Adult ADHD Treatment
The majority of people with ADHD are able to improve their condition with a combination of medicine and lifestyle modifications, behavior strategies and counseling. Doctors will examine the medical history of a patient and determine if there are any other disorders, such as depression or an anxiety disorder could be contributing to symptoms.
Stimulants are often the first medication to be tried. Other medications include the nonstimulant atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants in certain forms.
Medication
Stimulant medication is usually the first line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications regulate the levels of chemical messengers which control your attention in your brain. They are norepinephrine (the chemical messenger) and dopamine. Stimulants work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in your brain, which improves focus. They also slow down the brain's natural tendency to draw dopamine, which decreases the impulsivity and hyperactivity.
You can use medications to improve your symptoms and perform better at school, at work or in other aspects of your life. They won't solve all your problems. They could cause adverse effects, such as weight loss, irritability or difficulty sleeping. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects of any medication you're prescribed.
The medications used to treat ADHD in adults are a mix of stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate dosage and medication for you based on your individual situation, symptoms and health background. Some people may not respond to stimulant medication, while others may have no reaction whatsoever.
There are three types of ADHD medications: immediate-release, extended-release and atomoxetine. Immediate-release medications are available when required. They usually peak between 30 and 60 minutes after intake and then gradually fade away. Extended-release medicines can last for up to 16 hours and are taken once a day. They aid in managing symptoms. The majority of people who take extended-release ADHD medications also take an immediate-release dose in the late afternoon or evening.
Atomoxetine is the first nonstimulant approved to treat ADHD among adults. It works by limiting certain chemical substances that regulate attention and mood in the brain. It's a longer-lasting drug that has a sustained release than other ADHD drugs, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) which works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain.
Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine and clonidine which regulate the brain part that regulates attention. These may be helpful for those suffering from ADHD who also have tics or anxiety. These drugs, also referred to as cholinergic medications are only available with a prescription from your doctor or psychiatrist.
Therapy
Therapy is often included in the treatment of ADHD, along with medication. Talk therapy can aid you and your family understand how your ADHD affects your relationships and life. It can also help you learn strategies for coping and how to manage your ADHD symptoms.
For example, a therapist may teach you organizational techniques to ensure you are on top of tasks and keep control of your environment. A therapist could teach you the art of problem-solving and conflict resolution and techniques to improve concentration and focus. You can learn breathing exercises, yoga meditation, or other techniques for relaxation to help you settle down and improve your mood. This is sometimes referred to as biofeedback or hypnotherapy.
A therapist can also help you build coping skills to deal with the emotional and behavioral issues that are common to adults with ADHD. A therapist can, for example, provide cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a talking therapy that teaches you how your thoughts and beliefs influence your feelings and behavior. CBT is particularly effective in dealing with executive functioning issues that are related to ADHD which include difficulty in organizing, planning and managing time.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is another option. It assists you in changing your way of reacting to difficult emotions. DBT includes mindfulness, which teaches how to observe your thoughts without judgement and emotion regulation which assists you in managing emotional distress, as well as training in interpersonal skills. It is designed for people with comorbid conditions, including anxiety and depression.
It's important to remember that even when you start taking medicine, it takes some time for your body to adjust to the new medication. There may be issues at work and home until you have developed the ability to deal with symptoms. In the meantime, make small lifestyle adjustments to help deal with the symptoms.
Ask your boss or professor for accommodations if you're indecisive and forgetful. This will help you succeed in class. You could also ask your family and friends to provide accommodations for your ADHD. You may also want to think about family therapy or marriage counseling, which can help your loved ones as well as you develop a better understanding of and communication the challenges of each other.
Education
For adults, psychosocial treatment can help alleviate symptoms and improve functioning. These treatments can comprise a variety of therapies, and can be delivered in person or online. These treatments may be paired with medication to achieve the best results.
A diagnosis is the initial step in treating ADHD. A trained mental health professional uses scales and semistructured clinical interview to collect information about the person's challenges. They can then make an accurate diagnosis and provide a treatment plan.
Talk therapy can help people with ADHD manage their issues and build the necessary skills to deal with the challenges they face. 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 aim at improving the ability to manage emotions and organizational skills. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people overcome negative attitudes and behaviors that could be preventing them from achieving their goals.
Marriage and family therapy can assist in addressing the issues ADHD can bring to personal and professional relationships. It can teach families and couples how to communicate more effectively and identify patterns that cause conflict. It can also assist in identifying ways to improve interactions and provide positive expectations for the future.
Behavioral therapy can help people with ADHD improve their self-esteem and build a more realistic view about their capabilities. It can also teach them to manage their time and money more effectively and improve their organizational skills, control the impulsive behavior of their children and become better at managing stress and anger. These skills can be taught either in a group setting or by therapy.
Meditation or mindfulness training is a potent method of treatment for adult ADHD. treatment for add in adults can help people concentrate on the present moment and become more aware of their emotions, helping them attain a better sense of control over their lives. It can be done in a group or by an therapist and combined 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 focuses on developing interpersonal skills. Some people with ADHD are also turning to complementary treatments for health, such as diet and supplements to treat their symptoms. While these methods aren't scientifically proven to improve ADHD but some people find them beneficial.
Support
As an adult with ADHD You may feel overwhelmed by your challenges. When your ADHD symptoms become more severe, everything from managing relationships to paying bills and meeting deadlines can be challenging. Your symptoms can also affect your self-esteem and make it difficult to comprehend why you are acting the way you do. It is essential to seek out treatment to overcome your issues and lead a a more productive life.
Many adults suffering from ADHD discover that medication is effective however they don't solve all the symptoms or improve 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 to control your ADHD symptoms and build strategies for coping. It can also help you learn how to manage your mood and relationships. You may also benefit from learning relaxation techniques, which can reduce your stress and boost your focus. It is also important to seek assistance from your family and friends. Talk therapy can teach you how to communicate better and cope with anger and impulse-driven behavior.
There are many types of talk therapy. They include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), metacognitive and interpersonal therapy. CBT is a proven approach that helps you improve your techniques for coping and to change negative thought patterns. Metacognitive therapy is a way to improve your organizational skills, plan and time management. It can also help to eliminate mental distortions that can lead to a bad mood and a feeling of limited options.
A recent study of a cognitive rehabilitation program for adults with ADHD showed that the program, which consisted of small group therapy sessions, coaching and exercises improved the quality of life and reduced symptoms (Stevenson et al 2002). This kind of therapy can be less expensive than individual psychotherapy. It also allows you to participate in sessions with others who face similar challenges which can be friendly.
There are many online resources for finding an adult adhd therapist as well as support groups. Some of these sites offer virtual sessions via chatrooms or video chat, while others offer local meetings. These services are gaining popularity and research is being conducted to determine their effectiveness.