Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD improve by combining medication, behavior strategies, lifestyle changes and counseling. Doctors will look at the medical history of a patient and determine if other disorders, such as depression or an anxiety disorder may be contributing symptoms.
Stimulants are often the first drugs to be tried. Other medications include atomoxetine, non-stimulant (Strattera) and a few antidepressants.
Medication
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medications. These drugs adjust the levels of chemical messengers that regulate your attention in your brain. These are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. The effects of stimulants increase the amount norepinephrine, which increases your ability to concentrate. They also slow down the brain's natural tendency to draw dopamine, which decreases the impulsivity and hyperactivity.
You can take medicines to alleviate your symptoms and perform better at school, at work or in other areas of your life. They can't solve all your issues. They could result in side effects like weight loss, irritability or difficulties sleeping. Speak to your doctor about possible adverse effects.
Nonstimulants and stimulants are used to treat ADHD among adults. Your doctor will decide the most effective dosage and medication for you based upon your 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 kinds of ADHD medications including immediate-release, extended release and atomoxetine. Instant-release medications are used in the course of need and typically peak between 30 and 60 minutes after taking them, then wear off quickly. Extended-release drugs can last up to 16 hours and are taken every day. They assist with managing symptoms. People who are taking extended release ADHD medications often supplement them with an instant-release dose late in the evening or afternoon.
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 more long-lasting drug that has a sustained release than other ADHD medication, like Bupropion (Wellbutrin), that is a stimulant that increases norepinephrine and dopamine, in your brain.
Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, clonidine or other drugs that control the part of your brain that is responsible for your attention. These drugs can be beneficial for people with ADHD and tics or anxiety. These medications, also known as cholinergic medications, are only available on prescription from your doctor or psychiatrist.
Therapy
In addition to medications Therapy is often an integral part of an ADHD treatment plan. Therapy can help your family members and help you learn how ADHD affects your relationships and daily life. It can teach you strategies and coping skills to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For example Therapists can teach you organizational techniques to ensure you are on top of tasks and keep control of your surroundings. A therapist could teach you conflict resolution and problem-solving skills as well as strategies to improve concentration and focus. You could learn breathing exercises, meditation yoga, or other relaxation methods to relax yourself and improve your mood. This is sometimes referred to as biofeedback or hypnotherapy.
A therapist can assist you to develop coping strategies to deal with the behavioral and emotional issues that are common among adults with ADHD. For instance, a therapist can provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of talk therapy that teaches you how your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes influence your feelings and actions. CBT is particularly effective in addressing executive functioning issues that are related to ADHD which include difficulty in organizing, planning, and time management.
Another option is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which assists you to change the way you react to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements such as mindfulness, which teaches you to be aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgement; emotion regulation, which focuses on managing emotional distress and interpersonal skills training. It is designed for those with co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety disorders.
It is important to keep in mind that even when you start taking medicine, it takes a while for your body to adjust to the new medication. You may continue to experience issues at work and home until you've developed enough skills to deal with your symptoms. In the meantime, you can make small lifestyle changes to help deal with the symptoms.
Ask your professor or boss for accommodations if you're indecisive and forgetful. This will allow you to get through your classes. Similarly, you can request family members and friends to make allowances for your ADHD. You might also want to think about marriage counseling or family therapy that can aid you and your loved ones learn to communicate better and comprehend the challenges of each other.
Education
Psychosocial treatment for adults can help reduce symptoms and improve performance. The treatments may include a variety of therapies, and can be provided in person or via the internet. They can also be used with medication for the most effective results.
A diagnosis is the first step in treating ADHD. A trained mental health professional will use scales and semi-structured interviews to gather information about the person's issues. They will then be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help those with ADHD manage their problems and build the necessary skills to deal with these issues. Some of these treatments include psychoeducation, which helps to educate patients about their condition and how it impacts them in school, work and relationships. Other treatments are focused on improving the ability to manage emotions and organizational skills. Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues, for instance helps people recognize and change negative beliefs and behaviors that can hinder their progress.
Marriage and family counseling can help with the issues that ADHD can create in professional and personal relationships. It can help families and couples how to communicate more effectively and recognize patterns that lead to conflict. It can also help explore ways to improve interactions and create positive expectations for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help adults with ADHD increase their self-esteem and develop a more realistic attitude about their capabilities. It can also help how to manage their time and money more effectively and improve their organizational skills, manage the impulsive behavior of their children and become better at coping with stress and anger. These skills can be taught either in a group or individually by a therapy.
Meditation, also known as mindfulness, can also be an effective form of therapy for adult ADHD. It can help people be present in the moment and be more aware of their feelings as they attain a better sense of control over their lives. It can be done in a group setting or in a therapy session with a therapist and can be used in conjunction with other treatment methods, including CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other options for treating ADHD in adults include cognitive-behavioral as well as interpersonal therapy. These treatments focus on improving interpersonal skills. Some people suffering from ADHD are also turning to complementary health approaches, such as diet and supplements, to manage their symptoms. These methods haven't been scientifically proven to aid in improve ADHD however some people find them helpful.
Support
You may feel overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. When your ADHD symptoms become more severe it can be difficult to manage relationships to paying bills and completing deadlines can be a challenge. Your symptoms can also impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to know what's happening to you. It is essential to seek out treatment to overcome your challenges and live an active and productive life.
Many adults with ADHD discover that medications are effective, but they do not treat all symptoms or improve your quality of life. It is crucial to choose an integrated treatment plan for adults suffering from adhd, which includes both medication and therapy.
Therapy can help you learn how to manage your ADHD symptoms, and help you develop strategies to cope. It can help you learn how to manage your emotions and relationships. You may also benefit from learning relaxation techniques that can reduce your stress and boost your concentration. It is also important to seek support from family and friends. Talk therapy can teach you how to communicate better and how to deal with anger and impulse-driven behavior.
There are several types of talk therapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as metacognitive therapy, and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a scientifically-based method that helps you change negative thinking patterns and develop better strategies for coping. Metacognitive therapy can help you improve your organizational skills, planning and time management. It can also help to eliminate thinking distortions which lead to an unhappy mood and feeling that you have a limited number of options.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program for adults with ADHD showed that the program, which consisted of small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercises, improved quality of life and reduced symptom severity (Stevenson and co. 2002). This type of therapy can be less expensive than individual psychotherapy. treatment for adult add allows you to take part in therapy sessions with other people who face similar challenges which can be supportive.
There are numerous online resources to find an adult adhd therapist as well as support groups. Some of these services provide virtual sessions via chatrooms or video chat as well as local meetings. These services are gaining popularity, and research is being conducted to evaluate their effectiveness.