Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD improve with a combination medicine, behavior strategies and lifestyle modifications. Doctors will consider the health history of the patient and determine if any other health issues, such as depression or anxiety, may be contributing to the symptoms.
Often, stimulants are the first medications that people try. Other medications include the nonstimulant Atomoxetine (Strattera) and a few antidepressants.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated first by taking stimulant medication. These medications help to regulate the levels of two chemical messengers in your brain that control focus. They are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. The effects of stimulants increase the amount norepinephrine in your body, which improves your focus. They also slow down the brain's natural tendency to draw in dopamine, which reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity.
You can take medications to improve your symptoms and perform better at school, work or in other areas of your life. However, they aren't going to solve all your problems. They can result in side effects like weight loss, irritability or difficulty sleeping. Talk to your doctor about the possible adverse effects.
Nonstimulants and stimulants are used to treat ADHD among adults. Your doctor will determine the most effective dosage and medication for you based on symptoms, health history and your particular situation. Certain people do not respond to stimulant medications while others may not experience any reaction at all.
There are three kinds of ADHD medications including immediate-release, extended release and Atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications can be taken when required. They typically last between 30 and 60 minutes after intake, and then gradually fade away. Extended-release medications are consumed once every day and last up to 16 hours, assisting with symptom control. People who are taking extended release ADHD medications often supplement them with an instant-release dose late in the evening or afternoon.
Atomoxetine, which was the first nonstimulant drug approved to treat ADHD in adults, operates by limiting the actions of certain chemicals in the brain that control mood and attention. It's a longer-lasting drug that has a sustained release than other ADHD drugs, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) that works by increasing the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain.
Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, clonidine, or other medications which regulate the part of your brain that is responsible for your attention. These medications may be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and tics or anxiety. These are referred to as cholinergic agents and are available by prescription only from your psychiatrist or doctor.
Therapy
Therapy is often incorporated into the treatment of ADHD in conjunction with medication. Talk 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 show you techniques for staying organized and in control of your surroundings. A therapist could teach you how to resolve conflicts and problem-solving, as well techniques to improve concentration and focus. You could learn breathing exercises, meditation, yoga or other relaxation methods to relax yourself and improve your mood. This is also known as hypnotherapy and biofeedback.
A Therapist can also help you develop coping strategies to deal with the behavioral and emotional issues that are common in adults with ADHD. For instance, a therapist can provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of talk therapy that teaches you how your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes affect your mood and behaviors. CBT is particularly effective at addressing executive functioning issues that are related to ADHD which include difficulty in organizing, planning and managing time.
Another alternative is dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) which assists you to change the way you react to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches you to be aware of your thoughts without judgment and emotion regulation that helps you manage difficult emotions, as well as training in interpersonal skills. It is a program for people with comorbid conditions, including anxiety and depression.
Keep in mind that it may take a while for the body to adjust to the new medications. You may experience problems at home and at work until you've developed the skills needed to manage symptoms. In the meantime, consider making small changes to your lifestyle to help you deal with.
For instance, if you're indecisive and forgetful, you should ask your professor or boss for accommodations that can assist you in achieving your goals in class. You can also request family members and friends to accommodate your ADHD. You might also want to consider family therapy or marriage counseling that can aid you and your loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and appreciate the difficulties of one another.
Education
For adults, psychosocial therapy can help reduce symptoms and improve functioning. The treatments include a variety of different therapies and can be offered in person or via the internet. They can also be combined with medication to achieve the best results.
One of the first steps to the treatment of ADHD is to get an assessment. A trained mental health professional will use scales and a semistructured interview to gather data on the person's challenges. They can then make an accurate diagnosis and offer an appropriate treatment plan.
Talk therapy can be used to help people with 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 organization skills of individuals. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people overcome negative beliefs and behaviors that could be holding them back.
Marriage and family counseling can help address the challenges that ADHD can cause in professional and personal relationships. It can help families and couples learn how to communicate better and recognize patterns that cause to conflict. It can also assist in identifying ways to improve communication and help create a positive outlook on the future.
Behavioral therapy can help adults suffering from ADHD boost their self-esteem and develop a more realistic attitude about their abilities. It can also help them to manage their time and money more effectively and improve their organizational skills, control impulsive behavior and become better at coping with stress and anger. These skills can be taught either in a group or in a private session with an therapist.
Meditation, also known as mindfulness can be an effective form of therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. It can help people gain more control over their lives by teaching them to be in the present moment and become more aware. It can be done in a group setting or with a therapist and can be utilized in conjunction in conjunction with other treatment methods, such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatments for adult ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapies and interpersonal therapy, which focuses on building interpersonal skills. Some people suffering from ADHD use complementary health approaches to manage their symptoms, including diet changes and supplements. These approaches have not been scientifically proven to aid in improve ADHD however, some people find them useful.
Support
You may be overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. When your ADHD symptoms flare all the way from managing relationships to paying bills and completing deadlines can be a challenge. Your symptoms can also affect your self-esteem, making it difficult to comprehend why you are acting in the way you do. You should seek treatment in order to overcome your challenges and lead an active lifestyle.
Many adults suffering from ADHD find that medications are effective however they don't address all symptoms nor improve your quality of life. That's why it's important to combine medication and therapy as part of your adult treatment for adhd.
Therapy can help you to manage your ADHD symptoms and build coping skills. It can also teach you ways to manage your mood and relationships. Relaxation techniques can also help you reduce stress and improve your focus. treatment for add in adults should also seek out assistance from your family and friends. Talk therapy can teach you how to better communicate and deal with anger and impulsive behavior.
There are a variety of talk therapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) metacognitive, metacognitive, and interpersonal therapy. CBT is an evidence-based approach that helps you change negative thinking patterns and develop better coping strategies. Metacognitive therapy can help you improve your organizational skills, plan and time management. It can also help resolve thinking distortions which lead to a bad mood and a feeling of limited options.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program showed that the program offered small group therapy sessions, coaching, as well as exercise. This improved the quality of life, and decreased symptoms (Stevenson and co. 2002). This kind 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 a number of online resources to find an adult adhd therapist and support groups. Some of these services offer virtual sessions through video chat or chat rooms as well as face-to-face meetings in your area. These services are increasing in popularity and research is ongoing to determine their effectiveness.