Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD improve through a combination of treatment, behavioral strategies and lifestyle modifications. Doctors will consider the health history of the patient and determine if any other health issues like anxiety or depression, could contribute to the symptoms.
Most often, stimulants are the first medications that people try. Other medications include the nonstimulant Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants in certain forms.
Medication
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medications. These medications help to regulate the levels of two chemical messengers in your brain that control focus. These are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. The effects of stimulants increase the amount norepinephrine in your body, which improves your ability to concentrate. They also slow down the brain's natural response to taking dopamine, which decreases the impulsivity and hyperactivity.
You can take medication to ease your symptoms and perform better at school, at work or in other areas of your life. But they can't solve all your problems. You might experience adverse effects such as weight loss, irritability, or sleep problems. Consult adhd in adults treatment about possible side effects.
Both stimulants and nonstimulants are used to treat ADHD among adults. Your doctor will suggest the right medicine and dose for you based on your specific situation, symptoms and health background. Some people may not respond to stimulant medications in any way however, others might experience no reaction at all.
There are three types of medications: immediate-release, extended-release medication and Atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications can be taken whenever needed. They usually peak 30 to 60 minutes after intake and then gradually fade away. Extended-release drugs can last up to 16 hour and are administered once a day. They help with managing symptoms. The majority of people who are taking extended-release ADHD medications supplement them with an immediate-release dose in late afternoon or in the evening.
Atomoxetine is the first nonstimulant approved to treat ADHD among adults. It works by limiting certain chemicals that regulate attention and mood in the brain. It is a longer-lasting drug that has a sustained release than other ADHD drugs, like bupropion (Wellbutrin), which works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain.
Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, clonidine or other medications that regulate the part of your brain that controls your attention. These medications may be beneficial to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety, as well as tics. These drugs, also referred to as cholinergic drugs are only available with a prescription from your doctor or psychiatrist.
Therapy
In addition to medication, therapy is often part of an ADHD treatment strategy. Therapy can aid your family members as well as help you learn how ADHD affects your relationships and lifestyle. It can help you learn strategies and coping techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can teach you strategies to stay organized and in control of your surroundings. A therapist can help you learn how to resolve conflicts and problem-solving as well as methods to increase concentration and focus. You might learn meditation, breathing exercises yoga, or other relaxation techniques to calm yourself and improve your mood. This is also referred to as hypnotherapy and biofeedback.
A therapist can assist you to come up with strategies to deal with emotional and behavioral issues common in adults with ADHD. For instance a therapist may offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of therapy through which you learn you how your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes influence your feelings and behavior. CBT is especially effective for dealing with executive functioning issues that can be a result of ADHD, such as trouble organizing, planning and time management.
Another alternative is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which helps you change how you respond to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements such as mindfulness, which helps you to be aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment; emotion regulation, which is focused on managing difficult emotions; and interpersonal skills training. It is designed for those with multiple disorders, like depression and anxiety disorders.
It is important to keep in mind that even when you start taking medication, it takes some time for your body to adapt to the new medication. You may experience issues at home and at work until you've mastered the skills needed to manage symptoms. In the meantime, you can try making small changes in your lifestyle to help you manage.
Ask your professor or boss for accommodations if you're forgetful and impulsive. This will allow you to succeed in class. You can also request your family and friends to accommodate your ADHD. You may also want to think about marriage counseling or family therapy that can aid you and your loved ones to communicate better and comprehend the difficulties of one another.
Education
For adults, psychosocial treatment can reduce symptoms and improve functioning. The treatments may include a variety of therapies and may be offered in person or online. These treatments may be combined with medications to obtain the most effective results.
A diagnosis is the initial step in treating ADHD. A trained mental health professional will utilize scales and semi-structured interviews to discover the details of the individual's challenges. Then, they can make an accurate diagnosis and offer an appropriate treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help those with ADHD deal with their issues and build skills to cope with the challenges they face. Psychoeducation is one of the methods that help patients understand their condition and its effects on work, school, and relationships. Other treatments are focused on improving the ability to manage emotions and organizational skills. Cognitive behavioral therapy assists people overcome negative attitudes and behaviors that could be holding them back.
Family and marriage counseling can help address the challenges that ADHD can bring to personal and professional relationships. It can help families and couples learn how to communicate better and identify the patterns that can cause conflicts. It can also help explore ways to improve interactions and provide positive expectations for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help adults suffering from ADHD improve their self-esteem and develop a more realistic attitude about their capabilities. It can help them learn to manage their time, money, and organize themselves, as well as manage their impulsive behavior and learn to better manage anger and stress. These skills can be taught in a group or individually by an therapist.
Meditation, also known as mindfulness is also a useful form of therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. It helps people gain more control over their lives by educating them to focus on the present moment and become more aware. It can be done in a group setting or with a therapist and can be used in conjunction with other treatment methods, like CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatments for adult ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as interpersonal therapy, which is focused on enhancing interpersonal skills. Certain people with ADHD employ complementary health methods to combat their symptoms, which includes dietary changes and supplements. While these approaches are not scientifically proven to reduce ADHD but some people consider them beneficial.
Support
As an adult with ADHD, you might feel overwhelmed by your challenges. When your ADHD symptoms become more severe all the way from managing relationships to paying bills and completing deadlines can be difficult. Your symptoms can also impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to understand the issues you're experiencing. It is important to seek treatment in order to overcome your challenges and lead an improved life.
Medications are effective for many adults suffering from ADHD, but they don't treat all of the symptoms or enhance your quality of life. That's why it's essential to get a combination of therapies and medication as part of your adult treatment plan for adhd.
Therapy can help you learn how to manage your ADHD symptoms and help you develop strategies to cope. It can teach you how to manage your emotions and your relationships. Relaxation techniques can aid in reducing stress and improve your concentration. It is also important to seek assistance from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to communicate better and deal with anger and impulsive behaviors.
There are many kinds of talk therapy. They include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), metacognitive and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a tried and tested method that helps you improve your techniques for coping and to change negative thinking patterns. Metacognitive therapy can help you improve your organizational skills, planning and time management. It can also help you to overcome thinking distortions that lead to poor mood and a sense of limited choices.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program showed that the program offered small group therapy sessions and coaching, in addition to exercises. This improved the quality of life and reduced symptoms (Stevenson and co. 2002). This type of therapy can be more affordable than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy allows you to share sessions with others who are experiencing similar issues which can be beneficial.
There are numerous online resources to find an adult adhd therapist as well as support groups. Some of these sites offer virtual sessions via chatrooms or video chat and others provide local meetings. These services are growing in popularity, and research is ongoing to determine their effectiveness.