Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD are able to improve their condition through a combination of medication as well as lifestyle modifications, behavior strategies and counseling. Doctors will take into consideration the health history of the patient and whether any other conditions like depression or anxiety, may be contributing to symptoms.
In most cases, stimulants are among the first drugs people try. Other treatments include the non-stimulant Atomoxetine (Strattera) and certain antidepressants.
Medication
Stimulant medication is usually the first line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs adjust the levels of chemical messengers which control your attention in your brain. These are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. Stimulants work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in your brain, which improves concentration. They also slow down the brain's natural tendency to take in dopamine, which reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
The use of medicines can ease your symptoms and enable you to perform better at school, work or in other areas of your life. However, they won't fix all of your issues. You may experience negative effects like weight loss, irritability or difficulty sleeping. Discuss with your doctor the possible side effects of any medication you're prescribed.
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. Certain people do not react to stimulant medications, while others might not experience any reaction at all.
There are three kinds of ADHD medications including immediate-release, extended release and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications are available whenever needed. They usually peak 30 to 60 minutes after intake, and then quickly wear off. Extended-release medicines can last for up to 16 hours and are administered once a day. They assist with managing symptoms. The majority of people who take extended-release ADHD medications are supplemented with an immediate-release dose during the late afternoon or in the evening.
Atomoxetine is the first non-stimulant approved to treat ADHD in adults. It is a drug that blocks certain chemicals that regulate mood and attention in the brain. It is a long-lasting, sustained release medication than other ADHD medications, such as Bupropion (Wellbutrin), that works by increasing norepinephrine, and dopamine in your brain.
Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine and clonidine which regulate the part of your brain that regulates the attention. These medications can be beneficial for people with ADHD and anxiety or tics. These medications, also known as cholinergic drugs are only available with a prescription from your psychiatrist or doctor.
Therapy
In addition to medications, therapy is often part of an ADHD treatment program. Talk therapy can help your family and you learn how ADHD affects your relationships and life. It can also help you learn strategies and coping techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For example therapy can teach you organizational techniques to keep you on top of your work and maintain control over your environment. A therapist can also teach you problem-solving and conflict resolution techniques and techniques to improve your focus and concentration. You may learn meditation, breathing exercises yoga, or other relaxing techniques to help you relax and improve your mood. This is also referred to as biofeedback and hypnotherapy.
A therapist can help you create strategies for coping with emotional and behavioral issues common in adults with ADHD. Therapists can provide, for instance, cognitive behavioral therapy that is a form of talking therapy that teaches you how your thoughts and beliefs influence your mood and behavior. CBT is especially effective for dealing with executive functioning issues that co-travel with ADHD like difficulty planning, organizing and time management.
Dialectical behavior therapy is another option. It helps you change your way of reacting to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches how to be aware of your thoughts without judgment and emotion regulation that helps you manage emotional distress, as well as training in interpersonal skills. It is designed for people with comorbid conditions, including depression and anxiety disorders.
Remember that treatment for adult add can take some time for the body to adjust to the new medication. You may experience issues at home and work until you've developed the skills to cope with symptoms. In the meantime, you can try implementing small changes to your routine to help you cope.
Ask your boss or professor to make accommodations if you're forgetful and impulsive. This will help you succeed in class. You can also request your family and friends to accommodate your ADHD. You might also think about marriage counseling or family therapy, which can help you and your loved ones to communicate better and comprehend the difficulties of one another.
Education
Psychosocial treatment for adults can help reduce symptoms and improve performance. These treatments can comprise a range of therapies and can be offered in person or via the internet. These treatments may be combined with medications to get the best results.
A diagnosis is the first step to treat ADHD. A trained mental health professional will employ scales and semi-structured clinical interviews to discover the details of the person's issues. Then, they will identify the issue and provide an appropriate treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help individuals with ADHD manage their issues and develop the skills needed to deal with them. Some of these therapies include psychoeducation, which helps to educate patients about their condition and how it impacts their school, work and relationships. Other therapies are aimed at improving organizational skills and managing emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people to change their negative attitudes and behaviors that could be preventing them from achieving their goals.
Family therapy and marriage can assist in addressing the challenges ADHD can bring to personal and professional relationships. It can assist families and couples learn how to communicate better and identify the patterns that can cause to conflict. It can also help explore ways to improve communication and help create a positive outlook on the future.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from a treatment for behavioral issues by boosting their self-esteem and developing a realistic view of their abilities. It can teach them how to manage their money, time and their personal space and control their impulsive behaviors and help them manage anger and stress. These skills can be learned in a group or individually with a therapist.
Meditation, or mindfulness training can be an effective therapy for adult ADHD. It can help people concentrate on the present moment and to be more aware of their emotions, helping them attain a better sense of control over their lives. It can be practiced in a group setting or with a therapist, and it can be used in combination with other treatment methods, like CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatments for adult ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapies and interpersonal therapy, which focuses on building interpersonal skills. Certain people suffering from ADHD also turn to complementary health approaches, such as diet and supplements to help manage their symptoms. These methods haven't been scientifically proven to aid in improve ADHD but some people find them useful.
Support
As an adult with ADHD you may feel overwhelmed by your difficulties. Everything from paying your bills to keeping deadlines at work to managing relationships and keeping your house clean can be challenging when your ADHD symptoms flare up. Your symptoms can also impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to comprehend the issues you're experiencing. It is important to seek treatment to overcome your difficulties and live an active lifestyle.
Many medications are effective for adults with ADHD however, they don't address all symptoms or improve your quality of life. It's important that you get a treatment plan that is a combination of both for adults suffering from adhd, which includes both medication and therapy.
Therapy can teach you how to manage your ADHD symptoms, and also help you develop strategies to cope. It can also teach you ways to manage your mood and relationships. Relaxation techniques can aid in reducing stress and improve your concentration. It is also important to seek support from family and friends. Talk therapy can teach you how to communicate better and cope with anger and the impulsive behavior.
There are many types of talk therapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as interpersonal therapy, and metacognitive therapy. CBT is a research-based approach that helps you overcome negative thoughts and patterns of thought and develop better coping strategies. Metacognitive therapy assists you in improving your organizational skills as well as time management and planning. It can also help you overcome mental distortions that can lead to negative moods and a feeling of limited choices.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program for adults suffering from ADHD revealed that the program, which included small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercise increased the quality of life and symptom reduction (Stevenson and co. 2002). This type of therapy is usually less expensive than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy allows you to share sessions with other people who are experiencing similar issues, which can be supportive.
There are numerous online resources for finding an adult adhd therapist as well as support groups. Some of these provide virtual sessions via chat rooms or video chat, while others offer face-to-face sessions in your area. These services are gaining popularity, and research is being conducted to assess their effectiveness.