Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of people with ADHD are able to improve their condition through a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications, behavior strategies and counseling. Doctors will examine a person's medical history and determine if there are any other conditions such as depression or an anxiety disorder could be contributing to symptoms.
Often, stimulants are the first drugs people try. Other treatments include the nonstimulant atomoxetine (Strattera) and a few antidepressants.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated first with stimulant medications. These drugs help adjust the levels of two chemical messengers in your brain that control focus. They are dopamine and norepinephrine. The stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine in your brain, which increases concentration. They also lessen the brain's natural inclination to absorb dopamine, which reduces hyperactivity.
You can use medications to improve your symptoms and perform better at school, at work, or in other areas of your life. But they can't solve all of your issues. They may result in side effects like weight loss, irritability, or difficulty sleeping. Discuss with your doctor the potential side effects of any medication you are prescribed.
Both stimulants and nonstimulants are used to treat ADHD among adults. Your doctor will decide the best dosage and medicine for you based on symptoms of your health, your medical history and particular situation. Some people are not able to react to stimulant medications, while others may not experience any reaction at all.
There are three kinds of medications: immediate-release, extended-release medication and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications are taken in the course of need and typically peak within 30 to 60 minutes after taking them and fade quickly. Extended-release medications can last up to 16 hours and are taken every day. They help with symptom management. Most often, those who are taking extended-release ADHD medications supplement them with an immediate-release dose in the late afternoon or in the evening.
Atomoxetine which was the first nonstimulant drug approved to treat ADHD in adults, operates by limiting the effects of certain chemicals in the brain that control attention and mood. It's a longer-lasting drug that has a sustained release than other ADHD drugs, like bupropion (Wellbutrin), which works by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain.
Your doctor might also prescribe guanfacine or clonidine, which work by regulating the part of your brain that is responsible for controlling attention. These drugs can be beneficial to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety or tics. These are referred to as cholinergic agents. They are available only on prescription from your physician or psychiatrist.
Therapy
In addition to medications, therapy is often part of an ADHD treatment program. Therapy can help your family and you learn how ADHD affects your relationships and daily life. It can also teach you strategies and coping techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can teach you techniques for staying organized and in control of your surroundings. A therapist can also teach you conflict resolution and problem-solving skills, as well as techniques to improve your 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 also known as hypnotherapy and biofeedback.
A therapist can assist you to develop coping strategies to deal with emotional and behavioral issues common in adults with ADHD. For instance, a therapist can provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a form of therapy through which you learn you how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes influence your feelings and behavior. CBT is particularly effective in addressing executive functioning issues that are related to ADHD which include difficulty in organizing, planning, and time management.
Another option is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which can help you change how you respond to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches you to be aware of your thoughts without judgment, emotion regulation, which helps you manage emotional distress, as well as interpersonal skills training. It is for people with co-occurring disorders, such as 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. There may be issues at home and at work until you've developed the skills to cope with symptoms. In the meantime, make small lifestyle changes to help deal with the symptoms.
Ask your professor or boss to make accommodations if you're forgetful and impulsive. This will allow you to succeed in class. You can also ask your family and friends to make accommodations for your ADHD. You might also 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
For adults, psychosocial therapy can help reduce symptoms and improve performance. These treatments can comprise a variety of therapies and may be delivered in person or online. treatment for add in adults can also be combined with medication for the best results.
A diagnosis is the first step in treating ADHD. A trained mental health professional will employ scales and semi-structured, structured clinical interviews to discover the details of the person's issues. They can then determine the cause of the problem and provide a treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help people with ADHD manage their issues and manage the symptoms. Psychoeducation is one of the methods that help patients comprehend their condition and the impact it has on school, work, and relationships. Other therapies aim at improving management skills and coping with emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy assists people change negative beliefs and behavior that could be holding them back.
Counseling for families and marriage can help with the issues that ADHD can bring to personal and professional relationships. It can assist families and couples learn how to communicate better and identify the patterns that can cause conflict. It can also help them explore ways to improve their communication and create a positive outlook for the future.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from a behavioral therapy program by improving their self-esteem and developing an accurate perspective of their abilities. It can teach them how to better manage their finances, time and their personal space and control their impulsive behaviors and learn how to manage stress and anger. These skills can be taught in a group or individually by a therapist.
The practice of mindfulness or meditation can be an effective method of treatment for adults with ADHD. It can help people focus on the present moment and to be more aware of their feelings as they attain a better sense of control over their lives. It can be conducted in a group setting or with an therapist and used with other treatment methods such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatment options for ADHD for adults include cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapy. These treatments focus on improving interpersonal skills. Certain people with ADHD use complementary health approaches to manage their symptoms, such as dietary changes and supplements. While these approaches are not scientifically proven to improve ADHD, some people find them beneficial.
Support
As a mature adult with 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 challenging when your ADHD symptoms become more severe. The symptoms can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to understand what's going on with you. It's important to seek treatment to help you overcome your issues and lead a more productively.
Medications are effective for many adults suffering from ADHD however, they don't solve all the symptoms or improve your quality of life. It's important that you get a combination treatment plan for adults with adhd that includes therapy and medication.
Therapy can help you learn how to manage your ADHD symptoms, and also help you develop strategies for coping. It can help you learn to manage your emotions, and also your relationships. You could also benefit from learning relaxation techniques that can reduce your stress and help you concentration. It's also important to get support from family and friends. Talk therapy can help you understand how to communicate more effectively and deal with anger and impulsive behaviors.
There are a variety of talk therapy. They include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) metacognitive, 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 help you improve organizational skills, planning and time management. It can also help you overcome the distortions in your thinking that cause poor mood and a sense of limited choices.
A recent study of an adult cognitive rehabilitation program revealed that the program was comprised of small group therapy sessions, coaching, along with exercises. This improved the quality of life, and decreased symptoms (Stevenson and co. 2002). This kind of therapy is typically cheaper than individual psychotherapy. It also allows you to participate in sessions with others who have similar challenges which can be supportive.
There are numerous online resources that can help you find an adult adhd therapist and support groups. Some of these services provide virtual sessions via video chat or chatrooms as well as local meetings. These services are growing in popularity, and research is being conducted to evaluate their effectiveness.