Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of people with ADHD improve by combining 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.
Most often, stimulants are the first medications that people try. Other treatments include the nonstimulant Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants in certain forms.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated first with stimulant medications. These medications alter the levels of chemical messengers that regulate your focus in your brain. These are norepinephrine and dopamine. The effects of stimulants increase the amount norepinephrine, which increases your ability to concentrate. They also slow down the brain's natural tendency to draw dopamine, which can reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity.
You can make use of medicines to alleviate your symptoms, and function better at school, work, or in other areas of your life. But they can't solve all of your issues. You might experience adverse effects such as weight loss, irritability, or difficulty sleeping. Speak to your doctor about the possible adverse effects.
Both stimulants and nonstimulants are used to treat ADHD in adults. Your doctor will decide the best dosage and medicine for you based on symptoms, health history and your specific situation. Some people will not respond to stimulant medications while others may not experience any reaction at all.
There are three kinds of ADHD medications: immediate-release, extended-release and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications can be taken when needed. They usually peak 30 to 60 minutes after intake and then quickly wear off. Extended-release medications are taken once each day and last up to 16 hours, aiding with symptom control. Often, people who take extended-release ADHD medications also take an immediate-release dose in the late afternoon or in the evening.
Atomoxetine is the first non-stimulant approved to treat ADHD among adults. It works by limiting certain chemicals that regulate attention and mood in the brain. It's a longer-lasting and sustained-release medication than other ADHD medications, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) that works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain.
Your doctor may also prescribe guanfacine or clonidine which regulate the part of your brain that is responsible for controlling the attention. These medications can be beneficial to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety or tics. These medications, also known as cholinergic medications are only available by prescription from your doctor or psychiatrist.
Therapy
Therapy is often incorporated into the treatment of ADHD, along with medication. Therapy can aid your family members as well as help you understand how ADHD affects your relationships and daily life. It can also help you learn coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can show you strategies to stay organized and in control of your surroundings. A therapist can teach you the art of problem-solving and conflict resolution, as well methods to increase focus and concentration. You can learn yoga, breathing exercises meditation, or other techniques for relaxation to help you calm 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 in adults with ADHD. For example a therapist may offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a kind of therapy through which you learn you how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes affect your mood and actions. CBT is particularly effective at addressing executive functioning issues related to ADHD, including difficulty planning, organizing and managing time.
Another option is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which helps you modify your response to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements like mindfulness, which teaches you to be aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgement and emotion regulation, which is focused on managing difficult emotions; and interpersonal skills training. It is designed for people who suffer from comorbid conditions, such as depression and anxiety disorders.
It is important to keep in mind that, even if you begin taking medication, it takes a while for your body to adjust to the new medication. There may be issues at home and work until you have developed the ability to deal with symptoms. In the meantime, make small lifestyle adjustments to help cope.
Ask your professor or boss for accommodations if you are unorganized and impulsive. This will help you get through your classes. In the same way, you can ask friends and relatives to make allowances for your ADHD. You may also want to look into marriage therapy or family counseling, which can help your loved ones and you become more able to communicate and comprehend the challenges of each other.
Education
Psychosocial treatment for adults can help reduce symptoms and improve functioning. These treatments can comprise a variety of therapies and may be provided in person or via online. These treatments can be combined with medications to get the best results.
A diagnosis is the first step in treating ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will use scales and a semistructured interview to gather information on the individual's issues. They will then be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and offer an appropriate treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help people with ADHD deal with their issues and build skills to cope with the challenges they face. Some of these treatments include psychoeducation, which helps to educate patients about their condition and how it impacts them in school, work and relationships. Other therapies focus on managing emotions and enhancing the organization skills of individuals. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people change negative beliefs and behavior that may hinder their progress.
Family therapy and marriage can assist in addressing the challenges ADHD can bring to personal and professional relationships. It can help families and couples how to communicate more effectively and spot patterns that cause conflict. It can also assist in identifying ways to improve interactions and provide optimism for the future.
Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from behavioral therapy by improving their self-esteem and establishing a realistic perspective of their abilities. It can teach them how to manage their time, money, and organize themselves and control their impulsive behaviors and help them manage stress and anger. These skills can be learned either in group or individually by a therapist.
Meditation or mindfulness training can be an effective method of treatment for adult ADHD. It can help people concentrate on the present moment and be more aware of their emotions and feelings, allowing them to achieve a greater sense of control over their lives. It can be practiced in a group or with an therapist and combined with other treatment methods such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other options for treating ADHD in adults include cognitive-behavioral as well as interpersonal therapy. add treatment natural are focused on improving interpersonal skills. Some people suffering from ADHD also turn to complementary health approaches, such as supplementation and diet changes to treat their symptoms. These strategies have not been scientifically proven to aid in improve ADHD but certain people find them beneficial.
Support
You may be overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. When your ADHD symptoms become more severe, everything from managing relationships to paying bills and keeping deadlines can be a challenge. Your symptoms can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to know why you are acting the way you do. It's important to seek treatment to overcome your issues and lead a an active and productive life.
Many medications are effective for adults suffering from ADHD however, they don't solve all the 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 learn to manage your ADHD symptoms and develop coping skills. It can also help you learn how to manage your emotions and relationships. It is also possible to benefit from learning relaxation techniques that can ease anxiety and improve your concentration. It is also important to seek support from family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to communicate better and how to deal with anger and impulsive behavior.
There are many types of talk therapy. They include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) metacognitive, metacognitive, and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a scientifically-based method that helps you change negative thoughts and patterns of thought and develop better strategies for coping. Metacognitive therapy can assist you to improve your organizational skills, planning and time management. It can also help to eliminate the distortions in your thinking that cause an unhappy mood and feeling that you have a limited number of options.
A recent study of a cognitive rehabilitation program for adults with ADHD showed that the program, which included small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercises improved the quality of life and reduced symptom severity (Stevenson et al 2002). This type of therapy is often more affordable than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy allows you to share sessions with others who are experiencing similar issues, which can be supportive.
There are many online resources to help find an adult adhd therapist or support group. Some of these offer virtual sessions using chat rooms or video chat as well as meetings with a face-to–face format in your area. These services are growing in popularity and research is ongoing on their effectiveness.