Adult ADHD Treatment
Most people with ADHD improve their performance with a combination of medicine, behavior strategies and lifestyle adjustments. Doctors will examine the medical history of a patient and determine if other issues such as depression or an anxiety disorder may be contributing symptoms.
Often, stimulants are the first drugs that people test. Other medications include the non-stimulant atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants in certain forms.
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 the ability to focus. These are dopamine and norepinephrine. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in your brain, which increases concentration. They also reduce the brain's natural tendency for dopamine to be absorbed which decreases hyperactivity.
The use of medicines can ease your symptoms and help you be more productive at work, school or in other areas of your life. However, they won't fix all of your issues. They can result in side effects like weight loss, irritability or difficulties sleeping. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects.
Nonstimulants and stimulants are used to treat ADHD in adults. Your doctor will determine the best medicine and dosage for you based on your symptoms, health history and your particular situation. Some people are not able to react to stimulant medications, while others may not have any reaction at all.
There are three types: immediate-release medication, extended-release medication, and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications can be taken when needed. They typically peak 30 to 60 minutes after intake, and then slowly fade. Extended-release medications are taken once every day and last for up to 16 hours, helping in reducing symptoms. People who take extended release ADHD medications often supplement them with a dose that is instant-release late in the evening or afternoon.
Atomoxetine is the first non-stimulant approved to treat ADHD among adults. It is a drug that blocks certain chemicals that regulate mood and attention in the brain. It is a more long-lasting, sustained-release medication than other ADHD medications, like bupropion (Wellbutrin), which works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain.
Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine or clonidine or other medications that regulate the part of the brain that controls your attention. They can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD who also suffer from anxiety or tics. These medications are known as cholinergic agents and are only available on prescription from your physician or psychiatrist.
Therapy
Therapy is often part of the treatment of ADHD in conjunction with medication. Therapy can assist you and your family understand how your ADHD affects your relationships and life. It can teach you strategies and techniques to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For example Therapists can teach you organizational techniques to keep you on top of tasks and keep control of your surroundings. A therapist can help you learn how to resolve conflicts and problem-solving as well as strategies to improve concentration and focus. You could learn breathing exercises, meditation yoga, or other relaxing techniques to help you relax and improve your mood. This is sometimes called biofeedback or hypnotherapy.
A therapist can assist you to come up with strategies to deal with emotional and behavioral issues that are common to adults with ADHD. For instance a therapist may offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a kind of talking therapy that teaches you how your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes influence your feelings and actions. CBT is particularly effective at dealing with executive functioning issues related to ADHD, including difficulty organizing, planning and managing time.
Dialectical behavior therapy is another alternative. It assists you in changing how you respond to difficult emotions. DBT includes elements such as mindfulness, which helps you to look at your thoughts and feelings without judgment and emotion regulation, which is focused on managing emotional distress and the development of interpersonal skills. It is designed for people with comorbid conditions, including anxiety and depression.
Be aware that it may take some time for the body to adjust to the new medication. There may be issues at work and home until you have developed the skills needed to manage symptoms. In the meantime, you can make small lifestyle changes to help deal with the symptoms.
For example, if you're forgetful and impulsive, ask your professor or boss about accommodations that will help you excel in class. You may also request your family and friends to provide accommodations for your ADHD. You might also look into marriage therapy or family counseling, which can benefit your loved ones as well as develop a better understanding of and communication each others' challenges.
Education
Psychosocial treatment for adults can reduce symptoms and improve functioning. The treatments may include a variety of treatments, and may be offered in person or online. They can also be combined with medication for the best results.
A diagnosis is the first step in treating ADHD. A qualified mental health professional utilizes scales and a semistructured interview to gather information on the individual's struggles. Then, they will determine the cause of the problem and offer a treatment plan.
Talk therapy can be used to assist people suffering from ADHD manage their issues and manage the symptoms. Some of these treatments include psychoeducation, which helps to educate patients about their condition and how it affects their the workplace, at school and in relationships. Other therapies are focused on managing emotions and enhancing the ability to manage their time. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example helps people recognize and alter negative beliefs and behaviors that may hinder their progress.
Family therapy and marriage can help to address the issues ADHD can bring in professional and personal relationships. It can help couples and families develop a better communication and recognize patterns that cause conflicts. It can also assist in exploring ways to improve interactions and help create optimism for the future.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from a treatment for behavioral issues by boosting their self-esteem as well as developing an honest view of their abilities. It can teach them how to better manage their finances, time and self-organization, as well as manage their impulsive behavior and learn how to manage anger and stress. These skills can be mastered either in a group setting or by the help of a therapist.
treat adhd or mindfulness training is a potent 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 moment and become more aware. It can be done in a group or by an therapist and utilized in conjunction with other treatment methods like CBT and mindfulness based cognitive therapy.
Other treatment options for adults with ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as interpersonal therapy, which is focused on enhancing interpersonal skills. Certain people with ADHD employ complementary health methods to manage their symptoms, such as dietary changes and supplements. Although these strategies aren't scientifically proven to improve ADHD, some people consider them beneficial.
Support
You may be overwhelmed by your ADHD symptoms as an adult. Everything from paying your bills to meeting deadlines at work to managing relationships and maintaining your home can be a challenge when your ADHD symptoms get worse. The symptoms can also impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to know why you are acting in the way you do. It's important to seek treatment to help you overcome your challenges and live an active and productive life.
The use of medication is effective for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD however they do not treat all of the symptoms or enhance your quality of life. That's why it's important to take a mix of therapies and medication as part of your adult treatment for adhd.
Therapy can help you learn to manage your ADHD symptoms and develop the ability to cope. It can help you learn how to manage your emotions, and relationships. Relaxation techniques can aid in reducing stress and increase your focus. It is also important to seek assistance from your family and friends. Talk therapy can help you learn how to communicate more effectively and manage anger and impulsive behavior.
There are many types of talk therapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as metacognitive therapy, and interpersonal therapy. CBT is an evidence-based approach that assists you in changing negative thoughts and patterns of thought and develop better strategies for coping. Metacognitive therapy assists you in improving your organizational skills, time management and planning. It can also help resolve mental distortions that can lead to negative moods and feeling that you have a limited number of choices.
A recent study of a cognitive rehabilitation program for adults suffering from ADHD revealed that the program, which consisted of small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercise, improved quality of life and symptom reduction (Stevenson and co. 2002). This kind of therapy could be more affordable than individual psychotherapy. It also lets you be a part of therapy sessions with other people who are facing similar issues which can be friendly.
There are many online resources to help you find an adult adhd therapist, or a support group. Some of these providers provide virtual sessions via chat rooms or video chat as well as meetings with a face-to–face format in your local area. These services are gaining popularity, and research is being conducted to assess their effectiveness.