Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD get better with a combination of medicine, behavior strategies, lifestyle changes and counseling. Doctors will consider a person's health history and determine if any other health issues, such as depression or anxiety, may contribute to the symptoms.
They are usually the first medications to be tried. Other medications include atomoxetine an anti-stimulant (Strattera) and some antidepressants.
Medication
Stimulant medication is usually the first line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs adjust the levels of chemical messengers that regulate your focus in your brain. They are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. Stimulants work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in your brain, which increases concentration. They also lessen the brain's natural desire to absorb dopamine which decreases hyperactivity.
The use of medicines can ease your symptoms and allow you to be more productive at work, school or in other aspects of your life. However, they won't fix all your problems. They can result in side effects like weight loss, irritability or difficulty sleeping. Speak to your doctor about possible side effects.
The drugs used to treat ADHD in adults include both stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Your doctor will recommend the correct dosage and medicine for you based on your specific situation, symptoms and health background. Certain people do not react to stimulant medication while others may not experience any reaction at any time.
There are three kinds of ADHD medications including immediate-release, extended release and Atomoxetine. Instant-release medications are used in the course of need and typically peak within 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion, then wear off quickly. Extended-release medications are consumed once each day and last up to 16 hours, helping in the control of symptoms. Often, people who take extended-release ADHD medications are supplemented with an immediate-release dose in late afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine, which was the first nonstimulant drug approved to treat ADHD in adults, works by limiting the effects of certain chemicals in the brain that control attention and mood. It is a more long-lasting, sustained release medication than other ADHD drugs, like Bupropion (Wellbutrin) which works by increasing norepinephrine, and dopamine, in your brain.
Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine or Clonidine that work by controlling the part of your brain that is responsible for controlling your attention. These drugs can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and tics or anxiety. These are referred to as cholinergic agents and are only available on prescription from your physician or psychiatrist.
Therapy
In addition to medications therapy is often a part of an ADHD treatment strategy. Therapy can aid you and your family understand how your ADHD affects your life and relationships. It can help you develop strategies and coping techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For instance therapy can teach you techniques for organizing to keep you on top of your tasks and maintain control over your environment. A therapist could teach you the art of problem-solving and conflict resolution and techniques to improve 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 biofeedback and hypnotherapy.
A therapist can also assist you to develop coping strategies to deal with the emotional and behavioral issues that are common among adults with ADHD. For example therapy with a therapist could 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 behaviors. CBT is particularly effective at addressing executive functioning issues associated with ADHD which include difficulty in planning, organizing, and time management.
Another alternative is dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), which helps you modify your response to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches you how to observe your thoughts without judgement, emotion regulation that helps you manage difficult emotions, as well as the development of interpersonal skills. It is designed for people who suffer from comorbid conditions, such as depression and anxiety disorders.
Remember that it can take some time for the body to adjust to the new medicines. There may be issues at home and work until you have developed the ability to deal with symptoms. In the meantime, you can make small lifestyle changes to help deal with the symptoms.
For example, if you're forgetful and impulsive, ask your boss or professor for accommodations that can help you excel in class. You could also ask your friends and family to accommodate your ADHD. You might also want to think about marriage counseling or family therapy that can assist you and your loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and appreciate the difficulties of one another.
Education
For adults, psychosocial therapy can help alleviate symptoms and improve performance. These treatments may comprise a range of treatments and are available in-person or online. treatment for adult add can be combined with medications to get the best results.
One of the first steps to treating ADHD is to receive an assessment. A qualified mental health professional will use scales and a semistructured interview to gather information on the person's challenges. They will then be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan.
Talk therapy can be used to assist people suffering from ADHD cope with their problems and manage them. Psychoeducation is one of the methods that can help patients understand their condition and its impact on their work, school and relationships. Other therapies are focused on regulating emotions and enhancing organizational skills. Cognitive behavioral therapy assists people to change their negative attitudes and behaviors that could be holding them back.
Family therapy and marriage can help to address the challenges ADHD can bring in professional and personal relationships. It can assist families and couples develop a better communication and identify the patterns that can cause conflicts. It can also assist in exploring ways to improve interactions and create a positive outlook on the future.
Behavioral therapy can help adults with ADHD boost their self-esteem and gain a more realistic perspective about their capabilities. It can also help them to manage their time and finances more effectively, improve their organizational skills, control impulsive behavior and become better at coping with stress and anger. These skills can be taught either in group or individually by therapy.
Meditation, also known as mindfulness, can also be an effective form of therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. It helps people gain more control over their lives, by teaching them to be in the moment and be more aware. It can be practiced in a group or with a therapist, and it 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 and interpersonal therapy, which focuses on developing interpersonal skills. Some people with ADHD use complementary health approaches to combat their symptoms, which includes dietary changes and supplements. While these approaches are not scientifically proven to improve ADHD however, some consider them beneficial.
Support
As an adult suffering from ADHD you may be overwhelmed by the challenges you face. When your ADHD symptoms are in full force it can be difficult to manage relationships to paying bills and completing deadlines can be difficult. The symptoms can also impact your self-esteem, making it difficult to understand why you behave the way you do. It is essential to seek out treatment to overcome your issues and lead a a more productive life.
Many medications are effective for adults with ADHD, but they don't address all symptoms or improve your quality of life. It is essential to get a treatment plan that is a combination of both for adults with adhd that includes both medication and therapy.
Therapy can help you understand and control your ADHD symptoms and build strategies for coping. It will also teach you how to manage your mood and relationships. You may also benefit from learning relaxation techniques, which can ease stress and help you focus. It is also important to seek help from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you discover how to communicate more effectively and manage anger and impulsive behaviors.
There are many types of talk therapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as metacognitive and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a research-based approach that helps you overcome negative thoughts and patterns of thought and develop better strategies for coping. Metacognitive therapy can help you improve your organization skills, time management and planning. It can also help to eliminate mental distortions that can lead to an unhappy mood and feeling that you have a limited number of options.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program for adults suffering from ADHD revealed that the program, which included small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercises improved the quality of life and reduced symptoms (Stevenson et al 2002). This kind of therapy could be more affordable than individual psychotherapy. It also allows you to be a part of therapy sessions with people who are facing similar issues, which can be more friendly.
There are a number of online resources to find an adult adhd therapist as well as support groups. Some of these services provide virtual sessions via video chat or chat rooms as well as meetings with a face-to–face format in your local area. These services are growing in popularity, and research is being conducted to determine their effectiveness.