Adult ADHD Treatment
Most adults with ADHD get better through a combination of medication, behavioral strategies, lifestyle changes and counseling. Doctors will take into consideration the health history of the patient and whether any other conditions, such as anxiety or depression, could be contributing to the symptoms.
In most cases, stimulants are among the first medications that people try. Other medications include the non-stimulant atomoxetine (Strattera) and a few antidepressants.
Medication
Stimulant medications are usually the first-line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs help adjust the levels of two chemical messengers within your brain that control the focus. They are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. The stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine present in your brain, which improves focus. They also decrease the brain's natural inclination for dopamine to be absorbed and reduces hyperactivity.
Medicines can help ease your symptoms and enable you to be more productive at work, school or in other aspects of your life. However, they won't fix all of your issues. You might experience side effects like weight loss, irritability, or difficulty sleeping. Consult your physician about the possible adverse effects of any medication that you are prescribed.
Nonstimulants and stimulants are used to treat ADHD in adults. Your doctor will recommend the correct dosage and medicine for you based on your individual situation, symptoms and medical background. Some people will not react to stimulant medications, while others may not experience any reaction at any time.
There are three kinds of ADHD medications that are immediate-release, extended-release and Atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications are available when required. They usually peak between 30 and 60 minutes after intake and then gradually fade away. Extended-release medications can last up to 16 hours and are taken every day. They aid in managing symptoms. Often, people who are taking extended-release ADHD medications are supplemented with an immediate-release dose in late afternoon or in the evening.
Atomoxetine is the first nonstimulant approved to treat ADHD among adults. It works by limiting certain chemicals that control mood and attention in the brain. It is a long-lasting, sustained release medication than other ADHD drugs, like Bupropion (Wellbutrin) which works by increasing norepinephrine, and dopamine, within your brain.
Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, clonidine or other medications that regulate the brain part that regulates your attention. These medications may be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and tics or anxiety. These drugs, also referred to as cholinergic drugs are only available with a prescription from your doctor or psychiatrist.
Therapy
Therapy is often included in the treatment of ADHD in conjunction with medication. Therapy can aid your family members and help you learn how ADHD affects your relationships and lifestyle. It can help you learn strategies and coping skills to manage your ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can show you techniques for staying organized and in control of your environment. Therapists can also teach you conflict-resolution and problem-solving techniques and techniques for improving concentration and focus. You may learn meditation, breathing exercises, yoga or other relaxation methods to relax yourself and improve your mood. This is sometimes referred to as hypnotherapy or biofeedback.
A therapist can also assist you to build coping skills to deal with the emotional and behavioral issues that are common to adults with ADHD. A therapist could provide, for instance, cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a talking therapy that teaches you how your beliefs and thoughts influence your feelings and behavior. CBT is particularly effective at dealing with executive functioning issues associated with ADHD which include difficulty in planning, organizing, and time management.
Another alternative is dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) which can help you modify your response to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements like mindfulness, which teaches you to be aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment; emotion regulation, which is focused on managing distressing emotions; and interpersonal skills training. It is designed for those with multiple disorders, like anxiety and depression.
It's important to remember that, even if you begin taking medication, it takes some time for your body to adjust to the new medications. You may continue to experience problems at home and work until you've gained enough experience to cope with your symptoms. In the meantime, you can make small lifestyle changes to help manage.
For instance, if you're forgetful and impulsive, ask your boss or professor for accommodations that can assist you in achieving your goals in class. Similarly, adult adhd treatments can ask your family and friends to allow for your ADHD. You might also consider family therapy or marriage counseling, which can assist you and your loved ones to communicate more effectively and appreciate each other's challenges.
Education
For adults, psychosocial therapy can help reduce symptoms and improve performance. These treatments can comprise a variety of therapies and may be offered in person or via the internet. These treatments can be paired with medication to obtain the most effective results.
One of the first steps to the treatment of ADHD is to get a diagnosis. A trained mental health professional uses scales and a semistructured interview to collect information about the individual's struggles. They will then be able to provide an accurate diagnosis, and formulate the treatment plan.
Talk therapy can be used to help people with ADHD manage their issues and manage them. Some of these treatments include psychoeducation, which teaches patients about their condition and how it affects their the workplace, at school and in relationships. Other therapies are aimed at improving organizational skills and managing emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy assists people change negative beliefs and behavior that may be preventing them from achieving their goals.
Family therapy and marriage can help to address the issues ADHD can bring in professional and personal relationships. It can assist families and couples improve their communication and recognize patterns that cause to conflict. It can also assist in exploring ways to improve interactions and help create a positive outlook on 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 finances, time and their personal space and also manage their impulsive behavior and learn to better manage stress and anger. These skills can be taught in a group setting or individually by a therapy.
Mindfulness, or meditation training is also an effective form of therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. It can teach people to concentrate on the present moment and become more aware of their emotions and feelings, allowing them to gain a greater sense of control over their lives. It can be done in a group or with a therapist and can be utilized in combination with other treatment methods, including CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other options for treating adult ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as interpersonal therapy, which focuses on enhancing interpersonal skills. Some people with ADHD may also resort to alternative methods of health, like diet and supplements to treat their symptoms. While these methods aren't scientifically proven to reduce ADHD, some people find them helpful.
Support
You may feel overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. Everything from paying bills to working to meet deadlines at work, managing relationships and keeping house can be a challenge when your ADHD symptoms flare up. The symptoms can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to know what's going on with you. It's crucial to seek treatment to overcome your difficulties and live a more productively.
Many adults suffering from ADHD discover that medications are effective however they don't address all symptoms nor improve your quality-of-life. That's why it's essential to get a combination of therapy and medication as part of your adult treatment plan for adhd.
Therapy can help you learn how 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. Relaxation techniques can also aid in reducing stress and increase your focus. It is also essential to receive assistance from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you understand how to communicate more effectively and manage anger and impulsive behaviors.
There are many kinds of talk therapy. They include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), 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 can help you improve your organization skills as well as time management and planning. It can also help you overcome the distortions in your thinking that cause an unhappy mood and a feeling of a lack of options.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program for adults suffering from ADHD found that the program, which consisted of small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercise, improved quality of life and symptom reduction (Stevenson and co. 2002). This type of therapy is often less expensive than individual psychotherapy. It also allows you to take part in therapy sessions with people who face similar challenges and can be more friendly.
There are adult adhd treatments to help find an adult adhd therapist or support group. Some of these services offer virtual sessions through video chat or chat rooms as well as face-to-face meetings in your local area. These services are growing in popularity and research is being conducted to assess their effectiveness.