Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD improve through a combination of treatment, behavioral strategies and lifestyle adjustments. Doctors will consider the person's medical history and determine if any other health issues like anxiety or depression, could contribute to the symptoms.
Often, stimulants are the first drugs people attempt. Other medications include atomoxetine, a nonstimulant (Strattera) and some antidepressants.
Medication
Adults with 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. These are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. Stimulants work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in your brain, which enhances concentration. They also decrease the brain's natural inclination for dopamine to be absorbed which decreases hyperactivity.
Medicines can help ease your symptoms and allow you to perform better at work, school or in other aspects of your life. They will not solve all your problems. They can cause side effects such as weight loss, irritability, or difficulties sleeping. Consult your physician regarding possible side effects.
Both stimulants and nonstimulants are used to treat ADHD among adults. Your doctor will decide the best medicine and dosage 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 any time.
There are three types of ADHD medications: immediate-release, extended-release and Atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications are available when needed. They usually last between 30 and 60 minutes after intake, and then slowly fade. Extended-release medicines can last for up to 16 hour and are taken once a day. They aid in the management of symptoms. People who take extended release ADHD medications often supplement them with a dose of instant-release late in the afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine is the first nonstimulant approved to treat ADHD in adults. It works by limiting certain chemical substances that regulate mood and attention in the brain. It is a longer-lasting, sustained-release medication than other ADHD drugs, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) which works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain.
Your doctor could prescribe guanfacine, clonidine or other drugs which regulate the part of the brain that regulates your attention. They can be beneficial for those with ADHD who also have tics or anxiety. These are referred to as cholinergic agents and are only available on prescription from your doctor or psychiatrist.
Therapy
Therapy is often incorporated into the treatment of ADHD as well as medication. Therapy can help you and your family members understand how your ADHD affects your life and relationships. It can help you learn strategies and coping skills to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For example therapy can teach you methods for organizing to ensure you are on top of your tasks and keep control of your surroundings. A therapist can also teach you conflict resolution and problem-solving techniques as well as methods to improve your concentration and focus. You can learn yoga, breathing exercises meditation, or other techniques for relaxation in order to calm yourself down and improve your mood. This is sometimes referred to as hypnotherapy or biofeedback.
A therapist can help you develop coping strategies to deal with emotional and behavioral issues that are common to adults with ADHD. Therapists can offer, for instance, cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a talking therapy that teaches how your beliefs and thoughts affect your feelings and behavior. CBT is especially effective for addressing the executive functioning problems that can be a result of ADHD issues, like trouble planning, organizing and time management.
Another option is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which helps you modify your response to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches you how to be aware of your thoughts without judgment and regulate your emotions, which helps you manage difficult emotions, as well as training in interpersonal skills. It is designed for those with multiple disorders, like 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 adjust 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, you can make small lifestyle adjustments to help cope.
For instance, if you're forgetful and impulsive, consult your professor or boss for accommodations that can help you excel in class. You could also request your family and friends to accommodate your ADHD. You might also think about marriage counseling or family therapy, which can aid you and your loved ones learn to communicate better and comprehend the challenges of each other.
Education
Psychosocial treatment for adults can ease symptoms and improve functioning. These treatments may comprise a range of therapies and can be offered in person or via the internet. They can also be combined with medications to get the most effective results.
A diagnosis is the initial step in treating ADHD. A trained mental health professional uses scales and semistructured interviews to gather data on the person's challenges. Then, they can make an accurate diagnosis and offer an effective treatment plan.
Talk therapy can be used to assist people suffering from ADHD deal with 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 the ability to manage emotions and organizational skills. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, helps people identify and change negative beliefs and behaviors that may be limiting their progress.
Counseling for families and marriage can help with the issues that ADHD can cause in professional and personal relationships. It can help families and couples improve their communication and identify the patterns that can cause conflicts. It can also help them discover ways to improve their interactions and develop a more positive outlook for the future.
Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from a behavioral therapy program by improving their self-esteem and developing an accurate view of their abilities. It can also teach how to manage their time and finances more effectively and improve their organizational skills, control the impulsive behavior of their children and become better at managing stress and anger. add treatment for adults can be mastered either in a group setting or through therapy.
The practice of mindfulness or meditation can be a powerful method of treatment for adults with ADHD. It can help people concentrate on the present moment and to be more aware of their feelings, helping them achieve a greater sense of control over their lives. It can be conducted in a group or with a therapist and can be combined with other treatment methods such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other options for treating adult ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as interpersonal therapy, which is focused on enhancing interpersonal skills. Certain people with ADHD use complementary health approaches to combat their symptoms, which includes dietary changes and supplements. These approaches have not been proven scientifically to help improve ADHD however, some people find them useful.
Support
You might feel overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. Everything from paying your bills to meeting deadlines at work to managing relationships and keeping house is a challenge when ADHD symptoms flare up. Your symptoms can also impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to comprehend the issues you're experiencing. You should seek out treatment in order to overcome your challenges and live an improved life.
Many people with ADHD find that medications are effective but they do not treat all symptoms or improve your quality-of-life. It is essential to get a treatment plan that is a combination of both for adults suffering from adhd, which includes both medication and therapy.
Therapy can help you learn to manage your ADHD symptoms, and help you develop coping strategies. It can also teach you ways to manage your mood and relationships. Relaxation techniques can aid in reducing stress and improve your concentration. You should also seek out assistance from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to communicate better and cope with anger and impulsive behavior.
There are a variety of talk therapy. They include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), metacognitive and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a tried and tested method that helps you improve your coping skills and change negative thinking patterns. Metacognitive therapy can help you improve your organizational skills, plan and time management. It can also help to eliminate thinking distortions which lead to negative moods and feeling that you have a limited number of options.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program found that the program was comprised of small group therapy sessions, coaching, in addition to exercises. This improved the quality of life and reduced symptoms (Stevenson and al 2002). This kind of therapy can be more affordable than individual psychotherapy. It also lets you be a part of therapy sessions with other people who have similar challenges which can be friendly.
There are numerous online resources that can help you find an adult adhd therapist or support group. Some of these offer virtual sessions using chatrooms or video chat, while others offer local meetings. These services are gaining in popularity and research is being conducted to determine their effectiveness.