Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD improve with a combination medication, behavioral strategies and lifestyle modifications. Doctors will examine a person's medical history and determine if other disorders, such as depression or an anxiety disorder might be causing symptoms.
In most cases, stimulants are among the first drugs people try. Other medications include the non-stimulant atomoxetine (Strattera) and certain antidepressants.
Medication
Adults with ADHD are usually treated first by taking stimulant medication. These medications regulate the levels of chemical messengers that control your attention in your brain. These are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. The effects of stimulants increase the amount norepinephrine, which increases your focus. They also reduce the brain's natural tendency to take in dopamine, which reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
You can take medication to ease your symptoms, and function better at school, at work or in other areas of your life. However, they won't fix all your problems. They may result in side effects like weight loss, irritability, or difficulties sleeping. Consult your physician regarding possible side effects.
Both stimulants and nonstimulants can be used to treat ADHD in adults. Your doctor will decide the most effective dosage and medication for you based upon your symptoms of your health, your medical history and particular situation. Some people may not respond to stimulant medications in any way and others may experience no reaction at all.
There are three types of ADHD medications that are immediate-release, extended-release and Atomoxetine. Immediate-release drugs are taken as needed and typically peak between 30 and 60 minutes after ingestion and then fade away quickly. Extended-release drugs can last up to 16 hour and are administered once a day. They assist with managing symptoms. Often, people who take extended-release ADHD medications also take an immediate-release dose in late afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine is 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's a longer-lasting and sustained-release medication than other ADHD medications, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is a stimulant that increases the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain.
Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, clonidine, or other medications that regulate the part of your brain that regulates your attention. These medications can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and anxiety, as well as tics. These are referred to as cholinergic agents and are only available on prescription from your physician or psychiatrist.
Therapy
Therapy is often part of the treatment of ADHD as well as medication. Therapy sessions can aid you and your family members understand how your ADHD affects your life and relationships. It can help you develop strategies and techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For treatment of add in adults , a therapist may teach you methods for organizing to keep you on top of your work and maintain control over your surroundings. Therapists can also teach you problem-solving and conflict resolution techniques as well as methods for improving concentration and focus. You can learn yoga, breathing exercises, meditation or other relaxation techniques to help you calm down and improve your mood. It is also referred to as biofeedback and hypnotherapy.
A therapist can help you come up with strategies to deal with the behavioral and emotional issues common in adults with ADHD. For example a therapist may offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy through which you learn you the way your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes affect your mood and actions. CBT is particularly effective in addressing the executive functioning problems that co-travel with ADHD issues, like trouble planning, organizing and time management.
Another alternative is dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), which helps you to change the way you react to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches how to observe your thoughts without judgement and regulate your emotions that helps you manage distressing emotions, and the development of interpersonal skills. It is designed for those who suffer from comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
It's important to remember that even when you start taking medication, it takes some time for your body to adjust to the new medications. It is possible that you will continue to experience issues at work and home until you've gained enough experience to deal with your symptoms. In the meantime, you can try making small changes to your routine to help you manage.
Ask your boss or professor to make accommodations if you're indecisive and forgetful. This will help you achieve success in class. You can also ask friends and relatives to allow for your ADHD. You may also want to consider marriage counseling or family therapy, which can help you and your loved ones to communicate more effectively and appreciate the challenges of each other.
Education
For adults, psychosocial treatments can help alleviate symptoms and improve functioning. These treatments can comprise a variety of therapies and may be delivered in person or via the internet. They can also be used with medication for 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 semi-structured, structured clinical interviews to discover the details of the person's issues. Then, they will make an accurate diagnosis and provide a treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help people with ADHD manage their problems and build skills to cope with these issues. Some of these therapies include psychoeducation, which helps to educate patients about their condition and how it impacts their work, school and relationships. Other therapies focus on regulating emotions and enhancing the organization skills of individuals. Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues, for instance helps people recognize and alter negative beliefs and behaviors that may hinder their progress.
Counseling for families and marriage can help address the challenges that ADHD can create 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 them to explore ways to improve their communication and create a more positive outlook for 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 how to manage their time and money more effectively, improve their organizational skills, manage impulsive behavior and become better at coping with stress and anger. These skills can be mastered in a group or individually by the help of a therapist.
Meditation or mindfulness training can be an effective form of therapy to treat adults with ADHD. It can help people gain control over their lives by teaching them to pay attention to the present and be more aware. It can be practiced in a group or by an therapist and used in conjunction with other treatment methods, such as CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other treatments for ADHD in adults include cognitive-behavioral as well as interpersonal therapy. These treatments focus on improving interpersonal skills. Some people with ADHD may also resort to alternative health approaches, such as diet and supplements, to manage their symptoms. These approaches have not been scientifically proven to aid in improve ADHD however some people find them useful.
Support
As an adult suffering from ADHD, you might be overwhelmed by the challenges you face. Everything from paying off bills to keeping 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 know the issues you're experiencing. It is important to seek treatment in order to overcome your challenges and live an improved life.
Many adults with ADHD discover that medication is effective however they don't address all symptoms nor improve your quality of life. That's why it's essential to combine therapy and medication as part of your adult treatment plan for adhd.
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 relationships and emotions. You may also benefit from learning relaxation techniques that can reduce your anxiety and improve your concentration. You should also seek assistance from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to communicate better and how to deal with anger and impulse-driven behavior.
There are many kinds of talk therapy. They include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) metacognitive, metacognitive, and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a tried and tested method that helps you develop better strategies for coping and alter negative thinking patterns. Metacognitive therapy can help you improve your organizational skills, plan and time management. It can also help resolve thinking distortions which lead to an unhappy mood and a feeling of limited choices.
A recent study of a cognitive remediation program for adults with ADHD revealed that the program, which included small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercises increased the quality of life and reduced symptoms (Stevenson and colleagues, 2002). This kind of therapy is typically cheaper than individual psychotherapy. This type of therapy permits you to share sessions with others who are facing similar issues and can be a great source of support.
There are many online resources to help find an adult adhd therapist or a support group. Some of these services provide virtual sessions through chatrooms or video chat, while others offer local meetings. These services are gaining in popularity and research is being conducted to assess their effectiveness.