Adult ADHD Treatment
Most adults with ADHD improve with a combination medication, behavioral strategies and lifestyle modifications. Doctors will review the medical history of a patient and determine if any other conditions such as depression or an anxiety disorder might be causing symptoms.
Often, stimulants are the first medications that people test. Other medications include atomoxetine, an anti-stimulant (Strattera), and certain antidepressants.
Medication
The use of stimulant medications is typically the first-line treatment for adults with ADHD. They help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers within your brain that control focus. They are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in your brain, which increases concentration. They also reduce the brain's natural tendency to draw dopamine, which can reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Medicines can help ease your symptoms and help you function more effectively at work, school or in other aspects of your life. However, they won't fix all your problems. There are a few negative effects like weight loss, irritability, or trouble sleeping. Consult your physician about possible side effects.
Both stimulants and nonstimulants can be used to treat ADHD in adults. Your doctor will decide the best medicine and dosage for you based on your symptoms and health history as well as your particular situation. Some people may not respond to stimulant medication, while others may have no reaction at all.
There are three kinds of ADHD medications: immediate-release, extended-release and Atomoxetine. Instant-release medications are used when needed and usually peak within 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion, then wear off quickly. Extended-release medications are taken once every day and last for up to 16 hours, helping with symptom control. People who are taking extended release ADHD medications often supplement them with an instant-release dose late in the afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine is the first non-stimulant drug to be approved to treat ADHD in adults, operates by limiting the effects of certain brain chemicals that control attention and mood. It is a more long-lasting drug that has a sustained release than other ADHD medications, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) which works by increasing the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain.
Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine and clonidine which regulate the part of your brain that controls attention. These medications can be beneficial to people suffering from ADHD and tics or anxiety. These medications, also known as cholinergic medications are only available with a prescription from your psychiatrist or doctor.
Therapy
Therapy is often part of the treatment of ADHD in conjunction with medication. Talk therapy can help you and your family members understand how your ADHD affects your life and relationships. It can teach you strategies and techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For instance therapy can teach you methods for organizing to ensure you are on top of your tasks and control your environment. A therapist can help you learn conflict resolution and problem-solving skills as well as techniques to improve concentration and focus. You can learn breathing exercises, yoga meditation, or other techniques for relaxation to help you settle down and improve your mood. This is sometimes referred to as biofeedback or hypnotherapy.
A therapist can assist you to create strategies for coping with behavioral and emotional issues common in adults with ADHD. A therapist could provide, for instance, cognitive behavioral therapy that is a form of talking therapy that teaches how your beliefs and thoughts influence your feelings and behavior. CBT is particularly effective at dealing with executive functioning issues associated with ADHD which include difficulty in organizing, planning and managing time.
Another alternative is dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), which helps you change how you respond to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches you to be aware of your thoughts without judgment, emotion regulation that helps you manage difficult emotions, as well as training in interpersonal skills. It is designed for people with comorbid conditions, including depression and anxiety disorders.
It is important to keep in mind that when you first begin taking medicine, it takes some time for your body to adjust to the new medications. You may continue to experience issues at work and at home until you've gained enough experience to manage your symptoms. In the meantime, make small lifestyle changes to help deal with the symptoms.
Ask your boss or professor to make accommodations if you're forgetful and impulsive. This will allow you to succeed in class. You may also ask your family and friends to make accommodations for your ADHD. You may also want to think about marriage counseling or family therapy that can help you and your loved ones learn to communicate better and understand the challenges of each other.
Education
For adults, psychosocial therapy can help reduce symptoms and improve functioning. These treatments can comprise a variety of therapies that can be provided in-person or online. They may also be paired with medications to get the best results.
One of the first steps to treatment for ADHD is to receive a diagnosis. A qualified mental health professional will employ scales and semi-structured clinical interviews to gather information about the person's issues. They can then make an accurate diagnosis, and offer a treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help individuals with ADHD manage their issues and develop the skills needed to deal with these issues. Some of these treatments include psychoeducation, which teaches patients about their condition and how it affects them in school, work and relationships. Other treatments are focused on improving organizational skills and managing emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy assists people to change their negative attitudes and behaviors that could be preventing them from achieving their goals.
Marriage and family therapy can help to address the issues ADHD can bring in professional and personal relationships. It can help couples and families improve their communication and identify patterns that lead to conflict. It can also assist them to find ways to improve their interactions and develop a more positive outlook for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help adults with ADHD improve their self-esteem and gain a more realistic perspective about their capabilities. It can teach them how to better manage their money, time and self-organization, as well as control their impulsive behaviors and help them manage anger and stress. These abilities can be taught in a group or in a private session with an psychotherapist.
Meditation, or mindfulness training is also an effective form of therapy for adult ADHD. It can help people 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 is used alongside other treatment methods such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other options for treating ADHD for adults include cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapy. These treatments are focused on improving interpersonal skills. Some people with ADHD also turn to complementary methods of health, like diet and supplements to treat their symptoms. These methods haven't been scientifically proven to aid in improve ADHD however some people find them useful.
Support
You may be overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. 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 flare up. Your symptoms can also affect your self-esteem, making it difficult to know why you behave in the way you do. It's important to seek treatment to overcome your challenges and live more productively.
Many adults suffering from ADHD find that medications are effective but they do not treat 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 with adhd that includes both medication and therapy.
Therapy can help you learn how to manage your ADHD symptoms, and also help you develop strategies for coping. It will also teach you how to manage your relationships and emotions. Relaxation techniques can also help you reduce stress and increase your focus. It is also essential to receive help from your family and friends. Talk therapy can teach you how to better communicate and deal with anger and impulse-driven behavior.
There are add natural treatment of talk therapy. They include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as metacognitive and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a research-based approach that helps you change negative thoughts and patterns of thought and develop better coping strategies. Metacognitive therapy can help you improve organizational skills, planning and time management. It can also help you overcome mental distortions that can lead to poor mood and a sense of limited options.
A recent study of a cognitive rehabilitation program for adults with ADHD showed that the program, which comprised 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 cheaper than individual psychotherapy. It also lets you be a part of therapy sessions with people who are facing similar issues and can be more helpful.
There are a variety of online resources to help locate an adult adhd therapist, or a support group. Some of these offer virtual sessions using chatrooms or video chat as well as local meetings. These services are gaining popularity, and research is being conducted to assess their effectiveness.