develop strategies to cope. It can also help you learn how to manage your mood and relationships. You could also benefit from learning relaxation techniques, which can help reduce stress and help you focus. You should also seek support from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to communicate better and cope with anger and the impulsive behavior.
There are many types of talk therapy. They include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as metacognitive and interpersonal therapy. treating adhd in adults is an evidence-based approach that assists you in changing negative thoughts and patterns of thought and develop better strategies for coping. Metacognitive therapy can help you improve your organizational skills and time management, as well as planning. It can also help resolve the distortions in your thinking that cause negative moods and a feeling of a lack of options.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program for adults with ADHD revealed that the program, which comprised small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercises, improved quality of life and reduced symptom severity (Stevenson and co. 2002). This kind of therapy could be less expensive than individual psychotherapy. It also lets you participate in therapy sessions with other people who have similar challenges and can be more supportive.
There are numerous online resources to help you find an adult adhd therapist or a support group. Some of these sites offer virtual sessions through chatrooms or video chat as well as local meetings. These services are growing in popularity, and research is being conducted to evaluate their effectiveness.