Adult ADHD Treatment
Most adults with ADHD are able to improve their condition by combining medication as well as behavior strategies, lifestyle changes and counseling. Doctors will examine the medical history of the patient and determine if there are any other disorders, like depression or anxiety disorder may be contributing symptoms.
Stimulants are often the first medication that is tried. Other treatments include the non-stimulant atomoxetine (Strattera) and a few antidepressants.
Medication
The use of stimulant medications is typically the first-line treatment for adults with ADHD. These drugs adjust the levels of chemical messengers which control your focus in your brain. These are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. Stimulants work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in your brain, which enhances focus. They also slow down the brain's natural tendency to take dopamine, which decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Medications can improve your symptoms and help you perform better at school, work or in other areas of your life. However, they won't fix all of your issues. There are a few negative effects like weight loss, irritability or difficulty sleeping. Discuss with your doctor the possible side effects of any medication that you are prescribed.
The drugs used to treat ADHD for adults include both stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Your doctor will decide the best dosage and medicine for you based on symptoms of your health, your medical history and specific situation. Some people may not respond to any stimulant medications and others may experience no reaction at all.
There are three types of ADHD medications: immediate-release, extended-release and Atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications are available whenever needed. They usually peak 30 to 60 minutes after intake, and then slowly fade. Extended- treatment for adult add can last up to 16 hours and are taken once a day. They aid in the management of symptoms. Often, people who take extended-release ADHD medications supplement them with an immediate-release dose during the late afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine is the first non-stimulant approved to treat ADHD among adults. It works by limiting certain chemicals that regulate mood and attention in the brain. It is a more long-lasting drug that has a sustained release than other ADHD medication, like Bupropion (Wellbutrin), that enhances norepinephrine and dopamine, in your brain.
Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine or clonidine or other medications that regulate the part of the brain that controls your attention. They can be beneficial for those with ADHD who also have anxiety or tics. These medications, also known as cholinergic drugs, are only available on prescription from your physician or psychiatrist.
Therapy
Therapy is often incorporated into the treatment of ADHD in conjunction with medication. Talk therapy can help your family members and help you understand how ADHD affects your relationships and life. It can also teach you coping skills and strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For instance Therapists can teach you methods for organizing to ensure you are on top of your work and maintain control over your environment. Therapists can also teach you conflict resolution and problem-solving skills, as well as techniques to improve your concentration and focus. You could learn meditation, breathing exercises yoga, or other relaxing techniques to calm yourself and improve your mood. This is also known as biofeedback and hypnotherapy.
A therapist can also help you develop coping skills for dealing with the emotional and behavioral issues that are common in adults with ADHD. For instance, a therapist can provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a kind of therapy through which you learn you how your beliefs, thoughts and beliefs affect your emotions and actions. CBT is particularly effective in dealing with executive functioning issues that are associated with ADHD issues, like trouble planning, organizing and time management.
Another option is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which helps you to change the way you react to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements like mindfulness, which teaches you to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgement; emotion regulation, which is focused on managing distressing emotions and the development of interpersonal skills. It is designed for people with comorbid conditions, including anxiety and depression.
It's important to remember that even when you start taking medicine, it takes a while for your body to adjust to the new medications. You may experience problems at home and at work until you've mastered the skills to cope with symptoms. In the meantime, consider making small changes to your lifestyle to help you manage.
Ask your professor or boss to make accommodations if you're indecisive and forgetful. This will allow you to achieve success in class. You can also ask your family and friends to allow for your ADHD. You may also want to look into family therapy or marriage counseling that can assist you and your loved ones to communicate better and understand the challenges of each other.
Education
Psychosocial treatment for adults can help reduce symptoms and improve function. These treatments may include a variety of different treatments and are available in person or online. These treatments can be paired with medication to obtain the most effective results.
One of the first steps to treatment for ADHD is to get a diagnosis. A qualified mental health professional will use scales and semistructured clinical interview to gather information on the person's challenges. They will then be able to provide an accurate diagnosis, and offer an appropriate treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help those with ADHD manage their issues and build the necessary skills to deal with them. Some of these treatments include psychoeducation, which educates patients about their condition and how it impacts their school, work and relationships. Other therapies focus on managing emotions and enhancing the organization skills of individuals. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people overcome negative beliefs and behaviors that could be preventing them from achieving their goals.
Marriage and family therapy can help to address the challenges ADHD can cause in personal and professional relationships. It can help families and couples learn how to communicate better and identify patterns that lead to conflict. It can also assist them to find ways to improve their communication and create a more positive outlook for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help adults suffering from ADHD improve their self-esteem and build a more realistic view about their capabilities. It can also help them to manage their time and money more effectively and improve their organizational skills, control the impulsive behavior of their children and become better in managing anger and stress. These skills can be learned either in a group setting or by therapy.
Meditation or mindfulness training can be an effective form of therapy to treat adult ADHD. It can teach people to be present in the 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 setting or with a therapist and can be utilized in combination with other treatment methods, including 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. These approaches have not been scientifically proven to aid in improve ADHD however, certain people find them beneficial.
Support
You may be overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. When your ADHD symptoms become more severe it can be difficult to manage relationships to paying bills and meeting deadlines can be difficult. The symptoms can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to know the issues you're experiencing. It is important to seek treatment to overcome your challenges and lead an improved life.
Many adults with ADHD find that medications are effective however they don't treat all symptoms or improve your quality-of-life. This is why it's crucial to take a mix of therapy and medication as part of your adult treatment plan for adhd.
Therapy can teach you how to manage your ADHD symptoms and help you develop strategies to cope. It can also help you learn how to manage your mood and relationships. Relaxation techniques can aid in reducing stress and improve your concentration. You should also seek out the support of your family and friends. Talk therapy can teach you how to better communicate and deal with anger and impulse-driven behavior.
There are many types of talk therapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), metacognitive therapy, and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a tried and tested method that assists you in developing better strategies for coping and alter negative thinking patterns. Metacognitive therapy helps you improve your organization skills, time management and planning. It can also help you overcome mental distortions that can lead to a bad mood and a feeling of limited options.
A recent study of an adult cognitive remediation program found that the program offered small group therapy sessions, coaching, as well as exercises. This improved quality of life, and decreased symptoms (Stevenson and al 2002). This kind of therapy is usually more affordable than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy allows you to share sessions with other people who are dealing with similar issues which can be beneficial.
There are numerous online resources to help locate an adult adhd therapist, or a support group. Some of these provide virtual sessions via video chat or chat rooms, while others offer face-to-face sessions in your local area. These services are increasing in popularity and research is ongoing on their effectiveness.