Adult ADHD Treatment
Most adults with ADHD improve with a combination medicine, behavior strategies and lifestyle changes. Doctors will look at the medical history of a patient and determine if any other conditions like depression or anxiety disorder might be causing symptoms.
Most often, stimulants are the first drugs people test. Other medications include atomoxetine non-stimulant (Strattera) and some antidepressants.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. These drugs adjust the levels of chemical messengers that control the focus of your brain. They are dopamine and norepinephrine. The effects of stimulants increase the amount norepinephrine, which increases your focus. They also lessen the brain's natural tendency for dopamine to be absorbed and reduces hyperactivity.
Medicines can help ease your symptoms and enable you to function more effectively at school, work or in other aspects of your life. They won't solve all your problems. You may experience adverse effects such as weight loss, irritability, or difficulty sleeping. Talk to your doctor regarding possible side effects.
The drugs used to treat ADHD in adults are a mix of stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Your doctor will suggest the correct dosage and medicine for you based on your individual situation, symptoms and health history. Some people aren't able to respond to stimulant medication however, others might experience no reaction at all.
There are three types that are available: immediate-release medication, extended release medication and Atomoxetine. Immediate-release drugs are taken when needed and usually peak within 30 to 60 minutes after consumption and fade quickly. Extended-release medications are consumed once each day and last up to 16 hours, aiding in reducing symptoms. People who take extended release ADHD medications often supplement them with an instant-release dose late in the evening or afternoon.
Atomoxetine is the first non-stimulant approved to treat ADHD among adults. It works by limiting certain chemical substances that regulate attention and mood in the brain. It is a more long-lasting, sustained release medication than other ADHD medication, like Bupropion (Wellbutrin), that works by increasing norepinephrine, and dopamine in your brain.
Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, clonidine, or other medications which regulate the part of your brain that controls your attention. These medications may be beneficial for people with ADHD and tics or anxiety. These drugs, also referred to as cholinergic medications are only available by prescription from your psychiatrist or doctor.
Therapy
Therapy is often part of the treatment of ADHD as well as medication. Therapy can help your family members and help you learn how ADHD affects your relationships and lifestyle. It can also teach you strategies and coping techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For instance, a therapist may teach you organizational techniques to ensure you are on top of your tasks and maintain control over your surroundings. A therapist can help you learn conflict resolution and problem-solving skills as well as techniques to improve concentration and focus. You can learn yoga, breathing exercises meditation, or other relaxation techniques in order to calm yourself down and improve your mood. This is also referred to as biofeedback and hypnotherapy.
A therapist can also assist you to develop coping skills for dealing with the emotional and behavioral issues that are common in adults with ADHD. For example a therapist may offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of talking therapy that teaches you how your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes influence your feelings and behavior. CBT is particularly effective for dealing with executive functioning issues that co-travel with ADHD issues, like trouble organizing, planning and time management.
Dialectical behavior therapy is a different option. It assists you in changing your way of reacting to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements such as mindfulness, which helps you to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment and emotion regulation, which is focused on managing distressing emotions and interpersonal skills training. It is a program for people with comorbid conditions, including depression and anxiety disorders.
Remember that it can take some time for the body to adjust to new medicines. You may continue to experience issues at work and home until you've mastered the skills to cope with your symptoms. In the meantime, try implementing small changes in your lifestyle to help you manage.
Ask your boss or professor for accommodations if you're unorganized and impulsive. This will help you succeed in class. You may also request your family and friends to accommodate your ADHD. You may also want to think about family therapy or marriage counseling, which can help you and your loved ones to communicate more effectively and appreciate each other's challenges.
Education
Psychosocial treatment for adults can reduce symptoms and improve functioning. These treatments can comprise a range of therapies and can be offered in-person or online. More about the author may also be paired with medications to get the most effective results.
A diagnosis is the initial step to treat ADHD. A trained mental health professional will use scales and semistructured clinical interview to collect information about the individual's struggles. They will then be able to provide an accurate diagnosis, and formulate an appropriate treatment plan.
Talk therapy can be used to assist people suffering from ADHD deal with their issues and manage them. Psychoeducation is one of the methods that help patients comprehend their condition and the impact it has on school, work, and relationships. Other therapies are focused on managing emotions and improving the ability to manage their time. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people change negative attitudes and behaviors that could be preventing them from achieving their goals.
Family therapy and marriage can help address the issues ADHD can cause in personal and professional relationships. It can teach couples and families to communicate more effectively and spot patterns that can lead to conflict. It can also help them explore ways to improve their communication and develop a more positive outlook for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help adults suffering from ADHD improve their self-esteem and gain a more realistic perspective about their abilities. It can also help them to manage their time and money more effectively and improve their organizational skills, manage impulsive behavior and become better in managing anger and stress. These skills can be taught either in group or individually with therapy.
Mindfulness, or meditation training, can also be a useful form of therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. It can teach people to concentrate on the present moment and be more aware of their emotions and feelings, allowing them to gain a greater sense of control over their lives. It can be practiced in a group or in a therapy session with a therapist and can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatment options for ADHD for adults include cognitive-behavioral as well as interpersonal therapy. These treatments are focused on improving interpersonal skills. Some people with ADHD utilize complementary health strategies to combat their symptoms, which includes eating habits and supplements. These approaches have not been scientifically proven to help improve ADHD but some people find them helpful.
Support
As an adult suffering from ADHD you may feel overwhelmed by your challenges. Everything from paying your bills to working to meet deadlines at work, managing relationships and maintaining your home can be a challenge when your ADHD symptoms flare up. The symptoms can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to know what's happening to you. It is essential to seek out treatment to help you overcome your difficulties and live a an active and productive life.
Many adults with ADHD discover that medication is effective however they don't solve all the symptoms or improve your quality-of-life. This is why it's crucial to get a combination of therapy and medication as part of your adult treatment plan for adhd.
Therapy can help you learn to manage your ADHD symptoms and help you develop strategies for coping. It can help you learn to manage your emotions, and relationships. You could also benefit from learning relaxation techniques that can help reduce stress and boost your focus. It is also important to seek assistance from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you discover how to communicate better and manage anger and impulsive behaviors.
There are several types of talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships, and metacognitive therapy. CBT is a research-based approach that assists you in changing negative thoughts and patterns of thought and develop better coping strategies. Metacognitive therapy is a way to improve your organizational skills, plan and time management. It can also help resolve thinking distortions which lead to negative moods and a feeling of a lack of options.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program for adults with ADHD showed that the program, which consisted of small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercises increased the quality of life and reduced symptom severity (Stevenson et al 2002). This type of therapy can be more affordable than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy allows you to have sessions with others who are experiencing similar issues and can be a great source of support.
There are many online resources to help you find an adult adhd therapist or support group. Some of these services provide virtual sessions using chatrooms or video chat as well as local meetings. These services are increasing in popularity, and research is ongoing to determine their effectiveness.