Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD are able to improve their condition with a combination of medicine as well as behavioral strategies, lifestyle changes and counseling. Doctors will examine the medical history of a patient and determine if any other disorders, such as depression or an anxiety disorder may be contributing symptoms.
In most cases, stimulants are among the first medications that people test. Other treatments include the non-stimulant Atomoxetine (Strattera) and a few antidepressants.
Medication
Adults with ADHD are usually treated by taking stimulant medication. These medications help to regulate the levels of two chemical messengers in your brain that control the focus. These are norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine, which enhances your ability to concentrate. They also reduce the brain's natural tendency to take in dopamine, which reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity.
You can use medications to improve your symptoms, and function better at school, work or in other aspects of your life. They will not solve all your problems. You might experience negative effects like weight loss, irritability or difficulty sleeping. Speak to your doctor about the possible adverse effects.
The drugs used to treat ADHD in adults are a mix of stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. Your doctor will recommend the correct dosage and medicine for you based on your particular situation, symptoms and health background. Some people will not respond to stimulant medications while others may not have any reaction at any time.
There are three types of ADHD medications: 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 medications are consumed once every day and last up to 16 hours, aiding in reducing symptoms. People who are taking extended release ADHD medications typically supplement them with an instant-release dose late in the evening or afternoon.
Atomoxetine is the first nonstimulant approved to treat ADHD in adults. It is a drug that blocks certain chemicals that control mood and attention in the brain. It is a longer-lasting drug that has a sustained release than other ADHD drugs, like bupropion (Wellbutrin), which works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain.
Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, clonidine, or other medications which regulate the part of the brain that regulates your attention. These medications may be beneficial for people with ADHD and tics or anxiety. These are referred to as cholinergic drugs and are available only on prescription from your psychiatrist or doctor.
Therapy
In addition to medications, therapy is often part of an ADHD treatment program. Therapy can aid your family members and help you understand how ADHD affects your relationships and life. It can help you develop strategies and coping techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For instance, a therapist may teach you organizational techniques to help you stay on top of tasks and keep control of your surroundings. A therapist can help you learn the art of problem-solving and conflict resolution and techniques to improve focus and concentration. You might learn meditation, breathing exercises, yoga or other relaxation methods to relax yourself and improve your mood. It is also referred to as biofeedback and hypnotherapy.
A therapist can also help you develop coping skills for dealing with the behavioral and emotional issues that are common in adults with ADHD. For example, a therapist can provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a kind of talk therapy that teaches you the way your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes influence your feelings and behaviors. CBT is particularly effective in treating executive functioning issues that are associated with ADHD which include difficulty in planning, organizing, and time management.
Dialectical behavior therapy is a different alternative. It assists you in changing your way of reacting to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements such as mindfulness, which helps you to look at your thoughts and feelings without judgment; emotion regulation, which focuses on managing difficult emotions; and interpersonal skills training. It is a great option for people suffering from multiple disorders, like anxiety and depression.
Keep in mind that it may take some time for the body to adjust to new medicines. There may be issues at home and at work until you have developed the skills to cope with symptoms. In the meantime, make small lifestyle changes to help manage.
For instance, if forgetful and impulsive, ask your boss or professor about accommodations that will help you excel in class. You could also request your family and friends to provide accommodations for your ADHD. You may also want to consider family therapy or marriage counseling, which will help your loved ones and you learn to communicate and understand each others' challenges.
Education
For adults, psychosocial therapy can reduce symptoms and improve the functioning. The treatments may include a variety of therapies and may be delivered in person or via online. They can also be combined with medication for the best results.
One of the first steps in treating ADHD is to receive an assessment. A qualified mental health professional uses scales and semistructured clinical interview to gather data on the individual's struggles. They can then make an accurate diagnosis and provide a treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help individuals with ADHD manage their issues and build skills to cope with the challenges they face. Some of these treatments include psychoeducation, which teaches 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 behavioral therapy assists people change negative beliefs and behavior that may be holding them back.
Marriage and family counseling can help overcome the difficulties that ADHD can create in professional and personal relationships. It can teach families and couples how to communicate more effectively and spot patterns that can lead to conflict. It can also assist in identifying ways to improve interactions and create positive expectations for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help people with ADHD increase their self-esteem and build a more realistic view about their abilities. It can help them learn to better manage their money, time and their personal space and manage their impulsive behavior and help them manage stress and anger. These skills can be taught either in group or individually by therapy.
Meditation, or mindfulness training, can also be an effective form of therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. It can help people be present in the moment and become more aware of their feelings as they achieve a greater sense of control over their lives. It can be done in a group or with a therapist and it can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatment options for ADHD for adults include cognitive-behavioral as well as interpersonal therapy. treating add in adults focus on improving interpersonal skills. Some people suffering from ADHD also turn to complementary health approaches, such as dietary changes and supplements, to manage their symptoms. While these approaches are not scientifically proven to improve ADHD however, some consider them beneficial.
Support
You may feel overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. Everything from paying your bills to meeting deadlines at work to managing relationships and keeping your house clean can be challenging when your ADHD symptoms flare up. The symptoms can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to comprehend what's going on with you. It is important to seek treatment in order to overcome your challenges and lead a more productive lifestyle.
Many adults suffering from ADHD discover that medication is effective but they do not solve all the symptoms or improve your quality of life. It's important that you get a combination treatment plan for adults with adhd that includes both medication and therapy.
Therapy can teach you how to manage your ADHD symptoms, and help you develop strategies to cope. It can teach you how to manage your emotions and also your relationships. Relaxation techniques can also help you reduce stress and improve your concentration. You should also seek support from your family and friends. Talk therapy can teach you how to better communicate and deal with anger and the impulsive behavior.
There are several types of talk therapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy, and metacognitive therapy. CBT is a research-based approach that assists you in changing negative thought patterns and develop better coping strategies. Metacognitive therapy can assist you to improve organizational skills, planning and time management. It can also help you resolve mental distortions that can lead to an uneasy mood and a feeling of limited choices.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program for adults with ADHD found that the program, which consisted of small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercises increased the quality of life and symptom reduction (Stevenson and colleagues, 2002). This type of therapy is typically more affordable than individual psychotherapy. It also lets you participate in sessions with others who are facing similar issues which can be friendly.
There are a variety of online resources that can help you locate an adult adhd therapist or support group. Some of these provide virtual sessions via chat rooms or video chat as well as face-to-face sessions in your area. These services are increasing in popularity, and research is ongoing to determine their effectiveness.