Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD improve with a combination medicine, behavior strategies and lifestyle adjustments. Doctors will look at a person's health history and whether other medical conditions like anxiety or depression, could be contributing to symptoms.
Often, stimulants are the first drugs that people test. Other medications include the non-stimulant Atomoxetine (Strattera) and certain antidepressants.
Medication
Stimulant medications are usually the first line treatment for adults with ADHD. These medications regulate the levels of chemical messengers that control your attention in your brain. They are dopamine and norepinephrine. The stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine present in your brain, which increases concentration. They also reduce the brain's natural tendency to draw dopamine, which decreases the impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Medications can improve your symptoms and help you be more productive at school, at 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. Talk to your doctor regarding possible adverse effects.
Nonstimulants and stimulants are used to treat ADHD among adults. Your doctor will determine the best medicine and dosage for you based upon your symptoms and health history as well as your particular situation. Some people will not respond to stimulant medications while others may not experience any reaction at any time.
There are three types of ADHD medications: immediate-release, extended-release and Atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications are taken as needed and typically peak within 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion and then fade away quickly. Extended-release medications are taken once every day and last for up to 16 hours, assisting with symptom control. Often, people who are taking extended-release ADHD medications supplement them with an immediate-release dose during the late afternoon or in the evening.
Atomoxetine, which was the first nonstimulant medication approved to treat ADHD in adults, works by limiting the action of certain chemicals in the brain that control mood and attention. 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 could prescribe guanfacine or Clonidine which regulate the part of your brain that is responsible for controlling the attention. These medications may be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and tics or anxiety. These medications are known as cholinergic drugs and are only available on prescription from your doctor or psychiatrist.
Therapy
In addition to medication Therapy is often an integral part of an ADHD treatment plan. Therapy can aid your family members and help you learn how ADHD affects your relationships and life. It can also help you learn strategies and coping techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can show you methods to stay organized and in control of your environment. A therapist may also teach you conflict-resolution and problem-solving skills, as well as techniques to increase concentration and focus. You can learn yoga, breathing exercises meditation, or other techniques for relaxation in order to calm yourself down and improve your mood. This is also referred to as biofeedback and hypnotherapy.
A therapist can help you develop coping strategies to deal with emotional and behavioral issues common in adults with ADHD. For example therapy with a therapist could provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a type of talk therapy that teaches you how your thoughts, beliefs and beliefs affect your emotions and behaviors. CBT is particularly 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 helps you to change the way you react to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches how to be aware of your thoughts without judgment, emotion regulation, which helps you manage emotional distress, as well as interpersonal skills training. It is a great option for people suffering from multiple disorders, like anxiety and depression.
Remember that it can take some time for the body to adjust to the new medicines. You might continue to have issues at work and home until you've gained enough experience to cope with your symptoms. In the meantime, you can make small lifestyle changes to help manage.
For instance, if forgetful and impulsive, ask your boss or professor about accommodations that can help you excel in class. You can also request your family and friends to accommodate your ADHD. You might also think about family therapy or marriage counseling, which can benefit your loved ones as well as you develop a better understanding of and communication each other's challenges.
Education
For adults, psychosocial treatment can help alleviate symptoms and improve functioning. These treatments may include a variety of different therapies that can be provided in-person or online. These treatments may be combined with medications to achieve the best results.
One of the first steps in treatment for ADHD is to receive an assessment. A trained mental health professional will use scales and semi-structured, structured clinical interviews to collect information about the individual's challenges. They will then be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and formulate the treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help those with ADHD deal with their issues and build skills to cope with these issues. Some of these therapies include psychoeducation, which teaches patients about their condition and how it impacts their school, work and relationships. Other therapies are focused on managing emotions and enhancing organizational skills. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example helps people to identify and change negative beliefs and behaviors that can hinder their progress.
Marriage and family counseling can help address the challenges that ADHD can cause in professional and personal relationships. It can help couples and families improve their communication and identify patterns that lead conflict. It can also assist in exploring ways to improve interactions and help create positive expectations for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help people with ADHD increase their self-esteem and gain a more realistic perspective about their capabilities. It can also teach them to manage their time and money more efficiently and improve their organizational skills, control their impulsive behavior, and improve in managing anger and stress. These skills can be mastered in a group or individually by the help of a therapist.
Meditation, also known as mindfulness, can also be a useful form of therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. It can teach people to focus on the present moment and to be more aware of their emotions as they attain a better sense of control over their lives. It can be done in a group or with a therapist and it can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other options for treating adult ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy, which is focused on building interpersonal skills. Some people suffering from ADHD may also resort to alternative treatments for health, such as dietary changes and supplements to help manage their symptoms. These strategies have not been proven scientifically to help improve ADHD however, some people find them useful.
Support
You might feel overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. When your ADHD symptoms are in full force it can be difficult to manage relationships to paying bills and keeping deadlines can be a challenge. adhd treatment for adults can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to comprehend why you are acting the way you do. You should seek treatment to overcome your challenges and lead an improved life.
The use of medication is effective for a lot of adults with ADHD however they do not address all symptoms or improve your quality of life. It is essential to get a treatment plan that is a combination of both for adult adhd, which includes both medication and therapy.
Therapy can help you learn how to manage your ADHD symptoms, and help you develop coping strategies. It can teach you how to manage your emotions and your relationships. Relaxation techniques can help you reduce stress and improve your focus. You should also seek out the support of your family and friends. Talk therapy can teach you how to communicate better and how to deal with anger and the impulsive behavior.
There are many kinds of talk therapy. They include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as metacognitive and interpersonal therapy. CBT is an evidence-based approach that helps you change negative thought patterns and develop better coping strategies. Metacognitive therapy can assist you to improve your organizational skills, planning and time management. It can also help you overcome mental distortions that can lead to an unhappy mood and a feeling of a lack of choices.
A recent study of a cognitive rehabilitation program for adults with ADHD found that the program, which included small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercise, improved quality of life and reduced symptom severity (Stevenson and colleagues, 2002). This kind of therapy can be less expensive than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy allows you to have sessions with others who are experiencing similar issues which can be beneficial.
There are many online resources that can help you find an adult adhd therapist and support groups. Some of these sites offer virtual sessions using video chat or chatrooms as well as local meetings. These services are gaining popularity, and research is being conducted to evaluate their effectiveness.