Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD improve through a combination of medication, behavioral strategies and lifestyle adjustments. Doctors will look at the health history of the patient and whether other medical conditions, such as anxiety or depression, could be contributing to the symptoms.
In most cases, stimulants are among the first medications that people test. Other medications include atomoxetine, non-stimulant (Strattera) and some antidepressants.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD are often treated first by taking stimulant medication. These drugs help adjust the levels of two chemical messengers within your brain that control focus. These are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. Stimulants work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in your brain, which increases focus. They also lessen the brain's natural desire for dopamine to be absorbed which decreases hyperactivity.
You can use medication to ease your symptoms, and function better at work, school, or in other areas of your life. They will not solve all your problems. There are a few adverse effects such as weight loss, irritability, or sleep problems. Talk to your doctor about possible side effects.
Both stimulants and nonstimulants can be used to treat ADHD among adults. Your doctor will suggest the correct dosage and medicine for you based on your particular situation, symptoms and health history. Some people are not able to react to stimulant medication while others may not have any reaction at any time.
There are three types: immediate-release medication, extended-release medication and Atomoxetine. Immediate-release medication can be taken when needed. They usually peak 30 to 60 minutes after intake and then slowly fade. Extended-release medicines can last for up to 16 hour and are taken once a day. They assist with managing symptoms. People who take extended release ADHD medications typically supplement them with an instant-release dose late in the afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine is the first non-stimulant approved to treat ADHD in adults. It works by limiting certain chemicals that regulate attention and mood in the brain. It is a long-lasting drug that has a sustained release than other ADHD medication, like Bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is a stimulant that increases norepinephrine and dopamine, in the brain.
Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine and clonidine which regulate the brain part that regulates attention. They can be beneficial for those with ADHD who also have tics or anxiety. These medications are known as cholinergic drugs and are only available on prescription from your physician or psychiatrist.
Therapy
Therapy is often included in the treatment of ADHD in conjunction with medication. Therapy can aid your family and you understand how ADHD affects your relationships and daily life. It can also teach you strategies and coping techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For example, a therapist may teach you methods for organizing to help you stay on top of your tasks and control your surroundings. A therapist can also teach you conflict-resolution and problem-solving skills, as well as techniques to improve your focus and concentration. You may learn breathing exercises, meditation, yoga or other relaxation techniques to calm yourself and improve your mood. This is also referred to as hypnotherapy and biofeedback.
A Therapist can also help you develop coping strategies to deal with the behavioral and emotional issues that are common in adults with ADHD. For instance, a therapist can provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of therapy through which you learn you how your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes affect your mood and behaviors. CBT is particularly effective for addressing the executive functioning problems that co-travel with ADHD, such as trouble planning, organizing and time management.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is another option. It assists you in changing your way of reacting to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches you how to be aware of your thoughts without judgment, emotion regulation, which helps you manage difficult emotions, as well as interpersonal skills training. It is a great option for people suffering from co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
It's important to remember that even when you start taking medication, it takes a while for your body to adjust to the new medication. There may be issues at home and work until you have developed the ability to deal with symptoms. In the meantime, try making small changes to your routine to help you manage.
Ask your boss or professor for accommodations if you are forgetful and impulsive. This will help you get through your classes. Similarly, you can request family members and friends to allow for your ADHD. You might also look into marriage counseling or family therapy that can assist you and your loved ones learn to communicate better and comprehend each other's challenges.
Education
Psychosocial therapy for adults can ease symptoms and improve function. These treatments can comprise a variety of therapies and may be provided in person or via online. These treatments can be combined with medication to achieve the best results.
A diagnosis is the first step to treat ADHD. A trained mental health professional uses scales and semistructured clinical interview to collect information about the person's challenges. They can then make an accurate diagnosis and provide an appropriate treatment plan.
Talk therapy can be used to assist people suffering from ADHD deal with their issues and manage the symptoms. Some of these treatments include psychoeducation, which educates patients about their condition and how it impacts them in work, school and relationships. Other treatments are focused on improving management skills and coping with emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example helps people recognize and alter negative beliefs and behaviors that can be limiting their progress.
Counseling for families and marriage can help overcome the difficulties that ADHD can create in professional and personal relationships. It can help couples and families learn how to communicate better and identify the patterns that can cause conflicts. It can also assist in exploring ways to improve interactions and help create positive expectations for the future.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from behavioral therapy by improving their self-esteem as well as developing an honest perspective of their abilities. It can also help them to manage their time and money more efficiently and improve their organizational skills, control their impulsive behavior, and improve at coping with stress and anger. These skills can be taught either in a group or individually by a therapist.
Meditation or mindfulness training can be an effective method of treatment for adults with ADHD. It can help people gain control over their lives, by teaching them to focus on the present and be more aware. It can be done in a group setting or with a therapist and it can be used in combination with other treatment methods, like CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatment options for ADHD in adults include cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapy. These treatments focus on improving interpersonal skills. Some people with ADHD employ complementary health methods to combat their symptoms, which includes eating habits and supplements. These strategies have not been scientifically proven to help improve ADHD however certain people find them beneficial.
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 maintaining your home can be a challenge when your ADHD symptoms get worse. Your symptoms can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to know why you behave the way you do. It's important to seek treatment to help you overcome your difficulties and live a more productively.
The use of medication is effective for a lot of adults with ADHD, but they don't solve all the symptoms or improve your quality of life. This is why it's crucial to get a combination of therapies and medication as part of your adult adhd treatment plan.
Therapy can help you learn to manage your ADHD symptoms, and help you develop strategies for coping. It can help you learn to manage your emotions and also your relationships. It is also possible to benefit from learning relaxation techniques that can help reduce stress and boost your focus. It's also important to get assistance from your family and friends. Talk therapy can teach you how to communicate better and how to deal with anger and impulsive behavior.
There are many types of talk therapy. They include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as metacognitive and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a proven approach that assists you in developing better strategies for coping and alter negative thought patterns. Metacognitive therapy can help you improve your organizational skills, time management and planning. It can also help you overcome thinking distortions that lead to low mood and a feeling of a lack of options.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program found that the program offered small group therapy sessions, coaching, in addition to exercise. Read the Full Guide improved the 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 allows you to share sessions with others who are facing similar issues and can be a great source of support.
There are a number of online resources for finding an adult adhd therapist as well as support groups. Some of these services provide virtual sessions using chatrooms or video chat as well as local meetings. These services are gaining in popularity and research is being conducted to assess their effectiveness.