Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of people with ADHD are able to improve their condition by combining medication as well as lifestyle modifications, behavior strategies and counseling. Doctors will consider the health history of the patient and whether any other conditions like depression or anxiety, may contribute to the symptoms.
In most cases, stimulants are among the first drugs that people try. Other medications include atomoxetine an anti-stimulant (Strattera) and a few antidepressants.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated first by taking stimulant medication. They help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers in your brain that control focus. They are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. Stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine, which enhances your concentration. They also reduce the brain's natural tendency to draw dopamine, which can reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
You can take medicines to alleviate your symptoms and perform better at school, at work or in other areas of your life. They will not solve all your problems. They may cause adverse effects, such as weight loss, irritability, or trouble sleeping. Speak to your doctor regarding possible adverse effects.
Nonstimulants and stimulants are used to treat ADHD among adults. Your doctor will recommend the correct dosage and medicine for you based on your particular situation, symptoms, and health history. Some people may not respond to stimulant medications in any way however, others might experience no reaction whatsoever.
There are three kinds of medications: immediate-release, extended-release medication, and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications are available as needed. They typically peak 30 to 60 minutes after intake, and then quickly wear off. Extended-release medications can last up to 16 hour and are taken once a day. They help with managing symptoms. The majority of people who take extended-release ADHD medications supplement them with an immediate-release dose in the late afternoon or in the evening.
Atomoxetine which was the first nonstimulant medication approved to treat ADHD in adults, works by limiting the actions of certain brain chemicals that control mood and attention. It is a long-lasting, sustained release medication than other ADHD drugs, like Bupropion (Wellbutrin) which works by increasing norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain.
Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine or Clonidine that work by controlling the brain part that controls attention. They can be beneficial for people with ADHD who also have tics or anxiety. These are referred to as cholinergic agents and are available by prescription only from your doctor or psychiatrist.
Therapy
Therapy is often part of the treatment of ADHD, along with medication. Talk therapy can help you and your family members understand how your ADHD affects your life and relationships. 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 keep you on top of your tasks and keep control of your surroundings. Therapists can also teach you conflict resolution and problem-solving techniques, as well as techniques to increase focus and concentration. You can learn breathing exercises, yoga, meditation or other techniques for relaxation to help you settle down and improve your mood. This is also known as hypnotherapy and biofeedback.
A therapist can also help you develop coping strategies to deal with the behavioral and emotional issues that are common to adults with ADHD. A therapist can provide, for instance, 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 in addressing the executive functioning problems that are associated with ADHD, such as trouble planning, organizing and time management.
Another alternative is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which can help you to change the way you react to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements such as mindfulness, which helps you to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment; emotion regulation, which is focused on managing emotional distress and the development of interpersonal skills. It is designed for those with co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Be aware that it may take a while for the body to adjust to new medications. You might continue to have issues at work and at home until you've gained enough experience 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 unorganized and impulsive. This will help you achieve success in class. In the same way, you can ask friends and relatives to make allowances for your ADHD. You may also want to look into family therapy or marriage counseling, which can help you and your loved ones to communicate better and comprehend the difficulties of one another.
Education
Psychosocial therapy for adults can ease symptoms and improve performance. These treatments can comprise a variety of therapies, and can be delivered in person or via the internet. These treatments may be combined with medication to achieve the best results.
A diagnosis is the first step in treating ADHD. A qualified mental health professional uses scales and a semistructured interview to collect information about the individual's issues. They can then make an accurate diagnosis, and offer an appropriate treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help those with ADHD deal with their issues and build skills to cope with them. Some of these treatments include psychoeducation, which educates patients about their condition and how it affects them in school, work and relationships. Other therapies focus on regulating emotions and enhancing the organization skills of individuals. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people overcome negative beliefs and behaviors that could be holding them back.
Marriage and family counseling can help with the issues that ADHD can bring to personal and professional relationships. It can teach couples and families how to communicate more effectively and recognize patterns that can lead to conflict. It can also assist in exploring ways to improve communication and help create a positive outlook on the future.
Adults with ADHD benefit from a treatment for behavioral issues by boosting their self-esteem and developing an accurate view of their abilities. It can also teach how to manage their time and money more efficiently, improve their organizational skills, control the impulsive behavior of their children and become better at coping with stress and anger. These abilities can be taught in a group setting or in a private session with an psychotherapist.
The practice of mindfulness or meditation can be an effective method of treatment for adults with ADHD. It can teach people to focus on the present moment and be more aware of their feelings as they achieve a greater 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 utilized in conjunction with other treatments, such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other options for treating adult ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapies and interpersonal therapy, which is focused on developing interpersonal skills. Some people suffering from ADHD employ complementary health methods to manage their symptoms, such as diet changes and supplements. treating adult add have not been scientifically proven to help improve ADHD but some people find them helpful.
Support
You might feel overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. Everything from paying your bills to keeping deadlines at work to managing relationships and maintaining your home can be a challenge when your ADHD symptoms get worse. Your symptoms can also impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to know what's happening to you. You should seek treatment to overcome your challenges and live an improved life.
Many people with ADHD find that medications are effective however they don't address all symptoms nor improve your quality-of-life. That's why it's important to take a mix of therapies 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. It is also possible to benefit from learning relaxation techniques that can help reduce stress and boost your focus. You should also seek out the support of your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you discover how to communicate more effectively and deal with anger and impulsive behaviors.
There are a variety of talk therapy. They include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), metacognitive and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a well-established method that helps you improve your strategies for coping and alter negative thinking patterns. Metacognitive therapy helps you improve your organizational skills and time management, as well as planning. It can also help you overcome thinking distortions that lead to low mood and a feeling of limited options.
A recent study of a cognitive rehabilitation program for adults suffering from ADHD showed that the program, which consisted of small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercises increased the quality of life and reduced symptom severity (Stevenson and colleagues, 2002). This kind of therapy could be more affordable than individual psychotherapy. It also allows you to be a part of sessions with others who face similar challenges, which can be more friendly.
There are numerous online resources to help you locate an adult adhd therapist or a support group. Some of these sites offer virtual sessions using video chat or chatrooms as well as local meetings. These services are growing in popularity, and research is ongoing on their effectiveness.