Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD improve with a combination medication, behavioral strategies and lifestyle changes. Doctors will examine a person's medical history and determine if there are any other disorders, such as depression or an anxiety disorder might be causing symptoms.
Often, stimulants are the first drugs people attempt. Other medications include atomoxetine non-stimulant (Strattera) and a few antidepressants.
Medication
Adults with ADHD are often treated first with stimulant medications. These medications alter the levels of chemical messengers which control the focus of your brain. They are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. Stimulants work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in your brain, which increases focus. They also decrease the brain's natural desire to absorb dopamine, which reduces hyperactivity.
You can take medications to improve your symptoms, and function better at work, school, or in other areas of your life. But they can't solve all of your issues. There are a few negative effects like weight loss, irritability or trouble sleeping. Discuss with your doctor the possible side effects of any medication you are prescribed.
The drugs used to treat ADHD for adults include both stimulants as well as nonstimulant medications. Your doctor will determine the best medicine and dosage for you based on symptoms of your health, your medical history and particular situation. Some people will not respond to stimulant medications while others might not experience any reaction at any time.
There are three types of ADHD medications that are immediate-release, extended-release and Atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications are taken as needed and typically peak between 30 and 60 minutes after ingestion and then fade away quickly. Extended-release drugs can last up to 16 hour and are taken once a day. They aid in managing symptoms. People who take extended release ADHD medications often supplement them with a dose that is instant-release late in the afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine is the first nonstimulant approved to treat ADHD among adults. It works by limiting certain chemical substances that regulate mood and attention in the brain. It is a more long-lasting and sustained-release medication than other ADHD medications, like bupropion (Wellbutrin), which works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain.
Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine and clonidine that work by controlling the part of your brain that is responsible for controlling attention. These may be helpful for those suffering from ADHD who also have anxiety or tics. These medications are known as cholinergic agents and are available by prescription only from your physician or psychiatrist.
Therapy
Therapy is often part of the treatment of ADHD as well as medication. Therapy can aid your family members as well as help you understand how ADHD affects your relationships and life. It can teach you strategies and techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For instance Therapists can teach you methods for organizing to keep you on top of tasks and control your environment. A therapist could teach you the art of problem-solving and conflict resolution and techniques to improve concentration and focus. You can learn breathing exercises, yoga, meditation or other relaxation techniques in order to calm yourself down and improve your mood. It is sometimes referred to as hypnotherapy or biofeedback.
A therapist can help you create strategies for coping with emotional and behavioral issues that are common among adults with ADHD. Therapists can provide, for instance, 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 at addressing executive functioning issues that are associated with ADHD which include difficulty in planning, organizing and managing time.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is another alternative. It assists you in changing the way you react to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches you to observe your thoughts without judgement and emotion regulation which assists you in managing difficult emotions, as well as the development of interpersonal skills. It is designed for those with co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety disorders.
It's important to remember that even when you start taking medication, it takes some time for your body to adapt to the new medication. It is possible that you will continue to experience problems at home and work until you've developed enough skills to manage your symptoms. In the meantime, try implementing small changes to your lifestyle to help you manage.
For example, if you're forgetful and impulsive, ask your professor or boss about accommodations that will help you excel in class. You could also ask your friends and family to accommodate your ADHD. You might also look into family therapy or marriage counseling, which can assist you and your loved ones learn to communicate better and understand the challenges of each other.
Education
Psychosocial treatment for adults can reduce symptoms and improve function. These treatments can comprise a variety of therapies, and can be delivered in person or via the internet. These treatments may be paired with medication to get the best results.
One of the first steps to treating ADHD is to get an assessment. A trained mental health professional will employ scales and semi-structured interviews to gather information about the individual's difficulties. They can then make an accurate diagnosis, and offer an appropriate treatment plan.
Talk treatment for adult adhd can be used to help people with ADHD deal with their issues and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation is one of the methods that help patients comprehend their condition and the impact it has on their work, school and relationships. Other therapies are aimed at improving the ability to manage emotions and organizational skills. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people overcome negative beliefs and behaviors that could be holding them back.
Family therapy and marriage can help to address the challenges ADHD can bring to personal and professional relationships. It can help couples and families learn how to communicate better and identify the patterns that can cause conflict. It can also assist in exploring ways to improve communication and create positive expectations for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help adults suffering from ADHD boost their self-esteem and gain a more realistic perspective about their abilities. It can help them learn to better manage their time, money and their personal space and manage their impulsive behavior and learn how to manage stress and anger. These abilities can be taught in a group setting or individually by an psychotherapist.
Mindfulness, or meditation training is also an effective therapy for adult ADHD. It can teach people to concentrate on the present moment and to be more aware of their feelings, helping them gain a greater sense of control over their lives. It can be conducted in a group or by an therapist and combined 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. Some people suffering from ADHD employ complementary health methods to manage their symptoms, including diet changes and supplements. These approaches have not been scientifically proven to aid in improve ADHD but some people find them helpful.
Support
As an adult suffering from ADHD You may feel overwhelmed by your difficulties. Everything from paying off bills to working to meet deadlines at work, 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 what's happening to you. It's important to seek treatment to help you overcome your issues and lead a a more productive life.
Many adults with ADHD discover that medication is effective but they do not address all symptoms nor improve your quality-of-life. That's why it's important to combine medication and therapy as part of your adult treatment for adhd.
Therapy can teach you how to manage your ADHD symptoms, and help you develop coping strategies. It can also teach you ways to manage your relationships and emotions. Relaxation techniques can also aid in reducing stress and increase your focus. It is also important to seek support from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you understand how to communicate better and deal with anger and impulsive behavior.
There are many types of talk therapy. They include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) metacognitive, metacognitive, and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a well-established method that helps you develop better techniques for coping and to change negative thought patterns. Metacognitive therapy can assist you to improve organizational skills, planning and time management. It can also help resolve mental distortions that can lead to a bad mood and a feeling of a lack of choices.
A recent study of a cognitive rehabilitation program for adults with ADHD showed that the program, which included small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercise, improved quality of life and reduced symptom severity (Stevenson et al 2002). This type of therapy is usually cheaper than individual psychotherapy. It also lets you be a part of therapy sessions with other people who have similar challenges and can be more helpful.
There are add in adults treatment of online resources to help find an adult adhd therapist or support group. Some of these sites offer virtual sessions via chatrooms or video chat as well as local meetings. These services are growing in popularity and research is ongoing on their effectiveness.