Adult ADHD Treatment
Most adults with ADHD get better with a combination of medicine and lifestyle modifications, behavior strategies and counseling. Doctors will take into consideration 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 drugs people test. Other medications include the nonstimulant atomoxetine (Strattera) and certain antidepressants.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medications. These medications help to regulate the levels of two chemical messengers in your brain that control focus. These are dopamine and norepinephrine. Stimulants work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine present in your brain, which enhances concentration. They also lessen the brain's natural desire to absorb dopamine and reduces hyperactivity.
The use of medicines can ease your symptoms and allow you to be more productive at school, at work or in other areas of your life. However, they aren't going to solve all of your issues. There are a few adverse effects such as weight loss, irritability or difficulty sleeping. Talk to your doctor about possible adverse effects.
The medications used to treat ADHD in adults include both stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. Your doctor will recommend the right medicine and dose for you based on your specific situation, symptoms, and health history. Some people are not able to respond to stimulant medications while others may not experience any reaction at any time.
There are three kinds that are available: immediate-release medication, extended release medication, and Atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications are available whenever needed. They usually last between 30 and 60 minutes after intake, and then quickly wear off. Extended-release medications are consumed once every day and last up to 16 hours, helping in reducing symptoms. The majority of people who are taking extended-release ADHD medications also take an immediate-release dose during the late afternoon or in the evening.
Atomoxetine is the first non-stimulant approved to treat ADHD among adults. It works by limiting certain chemical substances that regulate attention and mood in the brain. It is a long-lasting, sustained release medication than other ADHD medication, like Bupropion (Wellbutrin), that is a stimulant that increases norepinephrine and dopamine, in your brain.
Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, clonidine or other medications which regulate the part of your brain that regulates your attention. These drugs can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and anxiety, as well as tics. These medications, also referred to as cholinergic medications, are only available on prescription from your doctor or psychiatrist.
Therapy
In addition to medication, therapy is often part of an ADHD treatment strategy. Therapy can help you and your family understand how your ADHD affects your life and relationships. It can also teach you strategies for coping and how to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For instance Therapists can teach you methods for organizing to help you stay on top of tasks and keep control of your surroundings. A therapist can also teach you problem-solving and conflict resolution techniques, as well as techniques for improving concentration and focus. You can learn breathing exercises, yoga meditation, or other techniques for relaxation to help you calm down and improve your mood. This is also known as biofeedback and hypnotherapy.
A therapist can help you create strategies for coping with behavioral and emotional issues that are common among adults with ADHD. A therapist can, for example, provide cognitive behavioral therapy that is a form of talking therapy that teaches you how your beliefs and thoughts affect your mood and behavior. CBT is particularly effective for addressing the executive functioning problems that co-travel with ADHD, such as trouble organizing, planning and time management.
Another alternative is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which helps you to change the way you react to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches how to observe your thoughts without judgment, emotion regulation that helps you manage emotional distress, as well as the development of interpersonal skills. It is designed for those with comorbid conditions, including depression and anxiety disorders.
It's important to remember that when you first begin taking medicine, it takes a while for your body to adjust to the new medications. You may experience issues at work and home until you have developed the skills to cope with symptoms. In the meantime, consider making small changes to your routine to help you cope.
For instance, if impatient and forgetful, consult your professor or boss about accommodations that can help you excel in class. In the same way, you can ask your family and friends to accommodate your ADHD. You may also want to think about family therapy or marriage counseling, which will help your loved ones as well as you learn to communicate and understand the challenges of each other.
Education
Psychosocial treatment for adults can ease symptoms and improve performance. The treatments may include a variety of therapies and may be delivered in person or online. They can also be used with medication to achieve the most effective results.
A diagnosis is the initial step to treat ADHD. A trained mental health professional will use scales and semi-structured, structured clinical interviews to discover the details of the individual's difficulties. They can then make an accurate diagnosis, and provide the treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help individuals with ADHD manage their problems and build skills to cope with these issues. Psychoeducation is one of the methods that can help patients understand their condition and the impact it has on school, work, and relationships. Other therapies focus on regulating emotions and enhancing the organization skills of individuals. Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues, for instance, helps people identify and alter negative beliefs and habits that could hinder their progress.
Marriage and family therapy can assist in addressing the challenges ADHD can bring to personal and professional relationships. It can help families and couples improve their communication and identify the patterns that can cause conflicts. It can also assist them to find ways to improve their interactions and create a more positive outlook for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help adults with ADHD improve their self-esteem and gain a more realistic perspective about their abilities. treatment of add in adults can also teach them to manage their time and money more efficiently and improve their organizational skills, manage the impulsive behavior of their children and become better in managing anger and stress. These skills can be taught in a group setting or individually by an psychotherapist.
Meditation or mindfulness training can be an effective form of therapy to treat adults with ADHD. It can help people gain control over their lives, by teaching them to focus on the present moment and become more aware. It can be practiced in a group setting or in a therapy session with a therapist and it 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 developing interpersonal skills. Some people suffering from ADHD are also turning to complementary health approaches, such as diet and supplements, to manage their symptoms. These strategies have not been proven scientifically to help improve ADHD however, 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 keeping deadlines can be a challenge. Your symptoms can also impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to know the issues you're experiencing. You should seek out treatment to overcome your challenges and live an improved life.
Many adults suffering from ADHD discover that medication is effective however they don't solve all the symptoms or improve your quality of life. This is why it's crucial to take a mix of therapy and medication as part of your adult treatment plan for adhd.
Therapy can help you learn to manage your ADHD symptoms and help you develop coping strategies. It will also teach you how to manage your emotions and relationships. Relaxation techniques can also aid in reducing stress and improve your concentration. It is also important to seek assistance from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to communicate better and how to deal with anger and the impulsive behavior.
There are many types of talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), metacognitive therapy, and interpersonal therapy. CBT is an evidence-based approach that helps you overcome negative thinking patterns and develop better strategies for coping. Metacognitive therapy can assist you to improve your organizational skills, planning and time management. It can also help you overcome the distortions in your thinking that cause negative moods and a feeling of a lack of choices.
A recent study of a cognitive rehabilitation program for adults with ADHD revealed that the program, which consisted of small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercise improved the quality of life and symptom reduction (Stevenson et al 2002). This type of therapy is often less expensive than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy allows you to have sessions with others who are dealing with similar issues which can be beneficial.
There are a variety of online resources to help find an adult adhd therapist or support group. Some of these offer virtual sessions using chatrooms or video chat as well as local meetings. These services are gaining popularity and research is being conducted to evaluate their effectiveness.