Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of people with ADHD are able to improve their condition by combining medication and behavior strategies, lifestyle changes and counseling. Doctors will review the medical history of a patient and determine if any other issues like depression or anxiety disorder may be contributing symptoms.
Stimulants are often the first drugs to be that is tried. Other medications include atomoxetine, non-stimulant (Strattera) and some antidepressants.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD are often treated first with stimulant medications. These medications regulate the levels of chemical messengers that control your attention in your brain. They are dopamine and norepinephrine. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in your brain, which improves concentration. They also reduce the brain's natural response to taking in dopamine, which reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
You can take medications to improve your symptoms and perform better at work, school, or in other areas of your life. They won't solve all your issues. You may experience side effects like weight loss, irritability or trouble sleeping. Consult adult add treatments about the possible side effects of any medication that you are prescribed.
Both stimulants and nonstimulants can be used to treat ADHD in adults. Your doctor will decide the best dosage and medicine for you based on your symptoms, health history and your particular situation. Some people will not respond to stimulant medications while others may not experience any reaction at any time.
There are three types of medications: immediate-release, extended-release medication, and Atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications can be taken when needed. They usually peak between 30 and 60 minutes after intake and then quickly wear off. Extended-release medications are consumed once every day and last up to 16 hours, aiding in the control of symptoms. The majority of people who take extended-release ADHD medications are supplemented with an immediate-release dose in the late afternoon or in the evening.
Atomoxetine is the first non-stimulant drug to be approved to treat ADHD in adults, operates by limiting the action of certain brain chemicals that regulate mood and attention. It is a longer-lasting, sustained-release medication than other ADHD medications, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) which works by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain.
Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine, clonidine, or other drugs that regulate the part of your brain that regulates your attention. These are a great option for those with ADHD who also have tics or anxiety. These medications are known as cholinergic agents and are available only on prescription from your physician or psychiatrist.
Therapy
In addition to medication, therapy is often part of an ADHD treatment plan. Therapy can help you and your family members understand how your ADHD affects your life and relationships. It can help you develop strategies and coping techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For example therapy can teach you methods for organizing to keep you on top of your work and keep control of your environment. A therapist can help you learn conflict resolution and problem-solving skills as well as methods to increase 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 also help you build coping skills to deal with the behavioral and emotional issues that are common to adults with ADHD. Therapists can offer, for instance, cognitive behavioral therapy that is a form of talking therapy that teaches how your thoughts and beliefs influence your feelings and behavior. CBT is particularly effective in treating executive functioning issues that co-travel with ADHD, such as trouble organizing, planning and time management.
Another option is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which assists you modify your response to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements such as mindfulness, which helps you to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgement; emotion regulation, which focuses on managing emotional distress and the development of interpersonal skills. It is a great option for people suffering from co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
It is important to keep in mind that when you first begin taking medicine, it takes some time for your body to adapt to the new medication. You may experience issues at home and at work until you have developed the ability to deal with symptoms. In the meantime, make small lifestyle changes to help deal with the symptoms.
For example, if you're indecisive and forgetful, you should ask your boss or professor about accommodations that can aid you in your studies. You could also ask your family and friends to provide accommodations for your ADHD. You may also want to consider family therapy or marriage counseling, which can benefit your loved ones as well as develop a better understanding of and communication each other's challenges.
Education
Psychosocial treatment for adults can reduce symptoms and improve function. These treatments can include a variety of different therapies that can be provided in-person or online. They can also be combined with medication to achieve the most effective results.
One of the first steps to treatment for ADHD is to get a diagnosis. A trained mental health professional uses scales and semistructured clinical interview to gather information on the individual's struggles. Then, they can make an accurate diagnosis and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Talk therapy can be used to aid people suffering from ADHD cope with their problems and manage the symptoms. Psychoeducation is one of the therapies that help patients comprehend their condition and its effects on school, work and relationships. Other therapies are focused on managing emotions and enhancing the organization skills of individuals. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example helps people recognize and alter negative beliefs and behaviors that may be holding them back.
Marriage and family therapy can help address the challenges ADHD can cause in professional and personal relationships. It can help couples and families improve their communication and identify patterns that lead conflicts. It can also help explore ways to improve communication and help create optimism for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help adults suffering from ADHD improve their self-esteem and gain a more realistic perspective about their capabilities. It can also teach how to manage their time and money more efficiently and improve their organizational skills, manage their impulsive behavior, and improve at coping with stress and anger. These skills can be learned either in a group setting or by a therapist.
Meditation, also known as mindfulness, can also be a useful form of therapy for adult ADHD. It can help people concentrate on the present moment and become more aware of their emotions, helping them achieve a greater sense of control over their lives. It can be done in a group or by a therapist, and is utilized in conjunction in conjunction with other treatment methods, such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatment options for adults with ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy, which is focused on building interpersonal skills. Some people with ADHD employ complementary health methods to combat their symptoms, which includes eating habits and supplements. These strategies have not been scientifically proven to help improve ADHD but some people find them useful.
Support
As an adult suffering from ADHD, you might feel overwhelmed by your difficulties. Everything from paying off bills to working to meet deadlines at work, managing relationships and maintaining your home can be a challenge when your ADHD symptoms get worse. The symptoms can also affect 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 issues and lead an active lifestyle.
Many medications are effective for adults with ADHD however they do not solve all the symptoms or improve your quality of life. It is crucial to choose a combination treatment plan for adult adhd, which includes both medication and therapy.
Therapy can help you understand and manage your ADHD symptoms and build coping skills. It will also teach you how to manage your emotions and relationships. You may also benefit from learning relaxation techniques, which can reduce your anxiety and improve your focus. It is also essential to receive support from family and friends. Talk therapy can help you understand how to communicate more effectively and deal with anger and impulsive behavior.
There are many types of talk therapy. They include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as metacognitive and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a scientifically-based method that helps you overcome negative thoughts and patterns of thought and develop better strategies for coping. Metacognitive therapy assists you in improving your organizational skills and time management, as well as planning. It can also help resolve the distortions in your thinking that cause an unhappy mood and a feeling of a lack of choices.
A recent study of an adult cognitive remediation program showed that the program offered small group therapy sessions and coaching, as well as exercise. This improved the quality of life and reduced symptoms (Stevenson and co. 2002). This kind of therapy is typically less expensive than individual psychotherapy. It also lets you participate in sessions with others who are facing similar issues and can be more helpful.
There are a variety of online resources to help find an adult adhd therapist or a support group. Some of these services provide virtual sessions using chatrooms or video chat, while others offer local meetings. These services are gaining popularity, and research is being conducted to assess their effectiveness.