Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD get better through a combination of medication as well as behavior strategies, lifestyle changes and counseling. Doctors will examine the medical history of the patient and determine if there are any other disorders, such as depression or an anxiety disorder could be contributing to symptoms.
Often, stimulants are the first drugs that people try. Other medications include the nonstimulant Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants in certain forms.
Medication
Stimulant medications are usually the first-line treatment for adults with ADHD. These drugs adjust the levels of chemical messengers which control your attention in your brain. These are dopamine and norepinephrine. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in your brain, which enhances focus. They also slow down the brain's natural response to taking dopamine, which can reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
You can use medications to improve your symptoms, and function better at school, work or in other areas of your life. But they can't solve all of your issues. They could cause side effects such as weight loss, irritability or difficulty sleeping. Discuss with your doctor the potential side effects of any medication that you are prescribed.
The medications used to treat ADHD in adults are a mix of stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. Your doctor will recommend the right medicine and dose for you based on your particular situation, symptoms and health history. Some people will not respond to stimulant medications while others might not experience any reaction at all.
There are three types: immediate-release medication, extended-release medication and Atomoxetine. Instant-release medications are used in the course of need and typically peak within 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion and then fade away quickly. Extended-release medications are consumed once every day and last up to 16 hours, assisting with symptom control. Often, people who are taking extended-release ADHD medications also take an immediate-release dose during the late afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine, which was the first nonstimulant drug approved to treat ADHD in adults, works by limiting the effects of certain chemicals in the brain that control attention and mood. It is a longer-lasting and sustained-release medication than other ADHD medicines, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is a stimulant that increases the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in your brain.
Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, clonidine or other medications that regulate the brain part that regulates your attention. These may be helpful for people with ADHD who also have anxiety or tics. These are referred to as cholinergic drugs and are available by prescription only from your doctor or psychiatrist.
Therapy
In addition to medications therapy is often a part of an ADHD treatment program. Therapy sessions can aid you and your family understand how your ADHD affects your relationships and life. It can help you learn strategies and coping techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For instance Therapists can teach you methods for organizing to help you stay on top of your tasks and keep control of your surroundings. A therapist can help you learn the art of problem-solving and conflict resolution, as well methods to increase concentration and focus. You can learn breathing exercises, yoga meditation, or other relaxation techniques in order to calm yourself down and improve your mood. It is also referred to as biofeedback and hypnotherapy.
A therapist can help you develop coping strategies to deal with emotional and behavioral issues that are common among adults with ADHD. A therapist could, for example, provide 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 especially effective for addressing the executive functioning problems that co-travel with ADHD issues, like trouble organizing, planning and time management.
Another alternative is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which can help you modify your response to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements such as mindfulness, which helps you to look at your thoughts and feelings without judgment; emotion regulation, which is focused on managing distressing emotions and interpersonal skills training. It is a great option for people suffering from comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety disorders.
Remember that it can take some time for the body to adjust to the new medicines. It is possible that you will continue to experience problems at home and work until you've gained enough experience to deal with your symptoms. In the meantime, consider implementing small changes in your lifestyle to help you manage.
Ask your boss or professor for accommodations if you're indecisive and forgetful. This will help you get through your classes. You could also ask your friends and family to accommodate your ADHD. You may also want to look into family therapy or marriage counseling, which can aid you and your loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and appreciate the challenges of each other.
Education
For adults, psychosocial treatment can help reduce symptoms and improve performance. These treatments can include different treatments, and may be provided in person or via the internet. They can also be used with medication to achieve the best results.
One of the first steps in treating ADHD is to obtain a diagnosis. A qualified mental health professional utilizes scales and semistructured clinical interview to gather information on the individual's struggles. They can then make an accurate diagnosis and provide a treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help those with ADHD deal with their issues and develop the skills needed to deal with these issues. Some of these therapies include psychoeducation, which educates patients about their condition and how it impacts their the workplace, at school and in relationships. Other therapies are focused on managing emotions and enhancing organizational skills. Cognitive therapy, for instance, helps people identify and alter negative beliefs and behaviors that can be limiting their progress.
Family and marriage counseling can help address the challenges that ADHD can create in professional and personal relationships. It can teach couples and families to communicate more effectively and recognize patterns that can lead to conflict. It can also assist in exploring ways to improve interactions and help create optimism for the future.
treatment of adhd in adults can help adults suffering from ADHD boost their self-esteem and build a more realistic view about their capabilities. It can also help how to manage their time and money more efficiently and improve their organizational skills, control impulsive behavior and become better at managing stress and anger. These skills can be taught in a group or individually with a therapist.
Mindfulness, or meditation training is also an effective therapy for adult ADHD. It can teach people to concentrate on the present moment and become more aware of their feelings as they gain a greater sense of control over their lives. It can be practiced in a group or with a therapist, and can be utilized in combination with other treatment methods, including CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other options for treating adult ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapies and interpersonal therapy, which is focused on enhancing interpersonal skills. Some people suffering from ADHD are also turning to complementary health approaches, such as dietary changes and supplements to help manage their symptoms. While these approaches are not scientifically proven to help improve ADHD but some people find them beneficial.
Support
You might feel overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. Everything from paying bills to keeping deadlines at work to managing relationships and keeping house is a challenge when ADHD symptoms get worse. The symptoms can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to understand why you behave the way you do. You should seek treatment to overcome your issues and live an improved life.
Many medications are effective for adults with ADHD however, they don't address all symptoms or improve your quality of life. That's why it's essential to combine therapy and medication as part of your adult treatment for adhd.
Therapy can help you understand and control your ADHD symptoms and build strategies for coping. It can help you learn to manage your emotions, and also your relationships. Relaxation techniques can aid in reducing stress and improve your focus. You should also seek out assistance from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to better communicate and deal with anger and impulse-driven behavior.
There are many types of talk therapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as metacognitive therapy, and interpersonal therapy. CBT is an evidence-based approach that helps you overcome negative thoughts and patterns of thought and develop better strategies for coping. Metacognitive therapy can help you improve your organizational skills, planning and time management. It can also help resolve mental distortions that can lead to negative moods and a feeling of limited options.
A recent study of a cognitive rehabilitation program revealed that the program included small group therapy sessions and coaching, in addition to exercises. This improved the quality of life and reduced symptoms (Stevenson and al. 2002). This kind of therapy can be less expensive than individual psychotherapy. It also lets you take part in therapy sessions with people who are facing similar issues, which can be more supportive.
There are a variety of online resources to help find an adult adhd therapist or support group. Some of these services provide virtual sessions through chatrooms or video chat as well as local meetings. These services are increasing in popularity and research is ongoing on their effectiveness.