Adult ADHD Treatment
Most adults with ADHD improve through a combination of medication as well as behavioral strategies, lifestyle changes and counseling. Doctors will look at the person's medical history and whether any other conditions like anxiety or depression, could be contributing to the symptoms.
Stimulants are often the first medications tried. Other medications include atomoxetine, a nonstimulant (Strattera) and some antidepressants.
Medication
Adults with ADHD are often treated first by taking stimulant medication. These medications regulate the levels of chemical messengers that regulate your attention in your brain. These are dopamine and norepinephrine. The stimulants increase the amount of norepinephrine, which enhances your ability to concentrate. They also slow down the brain's natural response to taking dopamine, which can reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
You can use medication to ease your symptoms and perform better at work, school or in other aspects of your life. However, they aren't going to solve all of your issues. They can cause side effects such as weight loss, irritability, or difficulties sleeping. Talk to your doctor about the possible adverse effects.
The medications used to treat ADHD in adults are a mix of stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. Your doctor will determine the best dosage and medicine for you based on your symptoms, health history and your specific situation. Some people might not react to any stimulant medications, while others may have no reaction at all.
There are three types of ADHD medications: immediate-release, extended-release and atomoxetine. Instant-release medications are used as needed and typically peak within 30 to 60 minutes after consumption, then wear off quickly. Extended-release medications can last up to 16 hours and are administered once a day. They assist with managing 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 non-stimulant drug to be approved to treat ADHD in adults, operates by limiting the effects of certain brain chemicals that control attention and mood. It is a more long-lasting and sustained-release medication than other ADHD medicines, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), which works by increasing the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain.
Your doctor could also prescribe guanfacine or clonidine that work by controlling the part of your brain that controls attention. They can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD who also have anxiety or tics. These medications are known as cholinergic agents. They are available only on prescription from your physician or psychiatrist.
Therapy
In addition to medication therapy is often a part of an ADHD treatment strategy. Therapy can assist you and your family members understand how your ADHD affects your relationships and life. It can teach you strategies and coping skills to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For instance, a therapist may teach you methods for organizing to help you stay on top of your tasks and control your environment. Therapists can also teach you conflict resolution and problem-solving techniques as well as methods to improve your focus and concentration. You can learn breathing exercises, yoga meditation, or other techniques for relaxation in order to calm yourself down and improve your mood. This is also referred to as hypnotherapy and biofeedback.
A therapist can assist you to develop coping strategies to deal with behavioral and emotional issues that are common to adults with ADHD. For example, a therapist can provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a kind of talk therapy that teaches you the way your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes influence your feelings and behaviors. CBT is particularly effective in treating executive functioning issues that are related to ADHD which include difficulty in planning, organizing, and time management.
Dialectical behavior therapy is another option. It helps you change your way of reacting to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements such as mindfulness, which teaches you to look at your thoughts and feelings without judgement; emotion regulation, which focuses on managing difficult emotions and the development of interpersonal skills. It is a great option for people suffering from comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Keep in mind that it may take some time for the body to adjust to new medication. It is possible that you will continue to experience problems at home and work until you've developed enough skills to cope with your symptoms. In the meantime, you can try making small changes to your routine to help you deal with.
Ask your professor or boss to make accommodations if you're indecisive and forgetful. This will help you achieve success in class. You could also request your family and friends to accommodate your ADHD. You may also want to consider family therapy or marriage counseling, which can aid you and your loved ones to communicate better and understand the challenges of each other.
Education
Psychosocial therapy for adults can help reduce symptoms and improve functioning. These treatments can include different therapies, and can be provided in person or online. These treatments may be paired with medication to get the best results.
A diagnosis is the first step in treating ADHD. A qualified mental health professional uses scales and semistructured interviews to collect information about the individual's issues. Then, they can determine the cause of the problem and provide an effective 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 can help patients understand their condition and its impact on school, work and relationships. Other treatments are focused on improving organizational skills and managing emotions. Cognitive therapy, for instance, helps people identify and alter negative beliefs and habits that could be holding them back.
Family and marriage counseling can help with the issues that ADHD can create in professional and personal relationships. adhd untreated in adults can help couples and families improve their communication and identify the patterns that can cause conflicts. It can also assist them to explore ways to improve their communication and create a positive outlook for the future.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from a treatment for behavioral issues by boosting their self-esteem and establishing a realistic perspective of their abilities. It can teach them how to better manage their time, money and their personal space, as well as control their impulsive behaviors and learn how to manage anger and stress. These skills can be mastered in a group or individually with the help of a therapist.
Meditation, also known as mindfulness is also a useful form of therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. It can help people gain control over their lives, by teaching them to be in the moment and be more aware. It can be practiced in a group setting or with a therapist and 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 as well as interpersonal therapy, which focuses on developing interpersonal skills. Certain people with ADHD use complementary health approaches to combat their symptoms, which includes eating habits and supplements. Although these strategies aren't scientifically proven to help improve ADHD, some people consider them beneficial.
Support
As an adult suffering from ADHD you may feel overwhelmed by your difficulties. When your ADHD symptoms flare all the way from managing relationships to paying bills and keeping deadlines can be challenging. The symptoms can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to understand the issues you're experiencing. You should seek treatment to overcome your difficulties and lead a more productive lifestyle.
Many people with ADHD find that medications are effective, but they do not treat all symptoms or improve your quality-of-life. This is why it's crucial to get a combination of therapy and medication as part of your adult adhd treatment plan.
Therapy can help you understand and control your ADHD symptoms and build the ability to cope. It can also teach you ways to manage your emotions and relationships. It is also possible to benefit from learning relaxation techniques, which can reduce your stress and boost your concentration. You should also seek out the support of your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to communicate more effectively and deal with anger and impulsive behaviors.
There are several types of talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and metacognitive therapy, and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a tried and tested method that helps you improve your coping skills and change negative thinking patterns. Metacognitive therapy is a way to improve your organizational skills, plan and time management. It can also help you overcome the distortions in your thinking that cause negative moods and feeling that you have a limited number of options.
A recent study of an adult cognitive remediation program showed that the program offered small group therapy sessions and coaching, in addition to exercises. This improved 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 share sessions with other people who are experiencing similar issues, which can be supportive.
There are many online resources to find an adult adhd therapist as well as support groups. Some of these sites offer virtual sessions via video chat or chatrooms as well as local meetings. These services are gaining popularity and research is being conducted to assess their effectiveness.
