Adult ADHD Treatment
Most adults with ADHD improve through a combination of medication, behavioral strategies, lifestyle changes and counseling. Doctors will look at the medical history of a patient and determine if there are any other issues such as depression or an anxiety disorder may be contributing symptoms.
In most cases, stimulants are among the first medications that people try. Other medications include atomoxetine, non-stimulant (Strattera) and some antidepressants.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated first with stimulant medications. These medications alter the levels of chemical messengers that control your focus in your brain. They are dopamine and norepinephrine. Stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine, which increases your concentration. They also reduce the brain's natural tendency to take dopamine, which decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
The use of medicines can ease your symptoms and allow you to be more productive at school, at work or in other aspects of your life. They won't solve all your issues. They may cause side effects such as weight loss, irritability or trouble sleeping. Discuss with your doctor the potential side effects of any medication that you are prescribed.
The medications used to treat ADHD for adults include both stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Your doctor will suggest the correct dosage and medicine for you based on your individual situation, symptoms and health history. Some people might not react to any stimulant medications, while others may have no reaction whatsoever.
There are three kinds of medications: immediate-release, extended-release medication and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications can be taken as needed. They typically last between 30 and 60 minutes after intake and then slowly fade. Extended-release medications can last up to 16 hours and are taken once a day. They assist with managing symptoms. Patients who take extended-release ADHD medications typically supplement them with a dose that is instant-release late in the evening or afternoon.
Atomoxetine is the first nonstimulant 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 drugs, like bupropion (Wellbutrin), which works by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain.
Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine or Clonidine which regulate the brain part that regulates your attention. These drugs can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and tics or anxiety. These medications are known as cholinergic agents and are only available on prescription from your physician or psychiatrist.
Therapy
Therapy is often incorporated into the treatment of ADHD in conjunction with medication. Therapy can help you and your family understand how your ADHD affects your relationships and life. It can help you develop strategies and coping skills to manage your ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can help you learn strategies to stay organized and in control of your environment. Therapists can also teach you conflict-resolution and problem-solving techniques, as well as techniques for improving concentration and focus. You could learn meditation, breathing exercises yoga, or other relaxation techniques to help you relax and improve your mood. This is sometimes referred to as hypnotherapy or biofeedback.
A therapist can help you develop coping strategies to deal with the behavioral and emotional issues that are common to adults with ADHD. Therapists can provide, for instance, cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a talking therapy that teaches how your thoughts and beliefs influence your mood and behavior. CBT is particularly effective for addressing the executive functioning problems that co-travel with ADHD like difficulty organizing, planning and time management.
Another option is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which assists you modify your response to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches you how to observe your thoughts without judgment, emotion regulation that helps you manage emotional distress, as well as interpersonal skills training. It is a program for people with comorbid conditions, including depression and anxiety disorders.
It is important to keep in mind that when you first begin taking medication, it takes some time for your body to adjust to the new medications. There may be issues at home and work until you've mastered the skills needed to manage symptoms. In the meantime, you can make small lifestyle changes to help you manage.
Ask your professor or boss to make accommodations if you're unorganized and impulsive. This will help you succeed in class. Similarly, you can request family members and friends to make allowances for your ADHD. You may also want to consider family therapy or marriage counseling, which can aid you and your loved ones to communicate better and understand each other's challenges.
Education
For adults, psychosocial therapy can help alleviate symptoms and improve the functioning. The treatments comprise a range of therapies and can be offered in person or online. These treatments may be paired with medication to get the best results.
A diagnosis is the first step to treat ADHD. A trained mental health professional will use scales and a semistructured interview to gather information on the individual's issues. They can then make an accurate diagnosis and provide an appropriate treatment plan.
Talk therapy can be used to assist people suffering from ADHD manage their issues and manage their symptoms. Some of these treatments include psychoeducation, which helps to educate patients about their condition and how it impacts them in the workplace, at school and in relationships. Other therapies aim at improving management skills and coping with emotions. Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues, for instance helps people recognize and change negative beliefs and behaviors that can be limiting their progress.
Family therapy and marriage can assist in addressing the issues ADHD can cause in personal and professional relationships. It can teach couples and families to communicate more effectively and recognize patterns that cause conflict. It can also assist them to explore ways to improve their communication and develop a more positive outlook for the future.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from a behavioral therapy program by improving their self-esteem and establishing an accurate view of their abilities. It can also teach how to manage their time and money more efficiently, improve their organizational skills, manage impulsive behavior and become better at coping with stress and anger. These skills can be taught either in group or individually through therapy.
Mindfulness, or meditation training can be a useful form of therapy for adult ADHD. It helps people gain more control over their lives, by teaching them to focus on the present and be more aware. It can be done in a group or with a therapist, and it can be used in combination with other treatment methods, including CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatments for adult ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy, which focuses on enhancing interpersonal skills. Certain people with ADHD employ complementary health methods to manage their symptoms, including eating habits and supplements. Although these strategies aren't scientifically proven to reduce ADHD however, some consider them beneficial.
Support
As an adult with ADHD you may feel overwhelmed by your difficulties. Everything from paying off bills to working to meet deadlines at work, managing relationships and keeping your house clean can be a challenge when your ADHD symptoms become more severe. Your symptoms can also impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to understand what's going on with you. You should seek out treatment to overcome your difficulties and lead an active lifestyle.
Many medications are effective for adults suffering from ADHD however, they don't treat all of the symptoms or enhance your quality of life. secret info is crucial to choose a combination treatment plan for adult adhd, which includes therapy and medication.
Therapy can help you learn how to manage your ADHD symptoms, and also help you develop strategies for coping. It can also teach you ways to manage your emotions and relationships. Relaxation techniques can aid in reducing stress and increase your focus. You should also seek out support from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to communicate better and manage anger and impulsive behaviors.
There are several types of talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), metacognitive therapy, and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a scientifically-based method that helps you change negative thinking patterns and develop better coping strategies. Metacognitive therapy assists you in improving your organization skills and time management, as well as planning. It can also help you overcome thinking distortions which lead to a bad mood and a feeling of a lack of choices.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program for adults with ADHD revealed that the program, which comprised small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercises, improved quality of life and reduced symptom severity (Stevenson et al 2002). This type of therapy is typically cheaper than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy permits you to have sessions with others who are dealing with similar issues and can be a great source of support.
There are numerous online resources to find an adult adhd therapist and support groups. Some of these providers offer virtual sessions through video chat or chat rooms and others provide face-to-face meetings in your area. These services are increasing in popularity and research is ongoing to determine their effectiveness.